Walking/Hiking

In addition to the show ponds and hatchery tour, there is a well defined nature trail bordering Oak Creek with signs describing riparian habitat and wildlife. The trail is level and offers an easy, enjoyable walk - and the perfect family activity.

Birdwatching

Ideal for bird watching and photography, the Audubon Society recently identified the habitat at the hatchery and surrounding  riparian area along lower Oak Creek as an "Important Bird Area." An astonishing diversity of birds can be observed along the trail - we had a good, close-up view of an Osprey, a belted kingfisher, a great blue heron, and a summer tanager (brilliant red bird!) on just one visit. Other commonly spotted birds are the black-crowned night-heron, Clark's grebe, and numerous migratory species.



Fishing

Page Springs Fish Hatchery is closed to angling; however, trout produced there are stocked in surrounding streams and rivers that include Oak Creek, the Verde River, West Clear Creek, and Wet Beaver Creek. As a rule, trout are stocked for fishing at many access points along each creek during fall, winter, and spring months when water temperatures are cooler. You can find out where or when a river or pond will be stocked by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department online.


Wildlife

The lush vegetation and abundant water make Page Springs home to a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Skunks and racoons venture out after nightfall to the banks of Oak Creek to search for food. In the open fields above the creek, one may spot mule and whitetail deer, elk, and javelina (the collard peccary). Lowland leopard frogs and Arizona toads live near the water's edge and large, but non-poisonous, gopher snakes and slender garter snakes are occasionally seen sunning in the open on a warm day.