During our month in Wickenburg, Arizona, we visited the Hassayampa River Preserve several times. My favorite time was early morning, perfect for spotting wildlife in the warm rays. On one trip, we arrived late, after noon—my least favorite for photography—but we still enjoyed our hike. Here’s a sneak peek of this stunning preserve. I recommend packing a lunch and taking time to explore the numerous trails to see the creatures that call this ecosystem home.

The roadway leading into the preserve is a one-lane dirt road, but don’t worry as it’s quite easily traveled, with several convenient spots along the way to tuck into if an oncoming vehicle happens to meet you. The parking lot at the preserve appears surprisingly small, which may catch you off guard at first. But, again, don’t worry— all you have to do is continue driving to the northern side, past the restrooms, and you’ll discover an expansive parking lot that can accommodate many visitors. Just a heads-up: the only bathrooms in the park are located on the outside, so make sure to plan accordingly before you head into the natural beauty of the preserve.

We recommend spending some time at the center, engage with the volunteer staff who are experts in the riparian environment. At times the ranger is present as well but often they are off maintaining the grounds or as you’ll see, herding bulls and cattle who wander onto the preserve. Can’t blame the cattle, who doesn’t want the best grass around?

The trail system is very well marked, easy to traverse with simple tennis shoes and a backpack with plenty of water and sunscreen. The manner in which the park has thoughtfully placed the extensive trail system is truly fantastic. Even on the busiest days, you won’t encounter overwhelming crowds as you leisurely walk along, thanks to the abundance of trails available to sample and explore! Before you head onto the trails, make sure you check out the garden!

We hiked the Palm Lake Loop first to scout out any wildlife that might be out for a noon meal and boy did we hit the jackpot!! We spotted several different species of native birds as we strolled but my entire attention was grabbed by my favorite bird of all time, the heron!! I couldn’t have set this shot any better as far as composition. A heron telling two turtles how they got their shells? Priceless! I only wished my 150-600mm zoom lens was another 200mm longer as this is maxed out to hit the opposite end of the lake where they were sunning on the log.

I spent a half hour simply watching the magnificent heron and the charming turtles, observing their interactions in the serene environment. Finally, the heron seemed to have had enough of our presence, and after fluffing his feathers in a graceful frilly dance, he took off, swooping over the upturned heads of the curious turtles below. What an unforgettable encounter! Okay time to hike….

We took a detour on the Willow Walkway to check out the side path leading to the ‘back side’ of the pond. The trail meandered through mesquite forests and suddenly opened up to a surprise, a Wind Phone. In 2011, after the devastating tsunami in Japan which resulted in 2,000 villagers losing their lives, Wind Phones became a popular way for the living to symbolically “call” their loved ones. They offered such solace and a manner to express grief with the simple act of dialing a loved ones number and speaking into the phone, voices carried off into the wind that similar phones began popping up around the world. It was interesting to find one in Wickenburg!

At the end of the scenic loop trail, you’ll encounter a true hidden gem, a stunning palm oasis that reaches gracefully toward the heavens, creating a cool and lush environment for various birds to find shelter from the warm temperatures of the surroundings. A charming picnic area sits nearby, which you may have passed on your way around the loop, perfect for a little break or a snack. Next up, we hiked the Mesquite Meander, and at that point, it was time for Aaron to showcase his delightful Dr. DoLittle characteristics as he attempted to engage in a conversation with a rather curious bull and several cattle that had meandered onto the preserve lands. To our amusement, however, the bull seemed completely uninterested, even with Aaron proudly sporting his bright red shorts! On another day of exploration, and wearing black shorts this time, Aaron found his bull once again.

I have to say aside from the Palm Lake Loop, my favorite trail to explore was the River Ramble. Meandering alongside and sometimes over the Hassayampa River this delightful trail truly showcases the stunning habitat. Not only did we encounter more cattle, but the ducks, squirrels, birds, and amphibians were out galore.

According to The Nature Conservatory “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% of these critical wet landscapes have been lost, damaged or degraded in the last century. This loss threatens at least 80% of Arizona wildlife, which depend upon riparian habitats for survival.” We spent several days wandering the trails through the preserve and each and every time, encountered numerous wildlife seeking nourishment along the creek. To know that these lands are disappearing is sad - but for now, the wildlife at Hassayampa are flourishing.

For a video preview of the preserve along with a glimpse of our other excursions during our month in Wickenburg, check out Aaron’s video below…

Photography and Hiking at Hassayampa River Preserve, Wickenburg, Arizona

Wickenburg is Arizona’s Best Small Town!