Ranger Shaun plans to enjoy these late morning hikes before it gets too warm to take them. Come along for this leisurely stroll around Palm Lake as we look for wildlife, enjoy the scenery, and practice using iNaturalist a bit to prep for the upcoming City Nature Challenge (see info below)! This 0.6-mile walk will follow the Palm Lake loop, a barrier free with several viewpoints of Palm Lake along the way. The pace is intended to be relaxed, with time to pause for wildlife view and picture taking. Please dress in layers, as the temperature, especially in the areas around the river and lake, can be a bit unpredictable this time of year. Water bottles are always recommended, as are closed toed shoes, sunscreen, and a head covering of some sort. Hassayampa River Preserve does NOT allow pets. Restrooms and water will be available near the parking area.

MEETING LOCATION: Preserve Visitor Center Limit 10 participants.

To register, please call the Preserve Visitor Center at (602) 506-2930 ext. 9 with your name, phone number and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Nature Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on 04/02/24. We invite everyone to return as a park citizen scientist on April 26-29 for the City Nature Challenge, an international effort that encourages all citizens to find and document plants and wildlife on iNaturalist in cities across the globe. This bioblitz-style competition challenges local communities to make the most observations in nature during this 4-day period, and then this data is available for science, management, and conservation. So this April 26-29, connect with your open spaces, your community, and other global naturalist using only your phone or camera to record nature wherever you go! For more info, check out www.citynaturechallenge.org.

Did you know that over 300 species of birds have been found at the Hassayampa River Preserve? Enjoy an easy-paced walk with seasoned birder and bird bander Anne Leight to spot and identify the many resident and migratory birds of the Preserve. Some binoculars are available to borrow. MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center.

Limit 10 participants. To register, please call the Preserve Visitor Center at 602-506-2930 ext. 9. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Preserve Visitor Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list.  

• 2/13 & 2/1
• 4/9 & 4/10
• 6/11 & 6/12
• 8/13 & 8/14
• 10/15 & 10/16
• 12/10 & 12/11

Did you know that over 300 species of birds have been found at the Hassayampa River Preserve? Enjoy an easy-paced walk with seasoned birder and bird bander Anne Leight to spot and identify the many resident and migratory birds of the Preserve. Some binoculars are available to borrow. MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center.

Limit 10 participants. To register, please call the Preserve Visitor Center at 602-506-2930 ext. 9. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Preserve Visitor Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list.  

Hike the scenic riparian forest of the Hassayampa River Preserve before scaling Lyke’s Lookout for a stunning view! This is a 1.15-mile, moderate difficulty hike featuring a steep 90-foot ascent at the end. Please dress appropriately with closed toed shoes and layers as temperatures can fluctuate near the river and in the sun at the mountain top. Water and restrooms are available near the visitor center where we will meet. Hassayampa River Preserve does not allow pets.

MEETING LOCATION: Preserve Visitor Center

Limit 10 participants. To register, please call the Preserve Visitor Center at 602-506-2930 ext. 9 with your name, phone number, and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Preserve Visitor Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on 4/17/24.

Learn about the Preserve’s historic stand of California fan palms, how these tropical trees can grow in the desert Southwest, and their importance to both wildlife and native cultures. Did you know that these palms were sourced from a native population in Arizona? Find out more! We will be hosting this table inside the Visitor Center. Afterwards, you can check out the palm grove out on the trails.

MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center No registration required. Just show up anytime between 1-2p.

Join Ranger Eric for a guided bird walk to look and listen for resident and migrant species within the diverse desert riparian habitat of the Hassayampa River Preserve. Along the way we will discuss how to identify birds by sight and sound, and about the behavioral and ecological traits that make them unique. Some binoculars are available to borrow. Please wear sturdy footwear and sun protection and carry ample water for yourself.

MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center

Limit 10 participants. To register, please call the Preserve Visitor Center at 602-506-2930 ext. 9 with your name, phone number, and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Preserve Visitor Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. Registration for this program will close on Wednesday, 4/24/24.

The Wickenburg Visitor Center will be closed from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon) on Friday, April 26 as we celebrate our fabulous Visitor Center volunteers for National Volunteer Week.

The Visitor Center will reopen at noon on Friday.

Our apologies for any inconvenience.