WENIMA WILDLIFE AREA

WENIMA WILDLIFE AREA

Springerville

Beavertail Trail

Within the deeply incised Little Colorado River canyon, Wenima Wildlife Area protects the biodiversity of a scenic 2.5-mile strip of property encompassing three types of ecosystems.

Managed by Arizona Game & Fish to provide essential habitat for native wildlife, the 357-acre site includes riparian stream corridor, upland pinion-juniper grasslands and open pastures.  Two easy trails paralleling the stream are outfitted with interpretive signs and convenient rest areas with benches.  Beavertail Trail heads north through a lush jungle of willow arbors,

Beavertail Trail

house-high grasses, groves of walnut trees and hop-vine-laced brambles before culminating at an old cabin beneath soaring basalt bluffs. Powerhouse Trail winds south exploring a more arid upland habitat of rugged cliffs, creek side grape vines and beaver-built pools where the threatened Little Colorado spinedace fish dart like silver bullets. The ruins of an abandoned native stone shed, pipes and dam equipment mark the end of the route. The property’s surrounding meadows and forests also are open to hunting, fishing and off-trail hiking making for an eclectic mix of public recreational opportunities.

Powerhouse Trail

LENGTH:

Beavertail Trail: 2.5 miles one-way

Powerhouse Trail: 1.2 miles one-way

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 6700’ – 6800’

GETTING THERE:

From Springerville, travel 2 miles northwest on US60 to the US180/191 junction. From here, continue 0.25-mile north on 180/191, turn right onto Hooper Ranch Road and continue 1.5 miles to the parking area. Access road is sedan-friendly gravel and there are restrooms at the trailhead. The area is open daily from sunrise to sunset.  No fees.  The trails are located 0.2-mile farther up the road from the trailhead.  Beavertail Trail is on the left before the bridge and Powerhouse Trail is on the right past the bridge.

Wildflower meadows

Powerhouse Trail

INFO: Arizona Game & Fish Department

http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_wenima.shtml

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