About
Severed from the Verde River nearly 10,000 years ago, Tavasci Marsh is the largest freshwater marsh in Arizona unconnected to the Colorado River. Being one of the last and largest remaining marsh habitats in Arizona, Tavasci Marsh provides crucial resources to wildlife in the desert. Utilized not only by wildlife, the indigenous Sinagua people who constructed the Tuzigoot Pueblo relied heavily on the Marsh for their daily needs. Unfortunately, intense human and mining developments occurred within and around Tavasci Marsh until the early 1990's, severely reducing the presence of native vegetation and wildlife. In 2005, NPS acquired the marsh as a part of the Tuzigoot National Monument and began endeavors to study, rehabilitate, and enhance this unique habitat. The Tavasci Marsh Overlook Trail is a 1-mile out-and-back trail that provides a vista of the marsh.
What You'll See
The Audubon Society has designated Tavasci Marsh as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Among the 245 species that occur, one may see migratory songbirds and ducks, and various species of shorebirds. Deer, javelina, and coyotes use the Marsh as an oasis, feeding and drinking from the valuable resources. One may also have the opportunity to spot a beaver, or see the engineering marvel that is one of their dams.
Tavasci Marsh 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
The Tavasci Marsh is located within Tuzigoot National Monument north of Cottonwood, AZ. From the intersection of Mingus Avenue and Main Street in Cottonwood, travel north on Main Street for two miles and then continue onto South Broadway for 1.1 miles. Turn right onto Tuzigoot Road and continue for 1.2 miles until you arrive at the Tuzigoot National Monument visitor center.
Helpful Tips
Amenities
Parking. Public restrooms. Hiking.
entrance requirements
Tavasci Marsh can be accessed through Tuzigoot National Monument as well as Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Both access points require an entrance fee. For more direct access, use the Tuzigoot access point.
Contact
National Park Service, Tuzigoot National Monument
(928) 634-5564