HASSAYAMPA RIVER PRESERVE AN OASIS IN THE DESERT

BY ANDREAS SCHMALZ info@valleyvibenews.com

Whether passing through Wickenburg or looking for ideas for a day trip, consider visiting one of Maricopa County’s newer parks, the Hassayampa River Preserve.

Originally a Nature Conservancy preserve, the Parks and Recreation Department became part owner in 2017.

What makes the preserve so unique is that the Hassayampa River, which flows underground through the majority of its course, actually flows above ground at the preserve, and creates a coveted riparian area that is home to abundant wildlife. The preserve appeals to birders and those looking for a relatively easy-to-manage trail system under the shady canopies from cottonwoods, willows, mesquites, acacias and fan palms.

The preserve is located on the west side of U.S. Highway 60. While there is a very short left turn lane when heading northbound, it can be easy to miss, so keep an eye out for it.

The trail system at the preserve consists of six interconnected loops and one spur trail called Lyke’s Lookout, which ascends roughly 200 feet up a rocky hill to a beautiful vista.

To the west is a historic railway that adds to the charm of the scenery.

Palm Lake is a spring-fed swampy oasis that is home to various birds, turtles, dragonflies and other small critters. The trail system around Palm Lake is easy to navigate and provides numerous observation points. The Mesquite Meander Trail is the longest loop at just 0.6 miles and leads through a forest of mesquite and cottonwood trees.

Lion Trail crosses the Hassayampa River via a small footbridge and loops through a section of the riverbed that is often dry. Be particularly cautious on these trails during the warmer months when snake activity tends to increase. There are also guided tours available that require registration in advance and are limited in size. The nature center onsite contains abundant displays and plenty of information about the preserve.

For those who would like to pair their visit with a guided walk, hike or educational event, visit the calendar at www. maricopacountyparks. net.

A visit to the Hassayampa River Preserve will likely be just one stop along the way while heading up to Wickenburg. It’s a town rich with history and it has plenty of attractions to offer, such as the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, historic buildings along Frontier Street, the Jail Tree, team roping at local arenas, and the nearby Vulture City ghost town and hiking at Vulture Peak. There are of course plenty of options for food and lodging too, so one might consider a longer stay to really soak it all in.

Getting There

Hassayampa River Preserve

49614 U.S. Hwy. 60 89 Wickenburg, AZ 85390

602-506-2930 ext. 9 www.maricopacountyparks.net

Admission $5/Adult; Free/Children 12 and under Hours Wednesday through Sunday (May–October)

7 a.m.–4 p.m.;

8 a.m..–5 p.m.; November–April.

From I-17, head west on Carefree Highway (AZ–74) to U.S. 60 East to the Hassayampa River Preserve parking lot. The trip from North Phoenix is approximately 39 miles.