Bearizona Wildlife Park
Experience North American wildlife up close on a unique 3-mile drive-thru safari and walk-thru zoo in Williams, AZ.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See animals at their most active
Bearizona Wildlife Park
Best Time
See animals at their most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience North American wildlife up close on a unique 3-mile drive-thru safari and walk-thru zoo in Williams, AZ.
"Being able to see the animals from your car is an experience I will always cherish."
🎯 Arrive Early for Peak Activity
See more animals when they're active and fed. Weekdays are less crowded.
🚗 Keep Windows Up in Zones
Designated areas require windows up for safety. Pets okay in car if windows stay closed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Drive-Thru Wildlife Encounters
Park's 3-mile Ponderosa Pine Forest loop
See North American wildlife like bears, wolves, and bison roam freely from your car. Windows down in some areas for photos!
Walk-Thru Zoo Area
Adjacent to the drive-thru exit
Explore a traditional zoo setting with more animals, including jaguars and otters. Great for closer viewing.
Majestic Wolves
Drive-thru loop
Witness packs of Alaskan Tundra Wolves playing and loping through their natural habitat.
Bison Encounters
Drive-thru loop
Get up close to powerful American Bison as they graze and move through the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Animal Activity
Prepare for a Unique Drive-Thru
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Peak Activity
See more animals when they're active and fed. Weekdays are less crowded.
🚗 Keep Windows Up in Zones
Designated areas require windows up for safety. Pets okay in car if windows stay closed.
📸 Maximize Photo Ops
Some areas allow windows down for better shots. Be ready for spontaneous animal visits!
🚶♀️ Explore the Walk-Thru
Don't miss the zoo area after the drive-thru for more animal encounters.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Peak Activity
See more animals when they're active and fed. Weekdays are less crowded.
🚗 Keep Windows Up in Zones
Designated areas require windows up for safety. Pets okay in car if windows stay closed.
📸 Maximize Photo Ops
Some areas allow windows down for better shots. Be ready for spontaneous animal visits!
🚶♀️ Explore the Walk-Thru
Don't miss the zoo area after the drive-thru for more animal encounters.
🍽️ Grab a Bite at Canyonlands
Enjoy food and drinks at the park's restaurant after your wildlife adventure.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bearizona for its unique drive-thru experience, offering incredible close-up views of North American wildlife. The park is noted for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and the apparent health and happiness of its animals. While some find it a bit pricey, most agree it's a worthwhile and memorable stop for all ages. +2
"This place is amazing. First you drive through & there are some sections you can have your windows down for better picture taking. Other areas your need to keep them up. They put food out in most of the areas to get the animals closer to the road so you get to see them. But sometimes they might be hiding or laying down sleeping. We had that at first with the Artic Wolves. But the something happened & a pack of 3 came loping into the area, where we could photo them. Absolutely beautiful. Jaguars are amazing & beautiful. After driving through there's like a walk through zoo area. WOW, we were impressed with this place. It's amazing & we'll worth the trip & money to see all the animals."
BLR (Shades)
"Lots of animals to see in the drive & walk through portions. Pets are allowed in your vehicle if you keep your windows up the whole drive, but not in the walk through parts. The whole place is really clean and pretty. Most animals were resting in the drive through, but the wolves came pretty close to us. The inside exhibits had animals that were doing more which was cool. It's so close to the main road and not a huge detour if you are headed somewhere. Really worth the stop, especially if you have time to do the walk through."
KaP R.
"Absolutely amazing park! Being able to see the animals from your car is an experience I will always cherish. The staff was amazing, the animals all looked healthy and happy! The park is absolutely beautiful and extremely clean! I loved everything about Bearizona especially the huge bear that walked right up to our car. This is an awesome place to bring the family or even see by yourself."
Blake Z71
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bearizona is located in Williams, Arizona, off I-40. It's about a 2.5-hour drive north of Phoenix and about an hour south of the Grand Canyon.
Yes, Bearizona is conveniently located on Route 66 in Williams, AZ, making it a straightforward stop for travelers.
Driving is the most common and practical way to reach Bearizona, especially if you plan to do the drive-thru experience.
The closest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), approximately 2.5 hours away. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is closer, about 30 minutes away, but has fewer flight options.
Absolutely! Bearizona is a popular day trip destination from Phoenix, Flagstaff, and even as a stop on the way to or from the Grand Canyon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, typically around $35 for adults and $25 for children on weekdays, with slightly higher prices on weekends. Check their official website for current pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for weekends or holidays, is recommended to save time and guarantee entry.
Bearizona's hours vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit.
Look for potential discounts through passes like the Get Out Pass or inquire about group rates. Prices can also differ between weekdays and weekends.
Typically, you can drive through the park multiple times on the same day. Re-entry for the walk-thru area might have specific policies, so it's good to confirm upon arrival.
🎫 🐻 Onsite Experience
Bearizona features a wide array of North American wildlife, including bears, wolves, bison, elk, deer, mountain goats, jaguars, and more. +2
Yes, the drive-thru is a unique highlight, allowing close-up views of animals in a natural setting. Some sections allow windows down for photos.
The walk-thru area is like a traditional zoo, offering closer encounters with animals and exhibits. It's a great complement to the drive-thru.
Pets are allowed in your vehicle during the drive-thru portion, provided windows remain closed. They are not permitted in the walk-thru area.
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully experience both the drive-thru and walk-thru sections. You can drive through multiple times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Bearizona has dining options, including the Canyonlands Restaurant, an outdoor grill, and an ice cream cart. +1
You can find a variety of options, from full meals at the restaurant to snacks and treats, catering to different preferences.
Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally allowed, but check Bearizona's specific policies regarding outside food, especially for the walk-thru area.
Yes, there is a bar available in the walk-thru area, offering refreshments for visitors.
The Canyonlands Restaurant is frequently mentioned, offering a convenient place to refuel during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The drive-thru offers unique opportunities, especially in areas where you can lower your windows. The walk-thru also provides great shots of animals.
Yes, photography is encouraged! Be mindful of safety guidelines and avoid using flash directly on animals, especially in the walk-thru.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always respect the animals' space.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and more active animals, enhancing your photographic opportunities.
The drive-thru allows animals to approach your car. In the walk-thru, maintain a safe distance as advised by park signage and staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Arrive early to avoid long lines and see more active animals. Pack snacks and drinks, though food is available on-site. Consider the timing of your visit to coincide with feeding times for maximum animal engagement. The park's layout is generally stroller-friendly in the walk-thru area.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
The drive-thru experience is particularly convenient as it allows you to stay in your vehicle, making it a seamless addition to a longer journey. Recommendations: Allocate at least 2-3 hours to enjoy both the drive-thru and walk-thru sections. If you're short on time, prioritize the drive-thru for the most iconic Bearizona experience. The park's location in Williams makes it easy to access without a significant detour.
🐾 Pet Owners
Important Note: Pets are not permitted in the walk-thru area of the park. This is for the safety and well-being of both your pet and the park's resident animals. Plan accordingly if you intend to explore the walk-thru section.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bearizona Experience: Drive-Thru vs. Walk-Thru
The walk-thru area, accessible after the drive-thru, functions more like a traditional zoo. It features a variety of animals in more contained exhibits, including jaguars, otters, and smaller mammals. This section also includes amenities like the Canyonlands Restaurant, gift shops, and an ice cream cart, making it a comprehensive destination for a full day of exploration.
Many visitors highlight the unique perspective of being inside the "cage" while the animals roam freely, a concept that resonates strongly with those seeking an intimate wildlife encounter. The park emphasizes that over 75% of its animals are rescued or rehabilitated, adding an ethical dimension to the experience.
Animal Welfare and Visitor Perceptions
Social media posts frequently showcase animals that appear active and engaged, such as wolves playing or bears approaching vehicles.
It's important for visitors to be aware of the park's mission, which often includes rescuing and rehabilitating animals. This focus can contribute to the positive impression of animal care.
While historical concerns exist, the current sentiment from many visitors is one of satisfaction with the animals' condition and the overall park experience. Photography Tips for Bearizona
Consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon. These times often offer softer lighting, which is ideal for photography, and animals tend to be more active as they forage or move between resting spots.
Many visitors find success by focusing on the interactions between animals or their unique behaviors. The wolves playing, bears lumbering, or bison grazing can make for compelling images.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit