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Picacho State Recreation Area - Site # 161 |
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Background: | Take a boat on 12 miles of the Lower Colorado River for close-up views of migratory cormorants, mergansers, American white pelicans, and wintering bald eagles. Frogs and soft-shelled turtles inhabit cane- and tule-lined lakes that shelter white-faced ibises, Crissal thrashers, endangered Yuma clapper rails, and occasional roseate spoonbills. Watch here for muskrats, beavers, and southern mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons. The surrounding desert is home to Yuma antelope ground squirrels, leaf-nosed bats, and a dozen lizard and snake species. Look near cactus for Gambel's quail, white winged doves, phainopeplas, and many songbirds. Trails explore rugged backcountry favored by desert bighorn sheep, feral burros, golden eagles and nesting prairie falcons. |
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Viewing Tips: | More than 200 bird species. Watch for raptors, predators, and bighorn sheep year-rounds. Good views of wading birds, songbirds, deer, and burrows year-round. Look for rails in spring. Waterfowl and marine birds are seen in winter. Small mammals are active from spring through fall, reptiles in summer. Good car viewing. DIRT ROAD IS WINDING AND STEEP. FLASH FLOODS IN LAKE SUMMER. COME PREPARED FOR DESERT. |
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How to Get There: | From Winterhaven on Highway 8, take Winterhaven Drive East to Picacho Road and turn north. Continue 25 miles (18 on dirt). |
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Contact Information |
Managing Agency: | California State Parks |
Agency Site URL: | |
Physical Address: | , CA |
Agency 2: | , CA |
Manager Phone: | |
| Site Phone: | (619) 393-3059 | | |
County: | |
Addition Website: |
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