INTRODUCTION
VIEWING SPOTS
Quitobaquito Spring
Alamo Lake
Hassayampa River
Robbins Butte
Colorado River
San Pedro River
Empire-Cienega
Gila River
ARIZONA RESOURCES
GORP WILDLIFE
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Green Ribbons through the Desert
Arizona's Riparian Wildlife Areas |
A GORP Content Partner
Adapted from
Arizona Wildlife Viewing Guide
by John N. Carr
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Hassayampa River Preserve
The Basics
Directions: The preserve is three miles south of Wickenburg on U.S. 60
Ownership: The Nature Conservancy (520) 684-2772
Size: 340 acres
Closest Town: Wickenburg
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In the floodplain of the Hassayampa River, this site has a riparian woodland of cottonwoods, willows, and large mesquites. Four-acre Palm Lake attracts great blue herons, snowy egrets, and ducks, and is a refuge for five species of native desert fish. The bird checklist of 229 species includes some rare Arizona hawks; zone-tailed and sharp-shinned hawks, and Mississippi kites. Mule deer, javelina, raccoons, and ringtails frequent the riparian area. Zebra-tail and whiptail lizards are common.
Viewing Information: The preserve is open Wednesday through Sunday, with winter hours from 8 am to 5 pm and summer hours from 6 am to noon. Interpretive information is available at the visitor center and bookstore. There are guided walks and self-guided trails. Desert wildlife is attracted to the riparian areas, especially in the dry summer months. The Gilbert skink, a rare Arizona lizard, lives in the woody debris. On Monday or Tuesday, visit the state highway roadside rest area two miles to the south.
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