TAVASCI MARSH
Clarkdale
Peck's Lake and Tavasci Marsh |
This place is for the
birds---and the hikers who love them.
Designated an "important birding
area" by the Audubon Society, Tavasci Marsh occupies a placid
strip of green bounded by Tuzigoot National Monument, Dead Horse
Ranch State Park and Verde River Greenway State Natural Area. The
96-acre, spring-fed wetland hosts a colorful cocktail of winged
beasts chipping among reeds, roosting, wading or gliding over the
waters in feathered flotillas.
Access is via a free parking area near
Tuzigoot or at DHSR ($7 fee per vehicle). Both entry
It's not necessary to be a birding
expert to spot some of the more than 245 species that call the marsh
home for all or part of the year. Sightings of Red-winged
Blackbirds, Cardinals, Wood Ducks and Osprey are almost a given, but
a pair of binoculars (and a substantial dose of patience) will aid in
scoping out the more illusive Lesser Nighthawks and Peregrine
Falcons.
If you're lucky, you might also spot
river otters and beavers where the marsh drains into the Verde River.
LENGTH:
Tavasci Marsh Trail: 0.9 mile one way
Tuzigoot Trails: variable, we hiked 3.6
miles along the loops.
RATING: easy
ELEVATION: 3,130' – 3,410'
GETTING THERE:
From Interstate 17 in Camp
Verde, go west on State Route 260 to Cottonwood and follow the signs
to either Dead Horse Ranch State Park or Tuzigoot National Monument.
INFO:
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