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| - Lovely!! One of the area's most amazing nature walks sits just five minutes south of downtown Phoenix. Here, gritty urban industrial meets nature, solitude, singing birds and running water. You'll frequently exclaim "look! it's a bird! It's a plane! " Literally.
Abundant bird life ( I spotted six white egrets, herons, cormorants, numerous waterfowl and birds of prey on a recent visit) as well as beaver, muskrat, coyote, rabbits. Gorgeous stands of cottonwood trees and cattails that are just starting to grow back after the recent storms. There are two levels of trails - a paved one that offers excellent panoramic views of the city skyline and south mountain range; and unpaved dirt-rock trails that lead you right into the river bottom. Please be respectful of the request that dogs stay on the paved trails, as that is what helps preserve the amazing wild bird life that is here. We counted 40 different kinds of birds on a recent walk.
The preserve runs from 16 street to 19 ave, though the most visually interesting segment is central ave to about 15 ave. Open sunrise to sunset with ample parking at central or 7th avenues. Restrooms and water fountains and shade on the north side at both locations. To cross to the other side of the river you must use the car overpasses at the major intersections, but there is safe pedestrian access in both directions. The Audubon center on south side of central ave is also worth a brief visit. Enjoy your stroll, hike, bike ride, birdwatching adventure, dog walk, or all of the above!
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