Many people around the world are concerned about the ethics of keeping animals penned up in small enclosures in zoos (animals who have the instinct to wonder). Safari parks reverse the idea of a zoo. Safari parks are huge with massive enclosures for animals to freely wander around in. Instead of viewing the animals in their small enclosures, visitors drive around "engaged" in their own cars, while the animals are free to roam.

Many of these safari parks offer animals from all around the world, but Bearizona in Bearizona is specialized in only North American animals. For those who would like to go on a North American safari and see all the notable wildlife on the continent, then Bearizona is for them. If in Ontario in Canada, be sure to check out their incredible Wild African Safari.

About Bearizona

The park is large and it is planning to accommodate more animals as they grow.

  • Size: Approx. 160 Acres
  • Season: Year Around
  • Address: 1500 E. Route 66, Williams Arizona

Most of the land is covered in Ponderosa Pine Forest where the animals can feel at home in their natural habitat. The park is located in Northern Arizona and is nestled in amongst the stunning Kaibab National Forest.

Some of their animals include Black Bears, African Crested Porcupines, Alaskan Tundra Wolf, American Badger, American Bison, American Burro, Arctic Wolf, Beavers, Bighorn Sheep, Bobcats, Burmese Pythons, Deer, Grizzly Bears, Jaguars, North American River Otters, Prairie Dogs, Reindeer, Rocky Mountain Elk, Skunks, and White Bison.

This is a safari park where one can see the animals in their natural habitats (or something close to it). To explore the park, visitors normally drive around in their personal cars. People are able to see many of North America's most iconic animals that are normally elusive in the wild.

  • Length Of Drive: Three-Miles Of Driving Tracks In the Park
  • Vehicle Restrictions: All Vehicles Must Be Fully Enclosed and Have Operational Windows
  • Not Permitted: ATV/All-Terrain Vehicles, Open-Top Jeeps, Or Open Top Convertibles

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Visiting Bearizona

  • Days Open: 7 Days A Week
  • Times: 9.00 am to 4.00 pm
  • Cost Of Entry:
  • Adult Weekday: Aged 13-61, $30.00
  • Adult Weekend: Aged 13-61, $35.00
  • Child Weekday: Aged 4-12, $20.00
  • Child Weekend: Aged 4-12, $25.00
  • Kids Under 4: Free
  • Note: Due to Covid-19, Their Wild Ride Bus Tour Is Not Currently Running

After entering the park, one can drive around as many times as one likes. However, there is no re-entry once one exits the park.

Purpose And Climate Of The Park

Bearizona is committed to promoting the conservation and preservation of America's wild animals by promoting them through these educational safaris.

Many people are concerned about the well-being of animals in captivity or the morality of catching them from the wild. In the case of Bearizona, over half of the animals are rescued or rehabilitated animals. They are a refuge for orphaned animals or other animals that can't be released back into the wild.

The climate here changes significantly by season. In summer the temperature averages around 80 degrees, while the winter months are cold and average 55 inches of snowfall. Animal behavior changes throughout the year and so visitors can come at different times to observe them.

  • Note: Animals Are Out And Enjoy All The Types Of Weather

Dining At Bearizona

The in-house restaurant at Bearizona is Canyonlands Restaurant. It is a large themed restaurant featuring soaking canyon walls and an expansive two-story covered deck.

  • Jaguar Exhibit: The Restaurant's Dining Deck Has Priceless Views Of The Jaguar Exhibit

There are many lunch options for the peckish visitor at their hickory-smoked barbecue. Options include fresh salads, gluten-free and vegetarian options, hot and cold sandwiches, and (of course) burgers. Is there anywhere in America that doesn't service gourmet burgers?

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In addition to coffee and Pepsi beverages, the restaurant also features a full bar service with local craft and domestic beers together with specialty cocktails. Another dining option is the Bearizona Grille. It is located near the entrance and offers stadium-style favorites (like hot dogs, warm pretzels, and cheesy nachos).

Bearizona is located near the Grand Canyon - only about an hour away and the nearby town of Williams is a gateway to the Grand Canyon South Rim. While no one is likely to drive across the United States to visit Bearizona, it is a great day trip while visiting the majestic Grand Canyon. When visiting the dumbfoundingly beautiful Grand Canyon be sure to write Bearizona into one's itinerary.

Alternatively, at three hours drive from Las Vegas, it is still close enough to be considered for a day trip. See here for a travel guide to Las Vegas and what to do.

Next: This Is The Best Month To Visit The Grand Canyon, And Which Tour To Take While You're There