A special piece of Arizona’s natural environment is being protected and restored at the Hassayampa River Preserve near Wickenburg. Now, after more than a quarter-century as a Nature Conservancy preserve, the preserve will become part of the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area. This new chapter for Hassayampa River Preserve is being made possible by a partnership between the Conservancy and Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department.

For most of its 100-mile course through the desert, the Hassayampa River flows only underground. But within the preserve its crystal clear waters emerge, flowing above the ground throughout the year. This lush streamside habitat is home to some of the desert’s most spectacular wildlife. Yet many of them have become dangerously imperiled as riparian areas have disappeared from the Arizona landscape.

Hassayampa River Preserve is three miles southeast of Wickenburg. From central Phoenix, take I-17 north to the AZ-74 (Carefree Highway) exit. Go left on AZ-74 to US-60. Turn right onto US-60. From the west side of Phoenix, take I-10 west to the Cotton Lane/AZ-303 Loop exit. Continue on the AZ-303 Loop to US-60. Turn left onto US-60 towards Wickenburg. The preserve is on the west side of the highway near milepost marker 114.