Hassayampa River Preserve

Gorgeous weather for hiking. Shady, breezy, quiet, peaceful, great exercise, mostly safe paths but be careful hiking up to the lookout. I had a walking stick. I saw a pair of mallards swimming along searching for food, hummingbirds, dragonflies, small butterflies, geckos, cottonwood seeds floating by like snow, and rippling streams. Much less water than I’ve seen in the past but still a thriving ecosystem.

We visited with our homeschool group. It was educational and absolutely gorgeous. My son loved the visitor center where you can touch things. And the hikes were great. My sons did stumble across a random bull just hanging out on one of the trails.

Great Day to view nature's bounty. It was my second visit and just as enjoyable as first. Staff is always friendly and happy to answer any and all questions and provide maps and literature. The garden everyone passes through to get to the office was worth several moments of my time. A myriad of creatures make it their home. And the (I imagine) volunteers can be seen diligently caring for it. Hassayampa seems to have a variety of visitors: couples, families, birders or people just trying to get away from city life for a few moments of peace..... Worth the trip if you need a new and definitely pleasant easy hike through shaded trails serenaded by the 'local voices'.

It's an easy walking trail, great for seniors! Pointless trail keep crossing itself and goes nowhere, feels like time loop with all the dead trees, half eaten by termite infestation! 10 bucks entrance, an hour drive each way and bit of a disappointment is what you need to expect!

Today we found ourselves out in Wickenburg again to Check out Hassayampa River Preserve. There are seven trails located here. Most a little under a mile, but if you do as we did and do all of them you’re definitely getting your workout in. There are benches throughout and plenty of shade. Definitely bring your water though because it’s already over 90. Hassayampa is home to over 280 species of birds living, nesting or migrating through the area. I wish we would’ve seen one of the many hawks who frequent there, but unfortunately didn’t today. The height of some of the trees and such were crazy. The Cottonwood Trees made it look like it was snowing on some parts of the trails with their cotton like seed/fluff and the Willows were awesome too. We spent hours here. There are spots to sit, listen and enjoy the scenery of the Hassayampa River. Fun fact the 100 or so miles the river flows are mostly underground and can only be seen here where it flows freely. One other thing I really enjoyed was the old payphone strategically placed near one of the trails closer to the water. They called it a wind phone. If you don’t know what that is it’s a disconnected phone often placed in a nature setting where you can “call” a deceased loved one offering a way to help with grief and remembrance. A concept that originated in Japan. What a great way to maybe let out things that were left unsaid. Anyhow this 770 acre preserve is definitely worth checking out. If you have a maricopa county park pass it gets you in with no fee.

Great quick family morning trip. You will enjoy short walks "hikes" that will range in challenge levels. About 4 or 5 short trails. Children 13 and above would best be able to enjoy the idea of staying on the path and only visually admiring the beauty of the untouched preserve. Detailed nature lovers will go wild when they visit here.

Amazing forest and birding location! Easy walks will remind you of strolling on a beach. Be sure to climb up to Lykes Lookout for fantastic views. Keep your eyes out for the phone in the woods.

Absolutely worth the $5. Coming back with the kiddos!! People that work there are really kind and welcoming.