HASSAYAMPA RIVER PRESERVE
The Nature Conservancy, Wickenburg
 |
River Ramble Trail
|
 |
| Palm Lake |
Tucked between
US60 and
BNSF railroad
tracks on the outskirts of Wickenburg, an enchanting forest thrives in a rare
riraprian corridor of an "upside down" river. Like many desert
waterways, the Hassayampa River--which runs 100 miles from Prescott to the Gila
River southwest of Buckeye--flows underground except in only a few places, thus
earning its Yavapai moniker "upside down" river. One place in the river's course
where water flows year-round is The
Nature Conservancy's Hassayampa River Preserve. More than two miles of hiking
trails wind through this 700+- acre property.
The paths range in difficulty from barrier-free (Palm Lake
Trail) to mildly challenging (Lykes Lookout) and each showcases a particular
aspect of the site's ecological diversity.
The most wild of the trails is River Ramble
which
wanders along the waterway in a tangle of gigantic
cottonwoods and Goodding willows with a carcophony of bird songs drifting
through the canopy.
Here, it's easy to spot herons and
other water fowl lurking among cattails. Along the muddy banks, a frenzy of
racoon, opossum, skunk and fox prints betray the critters skulking in the
underbrush.
Other preserve trails
focus on endangered mesquite bosques and a spring-fed lake replete with
water-loving vegetation.
It's no
wonder this place is a magnet for birds both common and rare.
In February, Cedar Waxwings and
Yellow-rumped Warblers splatter flicks of lemony color through trees and shrubs.
More common aboreal winged creatures
like brilliant scarlet
Northern
Cardinals and vociferous Curve-billed Thrashers add familiar sounds to the bird
convention.
February is a terrific
month for viewing either on your own or as part of a guided tour.
Either way, plan on spending several
hours exploring this incredible roadside gem.
LENGTH: 2.54 miles (6 short trails)
RATING:
easy-difficult
ELEVATION: 1900'- 1980'
FEES: $5 per
person ($3 for members). Kids 12 & under get in free.
DOGS: pets are not allowed in the preserve
HOURS: Sept -
May: 8 a.m - 5 p.m. May - Sept 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.. Hours/Days vary by season, so
visit the website or call ahead. Closed on Mondays,Tuesdays and most major
holidays.
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, go north on I17 to Carefree Highway
(AZ74) at exit 223. Turn left (go west toward Wickenburg)
and continue 30 miles to US60.
Turn right (north) and go 6 miles to the Conservancy turn off on the
left near milepost 114.
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