Willcox Playa, Az
Posted by: 
outwest63
N 32° 08.292 W 109° 51.423
12S E 607799 N 3556325
The Willcox Playa was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1966. The Willcox Playa is located on the South Side of Willcox, Az. and is easily viewed from Interstate Highway 10 as you travel through the Northern end of the Playa.
Waymark Code: WMDK8C
Location: Arizona, United States
Date Posted: 01/24/2012
Views: 6
The following is the description from the National Natural Landmarks web site "Willcox Playa, the largest "dry lake" in Arizona, is a remnant of the pluvial Lake Cochise. Unlike similar dry lakes, the black mud below the surface contains a rich fossil pollen record of the pluvial periods of the Pleistocene. The site has become a night-time roosting area for 4,000-8,000 sand hill cranes and contains the greatest diversity of tiger beetles in the United States".
There is easy access to viewing points for bird watching from Highway 191 and Kansas Settlement Rd. Sand hill cranes are in the area from November through February. There is an additional bird watching location in Willcox, Az. located on the South Side of the Golf course.
Access to the Dry Lake part of the Playa is restricted. The restrictions are in place because the Dry Lake area is an active gunnery range for the U. S. Military. As would be expected there are live munitions in the Dry Lake.
Wings over Willcox is an annual bird watching event that attracts many visitors.
Predominate Feature: Largest Dry Lake in Arizona containing rich fossil pollen record and popular bird watching site
Parking/Access Location: N 32° 04.347 W 109° 52.956
Ownership: Federal
Terrain Rating: 
Admission Charged: no
Landmark's Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:At least one photograph personally taken by the Waymarker must be posted.
Visitor should describe the experience of their visit.