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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

A True Hidden Gem, The 770-Acre Hassayampa River Preserve Is Perfect For Arizona Nature Lovers

Hassayampa River Preserve in Arizona offers serene trails, abundant wildlife, and scenic views, making it a hidden gem for nature lovers.

Published Sep 27, 2022

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

If you love spending time in Arizona's great outdoors, there's a good chance you've already discovered many of the best spots. One you likely haven't heard of, however, is Hassayampa River Preserve, nestled out in the boonies near Wickenburg. Among the best nature centers in Arizona, it's the perfect escape if you're in need of some peace and quiet, and the trails and wildlife viewing opportunities are incredible.

Welcome to the Hassayampa River Preserve!

Entrance sign for Hassayampa River Preserve, featuring a metal arch and surrounding desert landscape.
TripAdvisor/travelwriter52

"Hassayampa," or "upside down," is a name given to the Hassayampa River because it primarily flows underground. Here at the nature center, however, the river flows above the surface for all to see and enjoy.

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Spanning 770 acres, the preserve allows visitors to see nearly 300 species of birds that use the lush riparian habitat for living, nesting, and migrating.

A mallard duck flaps its wings while standing on a log in a pond, surrounded by water and greenery.
TripAdvisor/birderrose

Due to its relatively remote location, this Maricopa County oasis is somewhat of a hidden gem.

A dirt path through a lush green area with trees and shrubs, featuring an informational sign on the right.
TripAdvisor/CJSArizona

Next time you find yourself on U.S. Highway 60 89 headed towards Wickenburg, it's more than worth a stop.

There are a number of self-guided trails to embark on, and none of them are particularly strenuous.

A wooden bridge spans a dry creek bed surrounded by lush greenery and trees in a tranquil forest setting.
TripAdvisor/CJSArizona

One of the most beautiful trails leads around a crystal-clear lake filled with native vegetation, and it also happens to be handicap-accessible.

A serene pond surrounded by tall grasses and trees, with a few ducks swimming peacefully.
TripAdvisor/shardydmd

Another trail leads hikers to the top of a hill and offers unobstructed views for miles in all directions.

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Lush green valley surrounded by hills under a clear blue sky, showcasing a serene natural landscape.
TripAdvisor/Esty666

Plenty of benches and picnic tables line the paths, so you can pause and take in the sights and sounds of nature whenever the mood strikes.

A solitary white chair sits on a grassy path surrounded by overgrown bushes and trees in a quiet outdoor setting.
TripAdvisor/birderrose

You will also see a visitor center with lots of helpful information (and friendly staff who are always eager to supply it).

A charming white building with a green metal roof, surrounded by palm trees and desert plants, featuring large windows.
TripAdvisor/CaliLeo

Behind the visitor center, a flower garden brimming with desert flowers offers a treat for the eyes (and nose - the blooms smell so lovely at their peak).

A desert-style home with wooden doors, surrounded by lush greenery and cacti in a gravel landscape.
TripAdvisor/CaliLeo

Visit the Maricopa County Parks website for more information about the preserve, including current hours and entrance fees.

Have you ever been to Hassayampa River Preserve? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments!

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The Audubon Center in Arizona Where You’ll See More Than 200 Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

You don't have to go too far to go birdwatching when you live in the Phoenix Metro area as we have our very own Audubon Center right here in the city.

Published Oct 17, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

You don't have to go too far to go birdwatching when you live in the Phoenix Metro area. In fact, we have our very own Audubon center right here in the city! This Audubon Center in Arizona serves as an oasis for over 200 bird species. Perhaps you can spend an afternoon here and see how many you can spot. Just bring your hiking shoes, a pair of binoculars, and maybe a Southwest birding guide for this outdoor adventure.

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Located within the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area in Phoenix lies the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center. Free to visit, this incredible Audubon Center is located at 3131 South Central Avenue.

A vibrant red bird perched on a branch surrounded by green leaves, with a soft, blurred background.
The only completely red bird in North America, the strawberry-colored male Summer Tanager is an eye-catching sight against the green leaves of the forest canopy. The mustard-yellow female is harder to spot, though both sexes have a very distinctive chuckling call note. Fairly common during the summer, these birds migrate as far as the middle of South America each winter. All year long they specialize in catching bees and wasps on the wing, somehow avoiding being stung by their catches. Summer Tanagers are medium-sized, chunky songbirds with big bodies and large heads. They have large, thick, blunt-tipped bills. This one was in Spartanburg, SC where they migrate in summer

The Rio Salado Audubon Center is set along the Salt River for 5 miles providing a riparian habitat rich in birds and other wildlife. In fact, over 200 bird species have been spotted throughout the 600-acre wildlife refuge. How many do you think you could spot in a single afternoon?

The Rio Salado landscape is a mix of wetlands, mesquite bosque, and forests filled with cottonwoods and willows. Birds love it here and so will you! During your visit, you may be able to spot an Anna's Hummingbird flittering around, a great blue heron wading in the river, or a greater roadrunner dashing across a trail.

A roadrunner with distinctive feathers walks across a gravelly ground, surrounded by sparse vegetation.
A shot of a road runner travelling through the desert.

While there are 5 miles of trails to enjoy, you may also want to participate in one of the Rio Salado Audubon Center's Free Guided Bird Walks. These informative hikes are held on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. and are a great way for people of all ages to learn about bird species found right here in Phoenix.

As someone who has worked at an Audubon Center for a number of years on the East Coast, I know how serious birdwatching can be. And I assure you, the Rio Salado Audubon Center is one of the best places for birding in Phoenix. Have you ever visited this Audubon Center in Arizona and, if so, did you go birdwatching? How many and which bird species did you spot? We would love to hear from you!

A colorful hummingbird with iridescent feathers hovers in mid-air against a blurred background.
Alan Vernon / Moment Collection via Getty Images

For additional information such as location, directions, and hours of operation, visit the Rio Salado Audubon Center web page. Keep in mind that the center itself is closed on Sundays and Mondays and on most holidays. However, the property around the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area is open 7 days a week throughout the year from dawn until 7 p.m. or dusk.

Would you like ideas for more outdoor adventures in Arizona? Take a look at the top hiking trails in Arizona, and download the AllTrails+ app as your guide.

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Nature|Wildlife & Farms

The Best Apple Cider in Arizona Comes From This Family-Owned Farm

Mortimer Farms is perfect for a fall day trip and some of the best apple cider in Arizona.

Published Sep 11, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

Why are the three months of fall the best part of the year? Well, at least that's how it is for me. As a New Englander-turned-desert-dweller, I used to think that fall fun only occurred where I grew up. After all, New England is the fall foliage capital of the U.S., right? Well, when I found out that fall is also a big deal here in Arizona, I fell in love with the state just a little bit more! Just like where my childhood roots are, there are farms, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, apples, apple cider donuts, apple cider, and other fall treats to be had in the Grand Canyon State. And if you're on the hunt for the best apple cider in Arizona, I suggest you visit Mortimer Farms.

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exterior of mortimer farms in arizona with a john deere tractor in foreground
Mortimer Farms/Google Reviews

Visiting a farm during the fall should be a requirement because there's no other place to really enjoy the season in such a fun way! Mortimer Farms is one of those farms that's perfect for a fall day trip in Arizona.

Located in Dewey, this family-owned farm offers seasonal events including its annual Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze which runs from late September through late October. During this time, you can have fun watching pig races and a tractor parade, participating in a Friday night barn dance, picking out pumpkins from the pumpkin patch, meeting farm animals, going on a hayride, and so much more.

A field of pumpkins at sunset, with a mix of orange and white pumpkins scattered across the ground.
Mortimer Farms/Facebook

You'll also find plenty of food options between all the food trucks and farm-fresh fall goodies like pies, apple cider donuts, and apple cider. In fact, you can watch an apple cider press demo at the fall festival to see how it's made right here at Mortimer Farms!

A clear glass cup of golden liquid next to a red apple, set on a checkered tablecloth.
adrianabeckova90 / 500px via Getty Images

Of course, you won't be able to resist taking home a half gallon or so of apple cider. Countless customers rave about how incredibly fresh and tasty Mortimer Farms' cider is whether you drink it hot or cold.

Another recommendation is the apple cider donuts if they're available. No one can resist an apple cider donut, especially one that's made fresh on a farm.

A pile of cinnamon sugar-coated donuts on a surface sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
Mortimer Farms/Facebook

Where have you had the best apple cider in Arizona? Is it Mortimer Farms in Dewey? For location, events, and pick-your-own information, visit the Mortimer Farms website and give its Facebook page a follow for updates on all the family-friendly farm fun!

Are you ready to explore the Grand Canyon State in the fall? Take a look at all the incredible fall destinations in Arizona. If hiking is on your list of things to do this fall, download the AllTrails+ app to find hiking trails near you.

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