White Mountain Grasslands Wildlife Area

White Mountain Grasslands Wildlife Area consists of open fields surrounded by mountain ranges that support various wildlife species and native plants. The space covers several thousand acres and functions as a managed habitat for animals and vegetation across the landscape.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department created this protected area in 1999 by converting a former working ranch into managed wildlife habitat. This shift marked a change from private land use to public conservation in the region.

The land remains connected to communities in nearby towns, serving as a place where visitors learn about local wildlife and nature conservation efforts.

Visitors can reach the area by driving west on Highway 260 from Eagar, then following gravel roads to designated parking areas. The site is best accessed by vehicle, and guests should prepare for unpaved roads and changing weather conditions at higher elevation.

The grasslands contain volcanic cinder cones formed hundreds of thousands of years ago, making the site part of the Springerville Volcanic Area. This combination of wildlife habitat and geological features is often overlooked by visitors focused only on the natural habitats.