HASSAYAMPA RIVER PRESERVE
HASSAYAMPA RIVER PRESERVE
Wickenburg
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| Sacred datura bloom along River Ramble Trail |
The month of June is
notoriously rife with wildfire activity. Historically, it's our
driest month leading into monsoon season. Hikers who like to escape
the heat on high elevation trails may find their plans thwarted by
road closures, smoke and the possibility of more fires popping up
with no warning. During those weeks when it seems like the whole
state is on fire, it's good to know that that there's an alternative
cool hiking destination located not too far from Downtown Phoenix.
The trails at Hassayampa
River Preserve in Wickenburg offer respite from the heat under
canopies of cottonwoods, willows, mesquite, alders and enormous
Desert fan palms. Straddling one of the few places where the
100-mile-long river flows above ground, the preserve has trails that
explore the site's diversity. River Ramble Trail follows a channel of
trickling perennial water through a tangled, green forest flush with
wildflowers and an arboreal symphony of bird songs. The overhead
avian chatter is a constant companion and it's nearly impossible to
miss the brilliant red Vermillion flycathers, Summer Tanagers, hawks
and flocks of song sparrows fluttering from tree to tree. Mesquite Meander Trail loops through a
haunting maze of Velvet mesquite trees that arch over the sandy path.
Other trails circle spring fed Palm Lake where viewing areas with
benches are situated near prime habitats for ducks, egrets and
herons.
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| Hassayampa River |
Most of the trails are flat
and easy except for Lykes' Lookout, that makes a short but very steep climb to a stony mound overlooking the rare desert oasis.
LENGTH: 2.54 miles
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| Lots of shade on the Palm Lake Trail |
RATING: barrier free -
difficult
ELEVATION: 1,900' -1,980'
GETTING THERE:
49614 N. US 60/89,
Wickenburg.
From Phoenix, go north on
Interstate 17 to Carefree Highway (State Route74) at exit 223. Go 3
miles west toward Wickenburg to US60. Turn right (north) and continue
6 miles to the Conservancy turn off on the left near milepost 114.
SUMMER HOURS:
May 14-Sept. 16
Friday - Sunday
7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Trails close at 10:30 a.m.
Pets are not allowed.
ADMISSION: $5 per person, $3 for The Nature Conservancy members.
INFO & TRAIL MAP:
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