This Hidden Destination In Arizona Is A Secret Only Locals Know About
Looking for a tucked away spot that most people don’t even know exists? Sometimes it can be tough to find those places but when you do, it’s well worth the effort. Every town and city have their own locals-only places that manage to remain hidden away from tourists and, frankly, I like it that way. But today we’re going to take a look at one spot that looks like an average park from far away but is actually a riparian preserve for migratory animals right in the middle of a Phoenix suburb. That place is Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert.
A riparian preserve in Gilbert? Yup! It has been sitting at the southeast corner of Greenfield and Guadalupe Roads since 1999, covering 110 acres (or about ¼ of a city block).
The preserve consists of seven ponds and plenty of towering trees, making it a travel destination for about 200 different species of birds and other little animals that flock to riparian areas.
For residents and visitors, it makes a nice area for a day walk with paths winding around the ponds for a beautiful view of the preserve. Most of the trail is composed of packed dirt but you will find a portion that is concrete like what you see below.
In addition to the numerous animals, the paths, and the scenery, you’ll also find an observatory, a botanical garden, and a “Dino Dig” spot for the kids to learn a little about paleontology.
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
