SEDONA WETLANDS PRESERVE

SEDONA WETLANDS PRESERVE

Cottonwoods line one of the six ponds

Dedicated on September 27, 2013, this lush effluent management area located halfway between Sedona and Cottonwood is a prime destination for wildlife viewing hikes. Six ponds filled with cleaned and disinfected wastewater are landscaped with native plants to attract myriad waterfowl, songbirds and thirsty critters. A mile long trail circles the 27-acre site, which features several viewing beaches and cattail-choked coves. The Northern Arizona Audubon Society conducts frequent bird watching field trips to this spot, but if you’re visiting solo, you’ll see the most species if you go early or late in the day, move slowly and look for movement at the water’s edge.

Photo opportunities abound

LENGTH: 1.1-mile perimeter trails

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 3773' - 3978'

HOURS: dawn -dusk daily

FACILITIES: shaded picnic tables, restrooms

DOGS: are allowed but must be on leash, kept out of the water and picked up after.

GETTING THERE: 19655 SR89A, Sedona.

From the SR179/89A roundabout in Sedona, go 8 miles west (left, toward Cottonwood) on 89A to the Wastewater Treatment Plant near milepost 366.  Turn right, then make an immediate left

Fowl flotilla

and continue 0.3 mile to the trailhead.

INFO: City of Sedona, Dept. of Parks & Recreation:

http://www.sedonaaz.gov/sedonacms/index.aspx?page=1014 

Northern Arizona Audubon Society:

http://www.northernarizonaaudubon.org/

MORE PHOTOS:

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