Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area
Facility · Arizona ·
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management
Safford Field Office (Bureau of Land Management AZ) · Open Access
- 3,169 ft
- Elevation
Bonita Creek offers some of the most outstanding birding opportunities in southeastern Arizona. There are over 200 species of birds within the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area.
Optimum viewing season is spring and summer. This viewing deck offers a unique view at treetop levels on the rim of Bonita Creek. The deck is the only fully accessible year-round viewing area in southeast Arizona and Riverview Campground is within walking distance.
Visit recreation sites within or nearby the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area:
- Riverview Campground
- Owl Creek Campground
- Dry Canyon Picnic Area
- Spring Canyon Picnic Area
- Lee Trail Picnic Area
- Serna Cabin Picnic Area & Historical Site
- Safford-Morenci Trail
- Flying W Group Day Use Area
- Canyon Overlook Picnic Area
- Gila River Boat Put-In
- Old Safford Bridge Picnic Area
Getting there
The Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area is located 20 miles northeast of Safford in Graham and Greenlee counties.
From Safford to reach the west side, travel five miles east on U.S. Highway 70 to Solomon, AZ. At Solomon, turn left on the Sanchez Road and follow the road to the end of the pavement. From there, follow the signs to Bonita Creek and the lower end of the Gila Box.
To reach the east side from Safford, take Highway 70 east 10 miles to its junction with U.S. Highway 191. Turn left and follow Highway 191 about 29 miles to milepost 160, which is four miles south of Clifton, AZ. Turn left onto the signed Black Hills Back Country Byway, and follow the road four miles to the conservation area.
32.88074, -109.51000 · 32°52'50.7"N 109°30'36.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 101°F in Jun, down to 60°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 61 | 66 | 73 | 82 | 91 | 101 | 100 | 98 | 93 | 83 | 70 | 60 |
| Low °F | 34 | 37 | 42 | 48 | 56 | 66 | 72 | 71 | 65 | 52 | 41 | 34 |
| Precip in | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.8 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
The Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area is free (no fee required) for general visits by the public. Commercial, competitive, and large organized group events require a special recreation permit. Contact the Safford Field Office for more information about special recreation permits. A large color brochure with a map of the Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area is available for free from the Safford Field Office.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area
- Can you reserve a site at Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area?
- No. Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near Bonita Creek Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area
- Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Permits 12.9 mi · Permit · we watch it
- Lee Trailhead/Picnic Area less than 0.1 mi · Facility
- Spring Canyon Picnic Area 1.3 mi · Facility
- Dry Canyon Boat Take-Out and Picnic Area 1.3 mi · Facility
- Riverview Campground 1.8 mi · Campground
- Flying W Group Day Use Area 1.8 mi · Facility
- Serna Cabin Picnic Area and Historical Site 2 mi · Facility
- Black Hills Rockhound Area 6.7 mi · Facility
- Gila River Boat Put-In 13 mi · Facility
- Old Safford Bridge Picnic Area 13 mi · Facility
- Owl Creek Campground 13.2 mi · Campground
- Granville Campground 22.3 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone (928) 348-4505
- Email blm_az_sfoweb@blm.gov
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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