Page Springs Hatchery — Local services in Four Corners States

I recently visited the Page Springs Fish Hatchery in Cornville, Arizona, and it was an absolute delight! This hidden gem, nestled along the scenic Oak Creek, is a must-visit for nature lovers, families, and anyone curious about Arizona’s aquatic ecosystems. From the moment we arrived, the serene and lush surroundings set a relaxing tone. The self-guided tour was easy to navigate, thanks to the clear map provided at the visitor center. We loved strolling through the hatchery grounds, where we saw thousands of rainbow and brown trout in the state-of-the-art raceways. Feeding the fish was a highlight—bring quarters for the fish food dispensers, as it’s a fun and interactive experience for kids and adults alike! The informational signs along the way were engaging and taught us so much about the hatchery’s role in producing over 750,000 fish annually to stock Arizona’s lakes and streams. The 1.8-mile Blackhawk Nature Trail was another standout, offering beautiful views of the riparian habitat and opportunities to spot wildlife. We were thrilled to see great blue herons and belted kingfishers, and the area’s designation as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society makes it a paradise for birdwatchers. The grounds are well-maintained, with clean restrooms, a small picnic area, and wheelchair-accessible paths, making it welcoming for all visitors. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, eager to answer questions about the hatchery’s conservation efforts, like protecting native species such as the Page springsnail. It’s inspiring to see how this facility, operated by the Arizona Game & Fish Department, balances fish production with environmental stewardship. The fact that it’s free to visit and open daily from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) makes it an accessible and educational stop for anyone in the Verde Valley. Whether you’re a local or passing through on your way to Sedona or Cottonwood, Page Springs Fish Hatchery is a fantastic, family-friendly destination that combines education, nature, and relaxation. We left with a deeper appreciation for Arizona’s wildlife and can’t...

I'm giving this 2 stars right now for the hopeful lack of communication that could have been posted. When visiting their website/calling there was nothing about being closed/limited staff for 4th of july, so I brought my family and was extremely disappointed. The signs for the self guided tour were up but limited to 2 little sections runs. There was one gentleman working but he seemed to not want to talk at all and just go about his day.

Overall if you say you're going to he open but decide to have limited staff and access then it should be noted somewhere for visitors to read.

It was also disappointing that the show pond was down for maintenance.

Overall we hope our next experience provides more than standing in a little cubby that is difficult to see whats...

This place is great for a small stop in wine country for the Az angler in your life. Or to take a quick hike through to learn and enjoy property before hitting up the next winery. The show pond is well kept and bring some quarters for yourself or the kids to feed the fish. Plenty of predator birds, ducks to view too.

Free Self guided tour is short, informative and helps you appreciate the work fish & game and your tax dollars are doing for outood recreation across Arizona. Learn about the fish. See the baby fish.

Small picnic spot just off the parking lot with plenty of shade and a trail that runs around the property along the creek.

Say "Hello" to John for me and ask him lots of questions because he loves...