Alright folks, let me tell you a little story about the time my buddy Matt and I decided to take our trusty RV on a road trip to Bearizona.
Now, for those of you who ain’t familiar, Bearizona is a wild animal park located in Williams, Arizona, where you can drive through and see all sorts of critters like bears, bison, and wolves in their natural habitats.
Sounds like a cool place to visit, right? Well, we thought so too, but little did we know, we were in for one wild ride.
So, we hit the road early in the morning, all excited and ready for an adventure. We had our RV fully loaded with snacks, drinks, and camping gear, and we were ready to roll.
As we were getting closer to Bearizona, we started seeing signs that said “RV’s welcome” and “Drive through the park in your RV”, and we were pumped.
We were thinking, “Man, this is gonna be epic, we’re gonna be able to see all the animals up close and personal while sipping on a cold beer in the comfort of our own home on wheels.”
But, as it turns out, things ain’t always as they seem. As we were about to enter the park, we were greeted by a friendly ranger who told us that RVs were not allowed on the drive-through route, and that we had to park our rig and take the shuttle bus to see the animals.
We were like “What the heck?!”, but the ranger just shrugged and said “Sorry, guys. It’s for the safety of the animals and visitors.” We were disappointed, but we decided to make the best of it and took the shuttle.
Let me tell you, the shuttle ride was bumpy and crowded, and we didn’t get to see as many animals as we wanted.
We also missed out on the RV amenities, like the fridge and the toilet. By the time we got back to the RV, we were tired, hungry, and needed a shower. So, we ended up cutting our trip short and heading back home.
So, can you drive an RV through Bearizona? The short answer is no, you can’t. But, there’s still a way to visit the park and see the animals in their natural habitats.
You just gotta be prepared to park your RV and take the shuttle.
Why RVs Aren’t Allowed on the Drive-Through Route
Bearizona has strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety of the animals and visitors. They have found that RVs, even though they are big and sturdy, can scare the animals and disrupt their natural behaviors.
Also, RVs can be a danger to other visitors on the narrow and winding roads.
That’s why the park only allows RVs on the parking lot and not on the drive-through route. This way, visitors can still enjoy the park and see the animals, but in a more controlled and safe environment.
What Are the Alternatives to Drive-Through in an RV?
Even though you can’t drive your RV through the park, there are still plenty of things to do and see in Bearizona. Here are some alternatives that you can do:
- Take the shuttle bus tour: As I mentioned before, the shuttle bus tour is the main way for visitors to see the animals in Bearizona. It’s a bumpy and crowded ride, but it’s also a unique and exciting experience. You’ll get to see bears, bison, wolves, and other critters up close and personal, and you’ll learn interesting facts about them from the tour guide.
- Walk the Wild Ride: If you want to stretch your legs and see the animals from a different perspective, you can take the Wild Ride walkway. It’s a paved path that takes you through different habitats, and you’ll see bears, bison, and other animals from a safe distance. Plus, you can take your time and enjoy the scenery.
- Visit the Fort Bearizona: If you’re into history and culture, you’ll love Fort Bearizona. It’s a replica of an old western fort, and you’ll learn about the history of the area and the animals that lived there. You’ll also get to see a black bear exhibit and a bird of prey exhibit.
My Personal Experience
Now, let me tell you about my personal experience at Bearizona. Even though we couldn’t drive our RV through the park, we still had a blast.
We took the shuttle bus tour and saw some awesome animals. We also walked the Wild Ride and saw bears, bison, and wolves from a different angle. We didn’t have time to visit the Fort Bearizona, but we’re planning to go back and check it out.
The thing that I loved the most about Bearizona was the natural habitats. They’re huge and well-maintained, and you can tell that the park staff takes great care of the animals.
You can see the animals roaming around and playing, and it’s a sight to behold. Plus, the park is located in the beautiful Coconino National Forest, and the scenery is breathtaking.
FAQ
Can RVs camp at Bearizona?
No, Bearizona doesn’t have a camping area for RVs. However, you can find plenty of RV parks and campgrounds in the area.
Can RVs park at Bearizona?
Yes, RVs can park at Bearizona. There’s a large parking lot for RVs and other vehicles, and it’s free. However, RVs are not allowed on the drive-through route.
Can RVs take the shuttle bus tour at Bearizona?
Yes, RVs can take the shuttle bus tour at Bearizona. The tour is included in the admission fee, and it’s the main way to see the animals in the park.
My Conclusion
In conclusion, Bearizona is a cool place to visit, but if you’re planning to go in an RV, you gotta be prepared to park it and take the shuttle bus tour.
It’s not as convenient as driving through the park, but it’s still a unique and exciting experience. You’ll see some awesome animals and learn interesting facts about them.
Plus, the park is located in a beautiful area, and you’ll enjoy the scenery. So, pack your bags, grab your RV, and head to Williams.