Arizona
Nature

A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Wetlands Hiding In Arizona

Tres Rios Wetlands in Phoenix, Arizona, is a 700-acre restoration project that offers a lush habitat for diverse wildlife and plants, contrasting the typical desert landscape.

Updated Aug 7, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

Wetlands in Arizona? They do exist, and one of the most incredible among them is hiding in the Phoenix area. The Tres Rios Wetlands is a 700-acre restoration project that is making the Salt River wild again. You definitely won't feel like you're in Arizona anymore when you visit this amazing place.

While not entirely natural - the project is a restoration effort by the City of Phoenix and other local authorities - the 700-acre Tres Rios Wetlands aim to return the Salt River to the condition it was in during the 1800s, before Phoenix became a major urban area.

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City of Phoenix

The project creates a symbiotic relationship between the wetlands and the nearby wastewater treatment facility. Reclaimed water from the plant is pumped into the wetlands, and the plants and animals have their fill before the remainder is emptied into the river.

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City of Phoenix

Visitation to Tres Rios is by permit only. You can request a permit on the City of Phoenix website, and they are valid for six months and allow unlimited visits between sunrise and sunset daily.

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Google/Phoenix Wombat (#PHXWombat)

You won't believe your eyes when you see the types of vegetation that thrive here. From reeds to lily pads to tall grasses, it looks nothing like the desert landscape we're used to.

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Google/Christina Mach

Equally as incredible are all of the animals that call this lush destination home. You'll see more than 150 different species of birds, including the majestic bald eagle...

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City of Phoenix

...and the adorable barn owl. Other creatures that reside in the Tres Rios Wetlands include muskrats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, bobcats, and beavers.

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City of Phoenix

This pristine natural habitat is the perfect place to go for a peaceful stroll or bike ride - and if you're an avid birder, don't leave those binoculars at home!

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Google/Phoenix Wombat (#PHXWombat)

For more information about the Tres Rios Wetlands, visit the City of Phoenix online.

Have you ever visited these incredible wetlands in Arizona? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for a delicious ice cream shop where you can satisfy your sweet tooth after exploring the wetlands.

Looking for more to explore in Arizona? Check out this stunning footage of Sedona:

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Nature|Forests

Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Arizona’s Fall Foliage In 2024

Who's ready for fall and fall colors? Our friends at Smoky Mountains is going to help answer when do leaves change color in Arizona 2024.

Updated Sep 4, 2024

Written by 

Melissa Mahoney

If you live in Arizona and are over the summer heat like I am, fall is the most wonderful season of all! In fact, it's the most wonderful time of the year. As the intense heat dissipates, we can spend as much time outdoors as we want and, best of all, the leaves begin to change from their bright green to hues of crimson, orange, and gold. Each year, our friends at Smoky Mountains create a super helpful predictive map of when the leaves are likely to change color in your part of the state.

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So, when do leaves change color in Arizona? Take a look at the following Arizona fall foliage map 2024 and you'll see!

Our first glimpses of fall will occur in some of the higher elevation areas like Yavapai and Pima Counties around mid-September and will hit their peak roughly a month later.

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Prusak/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Pictured here are Aspens in Prescott at the start of fall.

Imagine viewing fall foliage against the red rocks of Sedona (Yavapai County). Well, you can if you time your visit just right. Make sure you're here sometime around mid-to-late October.

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lmel9000/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Also during mid-to-late October, you should plan on hiking the Aspen Trail Loop in Flagstaff. With the Aspens all in their golden glow, it will be like walking into a dream.

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Von Knight/AllTrails

By this time, Mohave and Coconino counties will start to see the leaves change. This will just be the beginning, so don't expect a full palette of fall colors in these areas quite yet.

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Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo/Moment via Getty Images

As time marches on, the fall colors spread. By early October, both Apache and Navajo counties will begin to see the leaves change. Peak fall foliage will occur by Halloween.

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Susan Ruggles/Photodisc via Getty Images

Be sure to plan lots of fun during this time - by November, the rest of the state should reach peak fall foliage while the counties that started the season weeks earlier will be past their peak... then we can start getting excited about the upcoming holiday season!

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Christopher Harris/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

So, we hope this helps answer when do leaves change in Arizona. Make sure to visit the Smoky Mountains website for more.

What are your plans this fall in Arizona? How about a road trip around the state? Before you hit the open road to go leaf peeping this season, be sure to check out our road trip essentials packing list.

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Nature

There’s A Canyon In Arizona That Looks Just Like Antelope Canyon, But Hardly Anyone Knows It Exists

Waterholes Canyon in Arizona offers a less crowded alternative to the famous Antelope Canyon with stunning red sandstone formations.

Updated Aug 6, 2024

Written by 

Katie Lawrence

Many of the most beautiful natural wonders in Arizona, such as Antelope Canyon, are also some of the most popular destinations in the state - and deservedly so! If you're looking for something a bit more low-key, however, check out Waterholes Canyon near Page. Located in Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, this red sandstone slot canyon looks strikingly similar to nearby Antelope Canyon - but far fewer people know about it.

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Located right off U.S. 89 near Glen Canyon National Recreation Area sits a hidden gem destination that rivals many of Arizona's most famous natural wonders.

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AllTrails/Sara H.

This Navajo-run park is home to the beautiful Waterholes Canyon, a slot canyon boasting dramatic red sandstone walls that bear resemblance to those of nearby Antelope Canyon.

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AllTrails/Bob Simek

Also like Antelope Canyon, the mouth of Waterholes Canyon is much wider than its interior, revealing its true beauty only to those who take the time to get a closer look.

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AllTrails/Nagoji Babu Jadam

Waterholes Canyon may look strikingly similar to Antelope Canyon, but that is about where the likenesses end.

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AllTrails/Matthew DiBenedetto

Antelope Canyon is notorious for being crowded virtually all year, but few people are even aware that Waterholes Canyon exists.

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AllTrails/J. Karl Sanchez

Another thing that sets Waterholes Canyon apart from Antelope Canyon is this beautiful sandstone arch. What a unique formation!

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AllTrails/Sara H.

You can expect to spend about an hour exploring Waterholes Canyon. The trail leading through it is just under three miles long and is relatively easy, with an elevation gain of around 300 feet.

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AllTrails/Anna Stephan

Please note that a fee is required to enter Waterholes Canyon. Additionally, all visitors must be accompanied by a Navajo tour guide.

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AllTrails/J. Karl Sanchez

This fee and reservation system is a good thing, however. Not only does it increase the canyon's exclusivity, but it also helps preserve the land for future generations.

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We call that a win for everyone.

Please visit the Navajo Nation Parks website or the official Navajo Parks & Recreation Facebook page for more information about touring Waterholes Canyon. Not sure what to bring along for the hike of a lifetime? Check out our handy hiking trip packing list for things you can't go without.

Have you ever explored this unique canyon? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience at one of the most unique natural wonders in Arizona! Don't forget to check out our previous article for a nearby eco-retreat in AZ that puts a whole new spin on glamping.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arizona/az-secluded-glampground/

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