Hassayampa River Preserve

"Great experience for all ages. Alot of educational materials in the visitor center. The kids had a great time finding all the items on the scavenger hunt. We also saw many birds. We were able to use the stroller easily on the different trails but not on the short trail up the mountain. I also purchased my annual Regional Park Pass while there."

"A wonderful place to walk and watch for birds and other wildlife. Sign in at the nature center (there is a $5 per person fee) and enjoy the displays of the Hassayampa Preserve history and various animals, and then procure a map. In choosing where to hike, several different trails are available featuring varied terrain, such as the river trail with copious cottonwoods and the sparking & clear Hassayampa river. Additionally a "mesquite ramble", a lake trail around a shallow pond surrounded by palms and other trees, and sometimes interesting waterfowl. Choosing to climb to the "lookout" atop a high bluff is also a must-do! All in all a very interesting place to visit and spend some time. There are quality nature-themed items for sale in the nature center, and the rangers are very informative and helpful. A log book is available to enter any animals or birds you have seen. When we were there we saw two javelina scurrying away in the distance, plus many birds and a snake! We spent almost two hours but I am slow and stop to look at everything :) We arrived early on a weekday but the parking lot fills up the later it gets. Additional parking is available. Well worth a visit!"

"Peaceful solo walk around the trails in the winter. Gray, but the flowing river and green life around it was outstanding. Worth the stop!"

"The trails at hassayampa River trails were so much fun! We hiked up a very, very tall, and steep mountain. Once we reached the top, we realized we would have to turn around because it basically dropped off! I feel maybe there should be signs saying so. We saw bulls, cows, and lots of birds. It was absolutely beautiful."

"This is a great hidden oasis, and only a 25 minute drive from the 303 & US60 junction! I visited in late January to get great weather and hopefully catch water in the river and I was not disappointed. There are several loop trails to hike, which are all fairly easy, so novice hikers and kids are welcome. The trail up to the lookout point is a fairly steep trek on a narrow path though, so be prepared. The foliage and tree cover is a nice reprieve from the sun and even though the preserve is close to the highway there is no noise pollution."