San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area

The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area is along the San Pedro River. The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and has been designated as a Globally Important Bird Area in 1996 by the American Bird Conservancy. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area covers 56,000 acres. It is home to over 100 species of breeding birds. The area is also a habitat for over 250 migrant and wintering birds. One reason for the abundance of birds is the thin strip of 100-year old Fremont Cottonwoods that grow within the conservation area.

The area includes lush riparian plant life and wildlife. Many claim it is one of the premier birding areas in the nation. Grey Hawks, Bell’s Vireo, Yellow-breasted Chat and Yellow-billed Cuckoo nest in the conservation area. During the spring, visitors might see Vermilion Flycatchers and Green Kingfishers. Abert’s Towhees and Gambel’s Quail can sometimes be spotted in the wintertime. You will also discover several mining towns such as Charleston and Millville. The history of the area goes back further to prehistoric times. Murray Springs at Clovis Site has remains of a prehistoric culture living in the area and ruins of a Spanish presidio. There is no admission charge to enter the conservation area. The Friends of the San Pedro River operate San Pedro House. A bookstore is also at this spot.