Where to See Wild Burros in Arizona: Painted Rock Herd Area

The Painted Rock Herd Area (HA)

The Painted Rock Herd Area (HA) is a vast expanse of nearly 38,000 acres located in the lower Sonoran Desert. This area is a haven forwild burros, offering a unique opportunity to observe these animals in their natural habitat.

How to Get There

Just 11 miles west of Gila Bend, Arizona, lies the Painted Rock Herd Area. The region is easily accessible, situated just off Interstate 10, 15 miles north of Painted Rock Road, and surrounding the Painted Rocks Reservoir.

About the Burros

Today, the population of burros remains fairly constant at about 25 animals. Burros in this area are typically grey in color and fairly fine-boned. They average about 425 pounds and stand about 40 inches high. During the summer months, the burros congregate along the Gila River for water, forage, and shade. In the late fall, they travel out into the desert and scatter throughout the area.

Information gathered by the Bureau of Land Management