apache station wildlife area

This wildlife area is sponsored by the AEPCO Apache Station Power Plant which is across the road from the viewing site. This area is a primary roosting location for sandhill cranes that migrate here for the winter months (late September to early March). Finding the wildlife area is easy: You can see the power plant from I-10. Take exit 331 for US 191 and drive south toward the power plant. When you are almost to the plant, watch for a gravel road on the left (east) side of the road (It will be before you reach the cooling towers). This is Sandhill Drive but I'm not sure if it is signed. The road is about a mile or so long and suitable for passenger cars. At the end you will find a parking area, viewing platform, informative sign and restroom. This viewing area is wheelchair accessible; there is a paved handicapped parking area and the viewing platform is concrete with a ramp. There is also an accessible viewing scope. I have visited Apache Station twice. Once was in early December and there were hundreds of cranes present, flying in at sunset and flying out at dawn. We also saw huge flocks of yellow-headed blackbirds performing aeronautic feats. When I visited at the end of February, there were no cranes roosting here at sunset, though I did see some fly over heading southeast (probably to Whitewater Draw, see separate reviews). We also saw a rabbit. How much time you spend here and how much you enjoy it is going to depend on whether any birds are present. I have found the Willcox Chamber of Commerce to be very helpful; they can advise you on where the most cranes are located at a given time. When the cranes are roosting on the playa they are still a good distance away so bring your binoculars and zoom lenses. There are no stores or food service in the immediate area. There is no shade here so make sure you have protection from the sun - it can be intense even during the cooler winter months.