Overview

• Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area is known for large numbers of sandhill cranes wintering in flooded grasslands

• Other wildlife includes waterfowl, geese, raptors, sparrows, and owls

• Best viewing season for cranes is from October to mid-March, especially at sunrise and near noon

• Viewing experience includes dramatic waves of cranes taking off and landing

Parking, restrooms & amenities

• Location is about a 2-hour drive southeast of Tucson, near Tombstone, which has food, lodging, and services

• Trailhead is at a well-marked entrance reached by a 2.5-mile dirt road, with a large dirt parking area and an accessible restroom

• Dogs are allowed on leash, binoculars are recommended, and the area is a popular winter birding destination

Trail Route

• Trail system consists of a 1.4-mile loop through 600 acres, including small riparian areas

• Paths are level dirt trails, 6–12 feet wide, with berms, benches, and interpretive signs

• Viewing platforms extend over the wetlands and have railings, though transitions may be uneven

• Conditions may be muddy or slippery after rain, with steep drop-offs along the trail edges