Riparian Reserve at Water Ranch
Located:
2757 E Guadalupe Rd
Gilbert, Az 85234
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a nature preserve located in Gilbert, Arizona. The preserve consists of several hundred acres of riparian habitat along the banks of Water Ranch lake. The preserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including several rare and endangered species. The preserve was created by the city of Gilbert in 1990. The purpose of the reserve was to combine water resources and protect natural wildlife that was being chased out of the area by expanding home developments.
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is one of the few remaining riparian habitats in the Southwest desert. Covering over 110 acres of land and consisting of 7 ponds occupying roughly 70 of the acres. The reserve has over 4.5 miles of hiking trails. The distance provides a great option for outdoor activities and moderate-intensity hikes. The preserve protects a variety of plant and animal species, many of which are rare or endangered. With nearly 330 unique species of animals, a reserve is a great place for kids and adults to see nature up close.
The preserve is open to the public for hiking, bird watching, and other activities. When walking the trails you will see both locals and tourists taking pictures, reading books, and enjoying conversations. Keep in mind with the extreme desert heat the trails are much busier during the fall to spring months. During the summer the local area can get well over 100 degrees. During the summer, if you want to visit the Preserve you are much better doing so early in the morning or later in the evening around sunset.
There is plenty of parking and the Riparian does have restroom facilities. When visiting enjoy the land but make sure to clean up after yourself. The preserve has locations for picnics and dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a leash. An important thing to keep in mind is that the animals are wild. For both your safety and the safety of the animals do not approach animals. If you bring food enjoy it yourself. Please do not feed the animals human food.
Fishing is allowed at the Water Ranch Lake, but it is a strict catch and release policy. There are multiple signs that post where fishing is allowed. Enjoy your visit and be courteous to other people looking to enjoy the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch.
Learn more about the great city by visiting the Gilbert Museum.