🐻 Day Trip from Chandler: Our Visit to Bearizona Wildlife Park

Looking for a fun, family-friendly adventure while staying at our Chandler vacation rental? Just a couple of hours north, Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams, Arizona is one of the most unique day trips in the state—and we recently had a blast experiencing it firsthand!

If you’re staying at The Gary House, this makes for a great getaway from the desert heat, packed with nature, animals, and Northern Arizona charm.

🚙 What is Bearizona?

Bearizona is a drive-through and walk-through wildlife park nestled in the ponderosa pine forest near Flagstaff. The park gives visitors the chance to see North American wildlife up close in a natural, spacious environment.

You start your adventure with the drive-through safari, where you can stay in your car and cruise past incredible animals roaming freely through large forested enclosures.

🦬 Animals You Can See on the Drive-Through Tour

Here’s the full list of large animals you’ll see on the drive-through tour, according to Bearizona’s official site:

Rocky Mountain Elk
American Bison
Alaskan Tundra and Arctic Wolves
Black Bears (yes, they walk right near your vehicle!)
Dall Sheep
Mule Deer
White Bison
Big Horn Sheep

It’s a rare chance to view these animals up close, in a setting that mimics their natural habitats.

🐾 Then Get Out and Explore

After the drive-through, you can park and head into Fort Bearizona—a walk-through area perfect for kids and adults alike. You’ll find:

Smaller animal habitats (like otters, bobcats, and porcupines)
A jaguar habitat
Raptors and birds of prey
Interactive wooden sculptures and photo ops
A huge gift shop and casual restaurants
Live shows and open spaces for concerts and events

🌤️ Pro Tips for Visiting Bearizona

Go in the Morning: The animals are most active, and the park is less crowded.
Pack Snacks and Sunscreen: You're at 7,000 ft elevation—stay hydrated!
Budget 3–4 Hours: You'll want time to enjoy both the drive and walk-through areas.
Visit Their Site for Hours and Tickets: bearizona.com

🍽️ Make a Full Day of It

Once you’ve wrapped up your Bearizona experience, take time to explore:

Williams, AZ: A Route 66 town with great food, vintage charm, and fun shops.
Flagstaff, AZ: A cool college town with breweries, pine forests, and mountain views.
Taverna Modern Mediterranean (Google Maps): We grabbed dinner here after our trip and loved it! Great food, a cozy atmosphere, and kid-friendly options made it the perfect stop before heading home to Chandler.