Drive Through 160 Acres Of Wild Animal Habitats At This Thrilling Park In Williams, Arizona
I’ll admit, I’ve driven through my fair share of tourist traps – think giant cactus-shaped ice cream stands and “world’s largest” anything. But when I pulled into Bearizona in Williams, Arizona, I didn’t expect to lock eyes with a grizzly bear casually strolling past my minivan like he owned the road.
That’s the thing about this place: you don’t just see wildlife, you drive through it. Spread across 160 acres of rugged high desert, Bearizona feels like a real-life safari where the only thing between you and a pack of wolves is your rolled-up window – and maybe your courage.
It’s wild, a little weird, and absolutely unforgettable.
The Three-Mile Drive-Through Safari
Rolling down Route 66 toward Bearizona, I had no idea what awaited me beyond those entrance gates. The three-mile drive-through route winds through distinct habitats, each home to different species that roam freely across the landscape.
My heart practically jumped when a massive bison crossed directly in front of my car, close enough that I could see individual hairs on its shaggy coat.
You’ll need to keep windows up in predator sections-trust me, when a pack of wolves trots alongside your vehicle, you’ll understand why. The bears were surprisingly active during my visit, with one particularly curious fellow practically posing for photos.
I drove through twice because the ticket allows unlimited loops, and honestly, I could’ve gone a third time.
Pro tip: arrive right at 9 AM when feeding time begins. The animals are incredibly active then, and you’ll witness behaviors you’d never see later in the day.
Patience pays off here, as traffic can slow to a crawl when everyone stops to photograph the wildlife-but that’s part of the charm.
Fort Bearizona Walk-Through Experience
After the drive-through, I parked and stretched my legs at Fort Bearizona, a 20-acre walk-through area that completely surprised me. Honestly, I expected it to be a quick afterthought, but this section deserves just as much time as the drive.
River otters performed acrobatic tricks in their pool, twisting and diving with such joy that everyone watching couldn’t help but smile.
The bobcats prowled their enclosure with feline grace, while jaguars-stunning spotted beauties-lounged on elevated platforms. One jaguar locked eyes with me through the glass, and I felt that primal connection between human and wild cat.
The habitats here are thoughtfully designed, giving animals plenty of space while allowing visitors excellent viewing opportunities.
A petting zoo lets kids interact with gentler creatures, and daily shows include a Birds of Prey demonstration that’s absolutely worth scheduling your visit around. My nephew got to feed an otter during our visit, and his face lit up brighter than any screen ever could.
This walking section transforms Bearizona from good to unforgettable.
Wolf Encounters That’ll Give You Chills
Nothing-and I mean nothing-prepared me for my first wolf sighting at Bearizona. Arctic wolves with pristine white coats suddenly appeared from the tree line, moving with that distinctive loping gait that speaks of wild places and ancient instincts.
Three of them approached the road, completely unbothered by the cars, and I watched spellbound as they communicated through body language and subtle vocalizations.
The gray wolves in another section were equally mesmerizing, their intelligent eyes tracking movement with predatory precision.
During my second loop through the park, I witnessed something magical: the entire pack started howling together, their voices rising and falling in haunting harmony. Every car stopped, engines idling, as we all sat transfixed by this primal chorus.
These wolves are rescue animals or born in captivity, unable to survive in the wild, but they’ve found sanctuary here.
Their coats gleamed with health, and their enclosures provided ample space to roam. If you time your visit for morning feeding, you’ll see these magnificent predators at their most active and engaged.
Bears Galore: Black Bears And Grizzlies
When people ask about Bearizona, they naturally expect bears-and boy, does this place deliver! I counted at least a dozen black bears during my visits, each with distinct personalities and behaviors.
One particularly playful youngster wrestled with a log while his siblings napped nearby, completely relaxed in their forest home.
The grizzlies command even more respect with their massive size and powerful builds. Watching a grizzly lumber across the landscape, muscles rippling beneath thick fur, reminded me why these animals inspire both fear and fascination.
One stopped maybe twenty feet from my car to scratch against a tree, and I could hear the wood creaking from inside my vehicle.
Bears at Bearizona aren’t performing or confined to small spaces—they’re living relatively natural lives across expansive habitats.
Some were snoozing in the shade during the afternoon heat, while others foraged and explored. My favorite moment came when a bear walked right up to my car window, peered inside with curious eyes, then ambled away like I wasn’t even there.
Pure magic.
Dining With A View At Canyonlands Restaurant
Midway through my Bearizona adventure, hunger struck hard, and I discovered the Canyonlands Restaurant-a dining spot that completely exceeded my expectations.
Large windows overlook the jaguar exhibit, meaning you can munch on your meal while watching these magnificent cats prowl their territory. Talk about dinner and a show!
The themed southwestern decor creates a cozy atmosphere, and the food was surprisingly good for theme park fare.
I ordered a burger that arrived hot and juicy, with crispy fries that my kids devoured in minutes. Prices reflect the captive audience situation, but they’re reasonable compared to other attractions I’ve visited.
What impressed me most was the cleanliness and efficient service despite the crowds.
Staff members were friendly and knowledgeable, happy to answer questions about the animals visible from the dining room. For lighter appetites, the Bearizona Grille offers quick snacks and refreshments near the gift shop.
Eating lunch while a jaguar stretches in the sunshine just beyond the glass creates an unforgettable experience.
My daughter barely touched her food, too mesmerized by the big cat’s graceful movements to remember her chicken tenders were getting cold.
Big Bear Gift Shop And Model Train Display
Before leaving Bearizona, I made what I thought would be a quick stop at the Big Bear Gift Shop—and ended up spending forty-five minutes there!
The centerpiece is an elaborate model train display that had my train-obsessed son glued in place, watching miniature locomotives chug through detailed landscapes. It’s surprisingly sophisticated, with multiple tracks and intricate scenery that appeals to kids and adults alike.
The souvenir selection goes way beyond typical tourist trap offerings. I found high-quality items including beautiful wildlife photography, handcrafted jewelry, and educational books about North American animals.
The stuffed animals are top-notch, not those cheap carnival prizes that fall apart immediately.
My kids each chose a plush bear that’s survived months of constant companionship.
What really caught my attention were the 3D postcards and photographs-the best collection I’ve encountered anywhere. These aren’t gimmicky; they’re genuinely impressive images that create depth and movement.
I bought several as gifts and kept a few for myself because they’re just that cool.
Prices range from affordable trinkets to investment-worthy art pieces, so there’s something for every budget and taste.
Daily Animal Shows And Educational Programs
Around 11:30 AM, I followed signs to the amphitheater area, curious about the advertised animal show. What unfolded was genuinely entertaining and educational-not cheesy or exploitative like some wildlife presentations I’ve endured.
The Birds of Prey demonstration featured hawks, owls, and other raptors showcasing their natural hunting behaviors while handlers explained conservation efforts.
A charismatic raccoon named Rocky (yes, really) demonstrated problem-solving skills that had the audience laughing and applauding.
These are rescue animals unable to return to the wild, and their handlers clearly adore them. The presentation struck a perfect balance between entertainment and education, teaching kids and adults about wildlife biology without feeling like a lecture.
Throughout the day, different shows highlight various animals and conservation topics. Staff members are incredibly knowledgeable, answering questions with enthusiasm and depth.
I learned fascinating facts about raptor vision, predator-prey relationships, and rehabilitation programs that help injured wildlife.
These shows aren’t just filler-they’re thoughtfully crafted experiences that enhance your understanding of the animals you’ve seen throughout the park. Schedule your visit to catch at least one performance; you won’t regret it.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Timing, And Tips
Bearizona opens daily at 9 AM and closes at 4 PM, giving you seven hours to explore both drive-through and walk-through sections. I recommend arriving right when gates open to beat crowds and catch feeding time when animals are most active.
Ticket prices hover around thirty dollars per adult, which initially seemed steep until I experienced everything the park offers.
Purchase tickets online beforehand to skip the entrance line-trust me on this. The park gets busy, especially during summer months and holiday weekends.
Bring your camera with a decent zoom lens; you’ll get close to animals, but extra reach helps capture stunning shots. Keep your gas tank reasonably full since you’ll be idling through the drive-through sections.
Dress in layers because Williams sits at 6,770 feet elevation, where temperatures can shift dramatically. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for Fort Bearizona’s extensive pathways.
I spent roughly four hours here and felt satisfied, though some visitors stay longer to catch multiple shows and drive through again.
Located just an hour from the Grand Canyon, Bearizona makes an excellent addition to any northern Arizona itinerary, offering unique wildlife encounters you simply can’t experience elsewhere.