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.

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 place to visit, cooler weather under the trees with easy trails to explore.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I came here on a Sunday morning. I had a great time. The trails have lots of shade. I saw many birds and wildlife. The ranger was super friendly. There are many benches along all of the trails to take a break and to look for birds.

This is one of my favorite places in Maricopa County to come to be with nature and do some birding, and get in a nice walk. I have been birding for the past 5 years, and I have found this activity to be very relaxing but also at the same time really helps with improving pattern recognition, and it's a fun hobby! We came here on a Sunday morning around 8:30 am. Ample parking available and $5/entry, and since it is now summer here in Phoenix, the preserve closes at 4pm. I noticed that all the bad reviews came down to people either not reading clearly hours of operation or wanted to bring their dogs in (which is not allowed and states it on their website) or people couldn't seem to get good photos. I have been here multiple times, and each time I am here, I've loved coming here. The Palm Lake trail is nicely shaded, so you get some reprieve from our warm and sunny weather. I've been here for organized birding walks, and they offer other activities also, just check on their website. When we came this time, I renewed my annual Maricopa Parks annual pass, which is $85. Shockingly, this is more than the US National Parks Service annual pass. I didn't make too much a fuss about it as the money goes towards taking care of these parks that I love so much. Definitely come check this place out and don't forget your binoculars!

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.

Safe place to go for a hike along a river and with the option to climb up a hill tucked in the corner of the preserve and be above the treeline in the preserve. They have a small visitor center and clean restrooms. Popular spot.

We were heading to Sedona and read this was a scenic trip to get there. To be honest I wish we had had went the faster way as time was limited. Anyway we passed by this preserver and it had a sign up that indicated wildlife and something to see. So we stopped. there was outdoor bathrooms that flushed and were pretty nice. there were some cactus , hummingbirds and other birds in the front. We went inside and paid the fee to enter but basically regretted paying and going in. the coolest part was the front which we could have see without the fee of extra time. I'm not saying there aren't things there to see inside but in our short visit we didn't see anything worth the 5 or 10 dollars. The best bird views were in front beside the building. But once again we didn't have the time or patience to do much walking. and the lack of anything exciting didn't promote delaying or trip any further.

The wife wanted to go on a family outing, and she chose this place to do a "nature walk". Not too far up the 60, right before you get into Wickenburg. $5.00 per adult to get in, kids under 10/12? are free. Very nice, smooth, mostly flat trails with ample signage describing different animals you may see, and what kind of trees/bushes you were looking at. We saw some chipmunks, some birds, a badger and me and my daughter saw a nice sized buck! We were walking along the Mesquite Meander trail and my daughter and I were walking a bit ahead. I stopped for a minute and looked out into the grass and saw a buck. Thought it was fake/decoy for a minute like they had it placed there. Nope! It was an actual buck laying down in the grass. Stared at me for a good minute. I called my wife (probably shouldn't have, the noise spooked him) to come over, but by the time her and my son caught up, the buck stood up and was walking away. Pretty cool to see a deer in the wild though. Reminded me of Pennsylvania. We only took 2 trails (Mesquite Meander and Palm Lake Loop) due to having kids whose "legs were getting tired" lol. I will definitely come back though and check out the other trails. They have a nice visitors center where you check in, and then man inside was very helpful in pointing us down the easiest trails/paths. This place is probably awesome in the Spring when the leaves on the trees start coming back. We had a great time and will definitely be back!

Didn't know this place existed. Glad to have finally explored this space with like minded adventurers. Plenty of parking. Trail is easy with little elevation change... approximately 150ft. Ranger Cody was full of knowledge about the origin/history of the preserve. The preserve is quite picturesque. Admission is only $5.00 We gladly recommend this place... Especially if you're into some nature and history.

I had no idea what to expect when I took my kids here. We went and checked out the office on a Wednesday. Then we came and did a different set of trails on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We really enjoyed the trails and the environment. If you're wondering if you should go, GO! Bring a snack, water, wear comfy clothes and "hiking shoes". We will definitely go again and the worker even gave us cute little ranger badges for my kids.

Wow! This was an awesome escape to real nature just 30 minutes outside of the city. The walking trails are shaded and well kept, I even saw them raking them while I was strolling through the loop. This does mean that you are only allowed to hike along the trail and pets are not allowed. It was a shame the river runs along the highway so you get noise from passing trucks on Grand while walking the Palm Lake Loop because it really does transcend you to a different place being so serene and inside of the forest. I would suggest walking the River Ramble to Lyke's Lookout for an awesome panoramic view. That trail is quiet, peaceful, and pretty easygoing. Lions Trail was closed and I really wanted to go on that one so that just means I'll be visiting again.

If you are looking for a shaded nature area to walk this is the place. $5 to enter small parking area but it wasn't crowded when I arrived on a Sunday around 9am. Lots of lizards a view of a lake with ducks and a small river and nature center with a small garden. About a half hour drive from Surprise AZ. Will definitely return love it.

Great place to venture for a tranquil preserve in nature. Saw lots of caterpillars a couple of tiny lizards. Coot on the pond. Most abundant were yellow rumped warblers. Got a quick flash of the sharp shinned Hawk. There were many Gilas and flickers. Viewed a pair of orange crowned warblers. We heard more species than we witnessed. Ranger Eric was very knowledgeable. It is a state park now not part of Nature Conservancy. $5 for tour and that's the best way to go.

Nice day hike. Its very own oasis with some desert mountain climbing for the view. Flat dirt paths with plenty to see. Lots of different plant species, wildlife, and micro climates. You can do a lot or a little depending on your level of walking or hiking. It's more like a stroll through the woods than a strenuous hike. Very romantic place to bring someone and pack a picnic. Watch for the weather though. Saw some grazing cattle on our path. Really cool place.

As others have stated... This is a really neat place tucked away on the side of Hwy 60 ... Blink and you'll miss it. It's really hard to find any place outdoors with any shade here but this park has an abundance of it. In a way it reminds me of the arboretum in Arcadia (for you other transplants). I didn't have time to do all the trails so I definitely need to make a return trip. The pics say the rest...

Easy walking paths through trees, in fact you can walk the entire place in under 2 hours at a normal pace. There is a fee to enter which supports the Nature Conservancy.

If you have never been to Wickenburg then this is a must see place to visit! Walk across this historic landmark and enjoyed the evening. There are plenty benches and space to roam across this scenic bridge across the Hassayampa River. It's well lit and safe place to walk during cool nights in February. The historic bridge is located next to the US 60 and US 93 roundabout. There are historic placards that speak about Wickenburg early development as transportation path from California, Prescott and Phoenix. It is a nice getaway and great small town vibe with Western feel!

We went here to see the infamous Rufous-backed Robin repeatedly reported by Eric Hough, resident birder. We arrived at 430, but by the time I walked into the little gift shop/visitor center, it was 435. I asked about the bird, if had been seen recently, etc. The person at the counter was not very welcoming and told me at least twice how they were closed and how I could not access any of the trails. He first said the bird hadn't been seen in awhile. When I pointed to the bird list and that is said it had been seen a week ago, he reluctantly called back to Eric who said it had been seen earlier that day in the picnic area. "The picnic area next to the parking area", "no, the one behind the building. It's closed." I asked if I could peer into it with my binoculars and he said no. I was so deflated by all of his no's, I went back to the parking area hoping the bird would make an appearance there. No dice. Definitely left a terrible taste in my mouth of this place. If you're going to work at a primo birding location, know a little bit about where you work, and try to accommodate interested visitors. I'd skip this place all together. They don't want you to visit anyway.

We've been coming to Phoenix a few times a year for about ten years now. We've pretty much done it all. Looking for something different to do today, we decided to check out Hassayampa Preserve. It was a nice walk, but I struggled to find views worthy of a photo. If you go, you will definitely want to hike up the hill to the viewing platform. The butterfly garden at the front of the visitor center was the best part.

Such a cool place not so far from home. They have a lot of neat little things in the museum and a sign asking the kids to "please touch". The kids had as much fun in the center as they did on the hikes. The trails were beautiful, you could forget for an afternoon that we live in the desert.

If you are looking for a scenic and mellow hike this is the place for you. It's not hard on my bad knees or ankle nice cut trails by streams and beautiful nature!

Even on one of the hottest days of the year in Phoenix, this place had spots that were considerably cooler making it a pleasant morning hike. It's probably a lot nicer during cooler weather. The volunteers that greeted us were wonderful. They gave us some background on the preserve, invited us to have a look around inside, and gave us insights as to what we'd find when we got to the trails. Since it was our first time there, a volunteer guide took us to a specific point and gave us even more background and information. He helped us map out our first hike and sent us on our way. There's a large variety of trees throughout the preserve and a few places with water (a pond and a small portion of a river). The trails we went on were reasonably easy to navigate and had many places to sit and take in our surroundings or even wait around for birds or other animals to cross our paths. We did get to see some lizards and a few birds along the way and we're looking forward to going back for more in the near future and for years to come. Photographers will want to bring their zoom and macro lenses. Everyone else might want to bring a decent pair of binoculars. The visitor center has educational displays, brochures for the area and for other Nature Conservancy areas throughout Arizona, restrooms, water and soda for sale, and wonderful volunteers who will help in any way they can.

Such a beautiful place! Easy little hikes and wildlife! Perfect for a quick little escape :)

Very cool walking around. Very unusual place. Mostly grassy area with very well kept walking paths very clean.

Great place to meander and beat the heat. Beautiful property and buildings on the campus

Great spot for a casual hike. Got to see some neat wildlife and the river and lake were a unique treat in Arizona. There were a lot of ants so I would recommend some good bug spray. Also keep a lookout for rattlesnakes especially in the late spring. We saw three in May! Overall a great spot to reconnect with nature!

Such a nice hike and so different then the usual Phoenix hike. Lovely river meandering through. We hope to be back before it gets too hot.

Take a note..best time to go is during Spring. I just needed to go during winter as I might leave AZ soon. The place is a little oasis in the desert. The whole area has little easy trails that all together is around 3 miles. Well kept, with no garbage and a nice education center. Host and volunteers are great giving you information and details about this place. Good to enjoy with family and check birds.

This place is a real gem in the desert. The staff is great and helpful. Absolutely worth the ride for the preserve alone!

One of the most tranquil parks I have ever visited. It has 5 different trails you can take thru the park. My favorite was the Palm Lake trail which circles the lake. The park is so natural, it as if no one else has ever visited. Trees and shrubs fallen remain as the fell! The admittance cost is $5.00 per person which is a good investment to maintain the park in its pristine natural condition.

Really nice day trip up from Phoenix. Moderate-easy trails, lots of wildlife, and only saw two other hikers when we were there.

Great place to get out for a good nature walk. If your not from AZ this will remind you of a walk in the Midwest. Lykes lookout is great and I love taking my kids here. Easy hikes and lots of shade. Great family place.

Great place for kids. Don't forget to ask about the Junior Ranger activities. There is a small indoor nature center and a variety of hiking trails around a lake and the river. The trails are all very kid friendly. Various signs point the way and name the flora. I find that the Junior Ranger activities help engage kids who look around and after ten minutes of hiking say, "What's next?". We usually go through three phases of Junior Ranger activity engagement. The first is antipathy. In the beginning, it just seems to daunting. The parents start doing it and having fun. Then the second stage starts -- engagement achieved. Everyone is involved. Not only is the activity doable, but it is fun. During this stage, the family gets to explore the environs. After walking around the park, there is usually just a narrative left that stands in the way of the kid and the reward. An insurmountable task during the first phase, during the third phase, get it done and get the reward, it is completed in short order. Throughout, the parents insert pearls of wisdom during obvious teachable moments. And at the end, everyone forgets the first stage, and agrees that they had fun the whole time.

This place had a weird vibe and will not allow pets on the trails! We brought our dogs and had to turn around and leave because we couldn't take them on the trails. What kind of place doesn't allow dogs on a hiking trail? Boo

Well, went there yesterday and it had apparently rained the day or two before. The trails were barely damp and not wet. Here is the major problem we had.....ANTS! Thousands and thousands of "bull ants" (when they bite, you'll know it). We hiked one of the four different trails, which wasn't too bad, but when we went to start on the the other three that head toward the Hassayampa River, we encountered thousands of these ants on the trail. We went back to the Visitor Center and I told the retired gentlemen behind the counter, "we ran into thousands of bull ants when trying to take one of the other trails, towards the river". He said, "sorry about that, why don't you try the trail that is a little higher, (Lion's Trail and lookout) that should be better for you all". I said OK, well try it. Well, we went down the sandy steps, with ants on the steps, and made it onto the trail he suggested. We only made it maybe 20 feet up that trail when I told my girlfriend to "Go back"! I said, "Move! Don't stop! Keep walking and when you get to the sand steps that have the white plastic support, stomp your feet on the supports!" We were surrounded by thousands of these huge ants. It was like a scene out of a sci-fi movie I told my girlfriend, she agreed. That's when I said the hell with this, let's go. While walking past the window of the visitors center, and out towards are car, (we were the only ones there at the time), I thought the retired gentlemen sitting by the window would have come out and said something like...."hey, too many ants on that trail too, let me return your $10 then"....but no such luck. He never offered that. Needless to say, we won't be back....the ants won. Side note: I don't believe in using insecticide because of what it can do to the environment, but they could spray a "bait" on the trails where the ants would take the bait back to their nest to kill the queen. That,or build a boardwalk over the trails.

I loved all the humming birds I saw here! The trail was nice, and very quiet and peaceful. Great hands-on specimens in the nature center, and gorgeous landscaping in front of the building. Wish we had more time!