About

Bubbling Ponds originally produced trout until 1980, when trout production was moved entirely to Page Springs Hatchery. It has also historically produced sportfish such as channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, and largemouth bass. Starting in the mid 1980’s, the hatchery began raising Colorado pikeminnow as well. Then, in the mid 1990’s, the hatchery switched to primarily raising endangered razorback suckers under contract for the Bureau of Reclamation.

What You'll See

The property provides habitat for rare or declining species such as northern Mexican garter snake, Page springsnail, and a rare species of caddis fly. The Audubon Society identified the habitat at the hatcheries and the area along lower Oak Creek as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The “Blackhawk trail” is about a 1.5 mile loop around the property. It includes a ramada for pack in, pack out day use, two viewing decks, and bench seats along the trail. In addition to the trails the Audubon Society installed several informative signs describing hatchery operations, habitat, geology and local wildlife. Visitors could see Black-crowned Night-herons, Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfishers, and numerous migratory species. Raccoons and river otters are also known to occur, trying their best to find their dinner at the hatchery. In the surrounding areas, people can see mule deer, whitetail deer, javelina, bobcat, mountain lion, fox, coyote, and the occasional black bear.

Bubbling Ponds Preserve serves as a site for the Arizona Birding Trail, a network of more than 300 birding and watchable wildlife sites across the state. For more information, visit their website here.

Getting There

Bubbling Ponds Hatchery is located approximately 10 miles south of Sedona and 10 miles north of Cottonwood, AZ. The best access is from Interstate 17. Take the McGuirville exit (exit 293), turn west for approximately 10 miles to Cornville, AZ.; turn north on Page Springs Road for 5.5 miles to the hatchery entrance.

Helpful Tips

Amenities 

Parking. Public restrooms. Hiking.

entrance requirements

None. 

Contact 

Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region 2

(928) 214-1252