Exploring Arizona Attractions

Many people think Arizona’s geography is desert-like throughout the entire state. Yet, if you travel to northern Arizona, you will quickly realize that the topography is nothing like what is found in southern Arizona. Along with the higher elevation and beautiful landscape, there are some unique places to visit in Coconino County. One of these places is the Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams, Arizona.

Bearizona is one of the attractions featured on the AZAttractions.com site. If you are traveling on Route 66 in Arizona, Bearizona is a popular family-friendly stop approximately 30 miles west of Flagstaff and located on the outskirts of Williams. We visited Bearizona for the first time in July 2021 and decided to become members to save on future visits for the coming year. We’ve visited several times since July 2021 and will most likely renew this summer. Here’s what you can expect and how to plan for your visit to Bearizona.

Know Before You Go

• Location – 1500 E. Route 66; Williams, AZ 86046
• Bearizona is open year-round.
• Hours of Operation vary throughout the year. Check the park hours page for current park hours.
• Price of admission includes both the drive-thru and the walk-thru portions of the park.
• Vehicle restrictions – Most vehicles can drive thru Bearizona’s well-maintained gravel roads. Each vehicle must be completely enclosed and have operational windows. ATV/all-terrain or open-top vehicles (jeeps or convertibles) are not allowed.
• Group Admission – Special pricing is available for educational/tour groups as well as larger groups of 25 or more. Call Bearizona for details.
• Membership Admission – Consider becoming an annual member to enjoy unlimited visits to the park for one full year. Carload Pass available at two levels.
• Review the Park Rules before your visit, including guidelines if you’re traveling with pets. No animals are permitted in the walk-thru portion of the park. This includes all pets and service animals.
• Drive through as many times as you would like before leaving the park. The park’s drive-thru portion closes at the same time as the posted last admittance.
• Hours of operation are seasonal – check the website or call before heading out, especially in the afternoon so you’ll have plenty of time to explore.

About Bearizona Wildlife Park

Bearizona is about 160 acres in size and visitors drive through more than three miles of Ponderosa Pine Forest on gravel, well-maintained roads. During the drive-thru portion, various North American animals can be viewed in natural habitats. Fort Bearizona, the walk-thru portion, features more animals in a 20-acre exhibit area along winding paths that are more of a zoo-type setting.

Location

Located in northern Arizona, Bearizona is in the Kaibab National Forest in Williams off Route 66. Williams is considered the gateway to the Grand Canyon and Bearizona is one hour south of the Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim. It is also about 30 minutes west of Flagstaff and three hours southeast of Las Vegas, NV.

Climate

The climate of northern Arizona varies widely depending on the season. Visitors to Bearizona will witness a wide array of weather because Williams experiences all four seasons. Summer high temperatures average 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, the average high temperature is mid-40 degrees Fahrenheit and Williams receives about 55 inches of snowfall.

Facts and Trivia About Bearizona

• The 160 acres where Bearizona is located was purchased in September 2009 by Sean and Dennis Casey.
• Bearizona Wildlife Park opened in May 2010.
• Over 50% of the animals currently living at Bearizona came from a rescue mission.
• Animals in the drive-thru portion include Black Bears (Adults & Juniors), Alaskan Tundra Wolf, Arctic Wolf, American Bison, White Bison, American Burro, Bighorn Sheep, Deer, Reindeer, Rocky Mountain Elk, Rocky Mountain Goats, and more.
• Fort Bearizona animals (walk-thru portion) include Jaguars, Grizzly Bears, African Crested Porcupine, American Badger, Argentine Black and White Tegu, Beaver, Bronze Turkey, Burmese Python, North American River Otter, Prairie Dogs, Raccoon, and Skunk. There is also a “Bearizona Barnyard” petting zoo and a Mine Shaft Experience, which houses some nocturnal animals and some creepy, crawly critters.
• Bearizona partners with several agencies including Arizona Game & Fish; Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks, Zoological Association of America (ZAA); and more.

Exploring Bearizona

Drive-thru: After entering Bearizona, the drive-thru portion is the main attraction by following the road to the right after the entrance and ticket booths. Should you not want to do the drive-thru part, there is an opportunity to turn to the left and head to the parking lot for Fort Bearizona. Throughout the drive-thru area, you view animals in natural habitats during your drive. There are wide open enclosures to allow the animals certain freedoms while also keeping them separate and safe from one another. The habitat areas are separated by fencing and grated road partitions.

As you enter each drive-thru area, there are simple signs letting you know what animals are in that habitat. For many of the areas, you can keep your vehicle windows rolled down. However, there are some areas where all windows must stay up for everyone’s safety. Many of the animals were born at Bearizona, while others have been rescued so it can be considered an animal sanctuary,

Walk-thru: Following the drive-thru part, you end in a parking lot where you can enter a walk-thru zoo with other animal exhibits. There is also a gift shop, snack bar, and restaurant. The walk-thru area is called “Fort Bearizona” that features the “Bearizona Barnyard” petting zoo and a Mine Shaft Experience for close-up animal encounters. Interpretive signage is located throughout for you to learn more about each animal. This area is self-guided and has animal shows and the Wild Ride Bus (temporarily closed due to the pandemic).

Our Visits

Since Bearizona is open year-round, we’ve visited in summer, fall, winter, and spring. On one visit it started to rain during the drive-thru part, so we explored Fort Bearizona with umbrellas. On another visit near Christmas it had recently snowed, and the ground was covered in white. The cold and snow did not deter the animals and we saw as many animals then as on other trips. We’ve also visited during rut – the annual mating season of certain mammals such as deer and elk.

The drive-thru section has optional turnouts – look for these with simple signs and directional arrows. If you choose to take these, you may see animals up close that aren’t on the main road. Another place to see animals is at the areas where the food is set out.

At Fort Bearizona, there are feeding times throughout the day that are good chances to see the animals. Be sure to check out the bear den – a great place to see some sleeping bears!

Tips for a Memorable Visit

• It’s time to get wild! Check out the Bearizona website to plan your adventure and see the FAQs.
• Park Map – Check out where you can see the animals.
• Experience the magic – Enjoy Wildlife Cam live feeds of some of your favorite animals right from home.
• Hours of Operation – Bearizona has summer and winter hours that vary throughout the year. Visit the website for current hours.
• Dining – Dine in the themed Canyonland Restaurant, grab a bite to eat at the Bearizona Grill, or check out the other food-truck like vendors.
• Beyond Bearizona – Williams, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona Snowbowl, Lowell Observatory, Meteor Crater, and more!

Have you visited Bearizona in Williams, Arizona? What was your favorite part of your visit? Looking forward to hearing from you in the comments! Like & Follow my Facebook page for mini posts.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”