Bearizona is EVERYTHING!!

Nestled in Williams, AZ is perhaps my new favorite place on this Earth. I mean it. I couldn't believe how much I fell in love with this place. Everything about it is special, organized and thoughtful for both the animals and the public visiting them.

The park is strategically laid out and in a word it is: beautiful. There are flowers everywhere and the park is so committed to recycling that much of their decor comes from recycled vehicles. You have to see it to believe it but it is pretty special.

Welcome to bear country.

Recommendation #1:
Get there early. We were the 2nd car in the park. The animals were so much more lively at this time.

We started off by going through the driving portion of the park. Wow, I couldn't believe the access we got to these animals. Deer came right up to the window and a bear was literally 2 feet from us. You get to see elk, burros, goats, wolves, buffalo, bears and more!

During our self- guided tour we got to hear wolves howling, and we grew nervous (yet excited) as my car was surrounded by black bears. We observed bears scratching their backs on trees, climbing, running and playing together.

Coming up to my window to say "Howdy!"

Recommendation #2:
Sit and wait. We would park and sit with the animals to observe them. So many cars would pass us and they'd miss everything! If you want to enjoy the animals you have to be patient.

Recommendation #3:
Summer months made the terrain absolutely perfect. Especially in July/August, Northern Arizona is overcome with wild sunflowers which grew around the park and in some of the animal areas.

Next we hopped on the guided bus tour so we could learn more about the park. We sat in the back and were told stories about each animal and how they arrived to the park (many were saved from illegal poaching/hunts).

Beautiful buffalo in a field of flowers and a classic Northern Arizona summer sky.

But nothing beat the moments we spent with the buffalo. One buffalo in particular was a big fan of the bus and knew the driver had carrots for her. She would literally chase us down to get more food from the bus. It was amazing to watch this huge animal glide across the meadow toward us. To experience it is one of a kind and indescribable, but it was a moment I will never forget.

After our driving tour we ate lunch and waited to feed the otters!

Food:
We brought a cooler with sandwich goodies in it, drinks and cupcakes. The park had no problem with us rolling our ice chest to the picnic area to chow down. We also were greeted by roaming, friendly peacocks while we ate.

Be sure to know the daily schedule so you don't miss the otter feeding. I thought we would be watching one of the staff feed the otters...no, no....this place is so amazing that they let YOU feed the otter! Everyone gets a piece of fish to drop down to two adorable, energetic otters.

Next we enjoyed walking around the park to the other animals not in the driving portions. We got to watch bear cubs climb trees and play with each other, hang out in a reptile house and go into the petting zoo.

You get to pet goats and sheep for as long as you'd like. Just watch out for the wild children.

What I love most about this place is the feeling that the animals are happy. Too many zoos offer tiny habitats which hardly recreate their natural ideas of home. Bearizona's habitats are large, and as an animal lover I fully support their efforts to help these animals and educate the public.

I got to visit here with two amazing women. Sarah and Jennise made the excursion even more exciting!

Getting there (from Flagstaff):
Hop on I-40 toward Los Angeles for about 25 miles. Follow the signs and exit to 1500 Historic Route 66, Williams, AZ 86046.

Also

• It costs $20 per person
• Open 9am-4pm
• The money you spend on entry is taken off if you decide to buy an annual pass. 
• The merchandise store is amazing! Check it out.