Hassayampa River Preserve

A 770-acre nature preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy, about 3 miles south of town on US-60. The Hassayampa River surfaces here to create a ribbon of cottonwood and willow forest through the Sonoran Desert — a striking contrast that supports over 280 bird species and makes this one of the premier birding sites in Arizona. January through April are peak months for migratory species.

Short trails through the preserve cross the river several times and pass palm oases and wildlife viewing areas. The visitor center has good background on the riparian ecosystem. Admission is modest; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

things to do sight wildlife
A story
The Hassayampa River is one of the few "upside-down" rivers in Arizona — it flows underground for most of its length, surfacing only at certain points. The preserve protects one of those surface sections, where the water table meets the riverbed and creates a lush riparian corridor completely at odds with the surrounding Sonoran Desert.