Redmark

OK, I know it's a photo site, but if the good people here can give me a couple of ideas of wildlife areas to visit. My sister and I are arriving on the 12th Jul at LAX for 5 weeks, and this is her holiday so the route she has decide on is basically LA, LV, Kingman, Jerome, Phoenix, Tombstone, Yuma.
I'm interested in mainly birding areas ( I would like to tick off the road runner).
We have to be back in LA the last 6 days or so as our nephew is an Author and is there for a book signing fair.
Would Nogales on the Mexican side worth going to as a walk over day trip?
If I don't answer, its because I am currently in Costa Rica moving between areas when I can as there is road blockages here.
So thanks in advance.
Take care
Spike your hair

tjw47 Loc: Michigan

If you are in Kingman - take route 66 an hour east to the Town of Peach Springs. Get a permit to go on indian lands. If your vehicle has decent ground clearance you can drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and see the colorado river close up. The road is called "Diamond Creek Road:

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Do put Valley of Fire state park in Nevada on your list. Fabulous petroglyphs, Newspaper Rock in particular.

wishaw

Kartchner caverns. Between Tucson and tombstone. Need to book in advance. It is monsoon season in Arizona. Thunder and dust storms. It is over 100 every day so outdoor activities are not much fun

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Sierra Vista (about 15 miles from Tombstone) and surrounding is big birding area- google to get specifics. There are some private day view places in and around Sierra Vista as well as the San Pedro River area. Summer is tougher because many of the birds have migrated north but there are still some all year residents.

Patagonia area has a couple of places worth checking out and Patagonia Lake has a birding hike. I would not advise crossing into Mexico at this time either through Nogales or Yuma.

Phoenix has some great birding places. Try Gilbert Water Ranch in Gilbert, the botanical gardens and the Town Lake in Tempe. Also if time permits, you can see the wild horses at Salt River at Coons Bluff. But in Phoenix you will need to get out very early- say sunrise - to beat the heat.

If you plan to wander around Az in July watch out for snakes, take water and wander early to avoid the heat.
Do diligently watch where you put your feet and hands too. Snakes often curl up on or between the rocks where they are hard to see.

For future reference, fall and winter is a more favorable time to visit. Phoenix and Yuma will be very hot. Sierra Vista is 5000 ft elevation and cooler.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Tripadvisor.com

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

This is very good advice. Try going to the San Pedro House that's between Sierra Vista and Bisbee. They have a trail that leads down to the river, and that part of the river is a conservancy. BE CAREFUL OF SNAKES!!!!! But it is excellent for birds.

drobvit Loc: Southern NV

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. Right nextdoor to Vegas. Can be hit&miss but best location here for birding. Numerous trails throughout. Early morning or latter evening...a bit toasty, now, midday.

blacksmithjps Loc: United States lived in all 4 corners

Looking at the map you will be "close" to Wickenburg. Just to the south of Wickenburg, heading towards Phoenix along highway 60, on the right will be the Hassayampa River Preserve. A few short loop trails and well treed (shade!) and often some water comes up from the underground river, but even so this time of year may limit birds due to the heat. Going through Wickenburg from Jerome (via Prescott) also has the added benefit of staying off I-17.

Another possibility, but maybe getting a little further out of your way, is the Historic Gillespie Dam Bridge. It is well to the southwest of Phoenix. There is a significant body (I won't call it a lake) of water near the defunct dam, so normally has birds.

Both locations have the possibility of Roadrunners year around, time of day is important with most birds being more active in the AM. Check ebird.org helps too.

Plenty of others have warned of the rattle snakes and water. The snakes generally just want to be left alone, so if you are careful no problem. IMO, water is the worst danger in the Summer. Take no less than a gallon per person if you plan to spend much time outside! Even when traveling in a car, if there is car trouble having water is important.

Happy birding and good luck, my wife and I are jealous as we are currently residing in PA and can't wait to get back to AZ in a few more years.

Redmark

Thanks all, sorry the the late reply. I am checking out a detour route from your suggestions.
Yes blacksmithjps, water is a major issue travelling in Australia as well, one of the first thing I will buy is an esky ( I think you call a cold box). Snakes, I am familiar with, in Aust most will move unless you stand on it. ( there is always an exception, that been the Death Adder which relys on ambush and sits still)
The trick with heat is drink plenty of water and as we will have a car we can carry a fair amount and and trekking we will do in the morning .The cold beer will have to wait until evening time
I do appreciate all your ideas and thanks for replying.
Cheers