Located in southeastern Arizona. Typically thought of as a major roost site for Sandhill Crane, Whitewater Draw offers excellent waterfowling as well. During wet years numerous waterfowl can be found in and around this Wildlife Area. There is a seasonal closure on hunting during the Crane hunt, which typically falls in November-early December. The Department currently manages Whitewater Draw for waterfowl, cranes, and other wetland associated birds.

Featured Attraction

Many people visit Whitewater Draw each winter to experience the memorable sights and sounds of more than 20,000 sandhill cranes. These birds spend the night standing in Whitewater Draw’s shallow waters to evade predators, and then fly out each morning to feed and socialize in the surrounding area. They return to Whitewater Draw in the 

                                             afternoon and evening.

The number of wintering sandhill cranes in the area has increased dramatically since the 1950s, probably in response to the abundant food (primarily corn) available in harvested grain fields. This area is now the best sandhill crane-viewing site in Arizona.

Feathered Friends
In addition to sandhill cranes, Whitewater Draw’s waters attract many kinds of ducks, geese, herons, egrets, shorebirds, gulls and terns. Hunting in the grasslands or soaring overhead are prairie and peregrine falcons and wintering hawks. Spring and fall are good times to spot migratory birds. Surrounding grasslands nurture a wealth of quail, doves, sparrows and songbirds throughout the year.

Some typical birds to look for include:

Cool Critters

The Plains leopard frog lives in this area, along with many species of toads. In the grasslands and along (or on!) the trails, Mohave and Western diamond-backed rattlesnakes, coachwhip, gophersnake, kingsnake, Western hog-nosed snake and other snake species may be seen. Whitewater Draw is also home to lizards such as the Texas horned lizard.

On Four Feet

Keep your eyes open for mammals using these grasslands as a source of food, water and shelter. Mammals seen here include mule deer, collared peccary (javelina), coyote, bobcat, desert cottontail and black-tailed jackrabbit. When the weather is hot, dawn and dusk are the best times to view these animals.

Planning Your Trip
Experience the wonders of the area for yourself and plan a trip today to Whitewater Draw. The area features amenities such as restrooms, parking, bus and motor home access, walking trails and interpretive signs, and viewing platforms with binoculars.

Special tips: During wet weather, dirt roads can become slick with mud. Use extreme caution.         

Activities: Wildlife-watching, photography, walking, camping in designated areas        

Ownership: Arizona Game and Fish Department 

Size: 1,500 acres

Closest town: McNeal

Driving directions: From Tucson, take I-10 east toward El Paso; merge onto AZ-80 east toward Tombstone/Douglas; turn left onto Davis Road; turn right onto North Central Highway; turn right onto west Bagby Road; turn  right onto Coffman Road

• Map of Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area

.