Ultimate Guide to Visiting Bearizona Wildlife Park

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On one of our Grand Canyon road trips, we made a stop at Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams, Arizona—and it ended up being one of our favorite parts of the entire trip. We took our adult son, and he absolutely loved it. With his multiple health challenges, we try to plan at least one special family trip each year that gives us time together, and Bearizona delivered something really memorable for all of us.

If you’re thinking about visiting Bearizona, here’s everything you need to know to plan your day.

What is Bearizona?

Bearizona is a drive-thru and walk-thru wildlife park tucked into the Kaibab National Forest in northern Arizona. It focuses on North American animals and gives you a chance to see them in large, natural-style habitats. It’s not your typical zoo—you actually drive through parts of the park in your own vehicle, windows up, while bears, bison, wolves, and other animals roam nearby.

It felt like a mix between a safari and a nature preserve, which made it both exciting and relaxing at the same time.

Hours of Operation and Admission Prices

Park Hours

Bearizona is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last vehicle allowed in at 4:00. The park itself closes at 5:30 PM. We recommend arriving in the morning or by early afternoon to make the most of your time.

Ticket Prices

Pricing varies slightly depending on whether you go during the week or on a weekend, but here’s a general idea:

• Adults (13–61): $30–$35
• Seniors (62+): $27–$32
• Children (4–12): $20–$25
• Kids 3 and under are free

We thought the price was very reasonable for such a unique and memorable experience. It wasn’t just a quick visit—it felt like an all-day adventure. One of the best parts was being able to take our time throughout the park. There was no pressure to rush, which made it relaxing and enjoyable. We even looped through the drive-thru section more than once. Seeing the animals again from different angles made it feel fresh each time. That flexibility added great value to the overall experience.

What to Expect at Bearizona?

The park has two main parts: the drive-thru section and the walk-thru area, called Fort Bearizona.

Drive-Thru Wildlife Area:

This was our son’s absolute favorite part of the visit. He couldn’t stop talking about it the rest of the day. We saw black bears lounging under shady trees, looking completely relaxed. Some even stretched out across logs like they were sunbathing. Arctic wolves wandered near our vehicle, pacing gracefully through the trees. It felt like we were inside their world, not just watching from a distance. A massive herd of bison grazed right beside the road, completely unbothered by our car. Their sheer size and calm presence made the moment unforgettable.

Driving our own vehicle made the experience feel safe and personal. We didn’t have to rush or stick to a schedule. Our son loved that he could sit by the window and watch everything go by. We were allowed to drive at our own pace, stopping whenever we wanted. That flexibility made it easy to take photos or just soak in the view. The ability to pull over and stay as long as we liked was perfect for us. It gave us the freedom to truly enjoy every moment together.

Fort Bearizona (Walk-Thru Area):

After the drive, we parked the car and headed into the walk-thru section of the park. This area felt more like a traditional zoo, with smaller exhibits and easy walking paths. We explored a variety of animals up close in clearly marked enclosures. There was also a petting zoo where kids could interact with friendly goats and sheep. A few educational displays shared interesting facts about wildlife and conservation. The grizzly bear enclosure was a definite highlight with its large viewing area. We also loved seeing the jaguars lounging in the shade near their rocky habitat.

One of the most unique spots was the nocturnal animal exhibit. It was located inside a building designed to look like an old mine. Inside, we saw creatures like owls, bats, and other animals active in the dark. It was a fun and immersive way to learn about nighttime wildlife.

There were plenty of shaded paths, and everything was stroller and wheelchair accessible. It wasn’t overly crowded either, which made it easy for us to go at our own pace.

Where to Eat at Bearizona?

We grabbed lunch at the Canyonlands Restaurant inside the park. It’s a full-service spot with generous, Southwest-style meals. The atmosphere was unique, featuring canyon walls and murals that felt like a cave setting. Near the entrance, a casual grille offered quick snacks like hot dogs, pretzels, and drinks.

Plenty of picnic tables were available, perfect if you prefer to pack your own food for the day.

After exploring Bearizona’s wildlife exhibits, we stopped at the Bearizona Grille for some snacks. The Grille served a tempting variety of treats, perfect for sharing. We chose funnel cake fries, churros, and a soft pretzel. The funnel cake fries were golden, crispy, and covered in powdered sugar—great for dipping. The churros were soft inside with a warm, cinnamon-sugar crust. The soft pretzel was large and golden-brown with just enough salt and a side of mustard. These tasty snacks gave us a nice energy boost before continuing our adventure through the park.

Must-See Animals

While the bears and wolves are the stars of the show, we also really enjoyed seeing:

• Bison up close in the drive-thru
• Mountain goats scaling rocky hills
• Raccoons and porcupines in the walk-thru exhibits
• The young black bears playing in their cub habitat

If you or your kids are animal lovers, there’s something for everyone here.

@roamingmyplanet Danielle and I decided to stop by Bearizona in Williams ,Arizona! They rescue bears and other animals! Tge funny Bear decided to show off while I was filming him! We died laughing! Bearizona has a dribe through park where you can see bears, wolves snd others roaming in big wide open spaces that mimce their natural habitats! We were so surprised on how much space they had to roam. Once you’re done with the drive-through portion, you can stop and check out the walk-through portion, which is where we saw this funny little bear. While you’re there you have to check out the funnel cake fries. They’re absolutely delicious. They were so delicious. I ended up wearing half of it all over my clothes which I’ll be posting a video of that soon lol. (Partner) #be#bearsr#arizonai#wildlifeparkr#travelbloggeru#funnyanimalsu#funnyanimalvideosr#trynottolaughu#funnyvideos ♬ I'm Too Sexy – Right Said Fred

A Few Tips from Our Visit

• Go earlier in the day when the animals are more active and easier to spot. Mornings tend to be cooler, too.
• Don’t rush the drive-thru—it’s perfectly fine to go slow, stop often, and even loop through a second time.
• Bring your camera or phone fully charged. We captured some amazing moments we didn’t want to miss.
• Wear comfy shoes for the walk-thru area. You’ll be on your feet a while, especially if you explore every exhibit.
• If someone in your family needs extra time or frequent breaks, the park is very accessible and easy to navigate.
  
  
  

Our Final Thoughts about Visiting Bearizona

Bearizona was a fantastic choice for our family. We’re always looking for places that are both fun and manageable for our son’s needs. This park delivered on both. It gave each of us something to enjoy and created memories we still talk about.

If you’re heading to the Grand Canyon or anywhere near northern Arizona, Bearizona is 100% worth the stop. You won’t regret adding it to your itinerary.