| Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area was purchased in 1993 to help the population of threatened, endangered, and sensitive species living there. This 1511 acre wildlife area now supports numerous species in its 4 habitats. In the riparian habitat Brook Trout and Rainbow/Apache Trout hybrids inhabit the upper portion of the stream, while Little Colorado Spinedace, Speckled Dace, Blue-head Mountain Sucker, and Little Colorado Sucker make up the population of the lower end of the stream.The lake-wetlands habitat may be home to several threatened, endangered, and sensitive species like the Chiricahua leopard frog, northern leopard frog, Arizona toad, Narrow-headed garter snake, and meadow jumping mouse. This habitat also provides an excellent habitat for many species of waterfowl. The irrigated meadow and pasture habitats provide cover for various nongame mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians as well as high quality forage for big game.Upland habitat comprises the largest area within the wildlife area. This area includes a pinyon-juniper woodland and a grassland habitat. The existing habitat in this area currently provides food and cover resources for a variety of big game such as elk, mule deer and turkey, small game, and nongame species.The area may provide potential habitat for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species such as the black-footed ferret and the ferruginous hawk, and foraging areas for waterfowl. The wildlife area also provides a home to the federally endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher and the threatened Mexican Spotted Owl. Some other species that can be seen in the wildlife area are Osprey, American Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Rufous and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds, Lewis' and Acorn Woodpeckers, Mountain Bluebird, Sora and Cinnamon Teal, Gray Fox, Striped Skunk, Badger, Coyote, Mule Deer, Merriam's Turkey, Pronghorn Antelope, and Elk.There are also trails at the Sipe White Mountains Wildlife Area including: High Point Loop Trail (1 mile), Rudd Creek Loop Trail (3 miles), and Trinity Trail (unknown distance).The best time to view elk is from September to October. |
|  |  | | | Facilities: Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area provides restrooms. There is also a grassy area with three picnic tables. Gas, food, and lodging can be found in Springerville. Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife. Area. Best Time To Visit: Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is open year-round, but spring to fall is the best time to visit. Fees: No fee is charged. Accessibility: This area is handicap accessible. Rules: Unknown Directions: To reach Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area from Springerville, travel on U.S. Highway 191 east for 5 miles. Look for turnoff signs on the top of the mesa at milepost 404.7. Follow the road for 5 miles to the wildlife area. The road is graded dirt, but is suitable for passenger car travel. | | |
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