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A special piece of Arizona’s natural environment is being protected and restored at the Hassayampa River Preserve near Wickenburg. For most of its 100-mile course through the desert, the Hassayampa River flows only underground. But within the preserve its crystal clear waters emerge, flowing above ground throughout the year. This lush streamside habitat is home to some of the desert’s most spectacular wildlife. Yet many of them have become dangerously imperiled as riparian areas have disappeared from the Arizona landscape. In the Sonoran Desert, riparian areas nourish cottonwood-willow forests, one of the rarest and most threatened forest types in North America. An estimated 90 percent of these critical wet landscapes have been lost, damaged or degraded in the last century. This loss threatens at least 80 percent of Arizona wildlife, which depend upon riparian habitats for survival. Location Hours & Fees Summer: May 14 - Sept. 16 CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY ALL YEAR, as well as on Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve Day and New Year’s Day. The Preserve depends upon entrance fees to carry out its conservation activities. Entry fee is $5 per person; Conservancy members $3; children under 12 are free. Visitors can purchase an annual pass for $25 that allows access to the Hassayampa River Preserve as well as Ramsey Canyon and Patagonia-Sonoita Creek preserves in southeastern Arizona. Trails at the Hassayampa are self-guided, leading you along the lush river bottoms, across the river’s floodplain, through majestic cottonwood-willow forests and dense mesquite bosques (Spanish word for forest) found only near desert waterways. On your walk, a brilliant vermilion flycatcher or an Abert’s towhee on the wing might catch your eye. Also a part of the trail system is a loop around Palm Lake where waterfowl, otherwise uncommon in the desert, are a major attraction. Download checklist of birds at Hassayampa River Preserve. (.pdf, 257 kb) (Get the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader). Docent-led guided walks are available. Please call (928) 684-2772, to find out about regular walks or to schedule a walk for your group. Download trail guide of the preserve. (.pdf, 1,3MB) The Arthur L. Johnson Visitor Center contains interactive displays on desert and riparian ecology which provide guests with colorful and detailed stories about the special plants and animals found within the preserve. What You'll See Planning Your Visit Spring-fed Palm Lake is a unique four-acre pond and marsh habitat. The marshy pond habitat attracts an impressive array of water birds such as the great blue heron, white-faced ibis, and pied-billed grebe. The large willows around the lake provide important nesting habitat for the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher. What's New Gear Getting There Preserve Regulations No swimming or wading, alcoholic beverages, feeding or disturbing wildlife, motorized vehicles or bicycles. No collecting of any kind. Do not damage or remove any plants, animals, wood, minerals, or artifacts. No camping, hunting or fishing. Nor fires or firearms are permitted. No dogs, horses, or other domestic animals; radios, tape players, & electronic calling devices. Calendar of Nature Events Preserve History Places to Visit Questions?
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