When you’re in Gilbert, Arizona, there are plenty of places to go for outdoor recreation. Whether you want to go bird watching, hiking, or just be outdoors, here are some spots to check out in the area.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is the top recreation and education center in Arizona. The preserve protects habitat so wildlife can stay there and protects natural resources that are valuable. They work to increase appreciation and awareness of the natural history and ecology system in Arizona, such as the riparian and desert environments. This is a great place to go bird watching as well. You can see up to 200 different birds from all around the country at the preserve, and you may even see rare birds if you’re lucky.
The Riparian Preserve also has Family Bird Walks that take place on the third Saturday of every month from October through March. You’ll be able to borrow binoculars and be with an expert bird watcher for a short walk to see what you can find. It’s a fun activity to do if you’re just getting into bird watching, as they’ll tell you what to look for and how to do it. There’s also an opportunity to join a group of advanced bird watchers if you’ve been doing this for a while and want to spot some of the harder to find birds.
San Tan Mountain Regional Park
The San Tan Mountain Regional Park has over 10,000 acres to explore and is a great example of the lowest Sonoran Desert. The elevation varies from 1,400 feet to 2,500 feet, so it’s a good place for hikers of any level to test out their skills. There are over eight miles of trails to go hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. You can choose a leisurely trail that’s only a mile long or go for a trail that’s up to five miles long.
For those looking for an easier hike, check out the Moonlight Trail, which is a fairly short but scenic hike. A more difficult hike would be the San Tan Trail, which is 5.1 miles long. You’ll go through parts of the Central Valley and Broken Lands to get to the summit of the Goldmine Mountains. If you’re lucky, you may even see local wildlife, such as coyotes, peccaries, and Gila monsters.
Desert Breeze Park & Spray Animals
Desert Breeze Park has plenty of outdoor amenities to explore. Check out the hummingbird habitat, which is a demonstration garden that shows off beautiful southwestern plants that are a natural part of the environment and survive on a minimal amount of water. You’ll be able to identify plants on your own thanks to markers on the interpretive trail. There’s also a lake, playground, tennis court, ball fields, walking trail, and restrooms available at the park, so the whole family will find something to enjoy. When it gets hot out, kids will love cooling off in the Animal Spray & Splash Pad. The park is closed from November through March.
“Bird” via Flickr by likeaduck. Used with permission via CC BY-SA 2.0 / cropped from original
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