When it comes to national parks, one of the main draws for visitors is the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitats. Arizona is home to black bears, and luckily, many of these impressive animals can be spotted throughout the state’s various national parks and forests.
From the famous Grand Canyon National Park to lesser-known gems like the Mogollon Rim and Kaibab Plateau, Arizona offers numerous opportunities to witness these majestic creatures in action.
This article will explore some of the state’s top spots for bear sightings.
Here’s where you can see bears in Arizona:
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon National Park has a variety of animals, including bears. Visitors can see these majestic creatures in the wild through guided tours.
While the Grand Canyon was previously home to Grizzly bears, currently only Black bears live here. These powerful predators can be dangerous to humans and should not be approached without caution.
You can also encounter other animals in the park, such as elk and mule deer. Be aware of these animals when hiking and camping in the area, and shake out your clothing and bedding before using them.
While elk and mule deer may appear calm, these large animals can be deadly if you’re not careful.
While the park is a popular destination, knowing all wildlife and their habitat is important. You should stay on designated trails and be respectful of wildlife when you’re observing them.
Mogollon Rim
If you want to see some of the best scenery in Arizona, head to the Mogollon Rim. This escarpment is a huge cliff that extends over 200 miles, giving visitors a spectacular view of the desert and the forest.
It could be the best trip you have ever been to, especially if you take it in an RV. If you are a fan of this RV traveling and even living, this is one of the best RV road trip routes you can take in the USA. You can also take great hikes along the rim and make the most of your adventure.
The rim is a geological wonder, hosting sedimentary and volcanic rock formations dating back to the Precambrian era. The rim is also home to a number of waterfalls and canyons.
The Mogollon Rim is also an important hydrologic feature of the Southwest. Its steep escarpment casts a rain shadow on thousands of square miles of northern Arizona and western New Mexico.
It results in a continuous infusion of oceanic moist air contributing to the daily convection pattern.
Black bears are the only bear species in Arizona and can be found in most habitat types across the state. They are the smallest and most widely distributed North American bear.
They can thrive in forest, woodland, chaparral, and desert riparian areas.
Kaibab Plateau
The Kaibab Plateau is a sweeping, uplifted land formation north of the Grand Canyon. Its southern cliffs form the boundary of Grand Canyon National Park, while the Kaibab National Forest manages the northern part.
The plateau is home to a number of wildlife species, including deer, elk, mule deer, antelope, bears, mountain lions, and bobcats. It is also a popular hiking destination.
One of the most beautiful hikes in Arizona is a segment of Segment 40 of the Arizona Trail, known as Kaibab Plateau South and Arizona Trail #101.
It’s easy to see why: this scenic route offers some of the best views of Saddle Mountain Wilderness, House Rock Valley, Marble Canyon, and Vermilion Cliffs, with just five minutes of driving. Be careful! Bears can also be seen in this region.
Apache Sitgreaves National Forest
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is home to a large number of wildlife. It is a diverse landscape that provides habitat for over 400 species of animals, including antelope, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and black bears.
The forests are also a great place to spot wildflowers and cacti. Some common cacti in the forests include fishhook barrel cactus, cholla cactus, and prickly pear cactus.
Visitors can hike through the forest on numerous trails, such as the Bear Canyon Lake Trail. The 3.7-mile route loops around Woods Canyon Lake and offers views of towering rock formations and trees.
The forest is home to a number of campgrounds, which are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. These campgrounds offer a variety of amenities and are close to hiking trails. However, it is important to be aware of the fire risk in the forest.
Saguaro National Park
Located near the city of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is home to the tallest cacti in America. These giant plants are a key part of the park’s name, and if you’re looking to see them, you’ll want to visit in early June.
In summer, the park can get very hot and dry. The temperatures can reach 110degF in July and August, so it’s best to avoid hiking during these months if possible.
However, the fall is an excellent time to visit, when temperatures are cooler and humidity less intense. September is especially pleasant, with an average high of 95degF.
You’ll also have a chance to see unique animals like roadrunners, horned lizards, and Gila monsters. If you’re lucky, you might even see a javelina.
The park is divided into the Tucson Mountain District and the Rincon Mountain District. The park’s western section is lower in elevation and features denser saguaro forests, while the eastern section rises to the Rincon Mountains and features more mountainous terrain.
The eastern district is larger and has more hiking trails, so this is the better option if you plan to explore.
Coronado National Forest
The Coronado National Forest is a beautiful place to see bears. It’s located in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico.
The forest is divided into five ranger districts. Each of these districts is home to multiple sky island mountain ranges that rise dramatically from the desert floor.
Each district is a place where you can explore the natural landscape differently.
Spend the morning hiking through giant saguaro cacti and colorful wildflowers, enjoy a picnic under the golden leaves of a cottonwood tree, or play in the snow later in the afternoon.
Hiking through the desert can be an unforgettable experience. You can visit Sabino Canyon, a spectacular gorge with steep rock cliffs and unique desert vegetation. You can also hike up Pusch Ridge, which offers a glimpse of the Rincon Mountains and Mount Lemmon.
Final Words
Arizona is a great place to see bears in the wild. While it is not always possible to guarantee you will spot one, there is plenty of opportunity to explore natural areas and participate in activities that could bring you within viewing range of these magnificent animals.
Whether you choose to check out the regions developed for wildlife viewing or brave the backcountry, there are plenty of chances to see bears in Arizona.