Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA

Address:	2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA
Phone:	+1 480-503-6234
Site:	riparianinstitute.org
Rating:	4.8
Working:	6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 18

Deanna Yauch

This place is amazing. So many trails to wander, most of which I can use my stroller on. An observatory that holds viewing times every weekend, with other scattered special events. A sand pit where kids can dig for "dinosaur bones." Unique play structures where kids can do lots of climbing over and under. A bridge over the lake that is perfect for feeding ducks, and you can spot the occasional turtle. You can even check out scavenger packs from the connected library. A few bathrooms with water fountains throughout the preserve.

Rosemary Bingaman

This is a beautiful treasure in Gilbert. Bird watchers will love this place. The desert garden has a wide variety of plants and trees. Children will love the playground area and the dinosaur dig area. The trails are fantastic and offer both short distance and moderate (up to 2 mile) distances for walks and runs. Bird watchers can take in the fantastic marshy areas that are set up to attract migrating birds. I saw a white heron as we walked through the area. Fishing and a beautiful lake stroll are also available.

Jesus

Sometimes it smells during the Summer, but its still a great place to visit. One of the Veterans at MCC said this was her happy place and that she always sees a coyote when she goes there. I havent seen one yet, but they have a diverse array of bird species, bunnies/rabbits (conejos) hopping all over the place or relaxing, and I did see a snake. Also there are signs saying coyotes there. Maybe one day Ill get lucky or theres a trick to seeing the coyotes. Also theres a library there, an observatory, and outdoor events.

Martin D

It would improve this place to have an information kiosk or building that models the lakes with real running water. It could inspire more water technology experimentation such as solarized oxygenization. The city could harvest plant food here to grow trees taller. The new parking lots of the cities should be regulated to a shade percentage so fewer people leave in the summer. The cities should work together to make the valley more year-round to capture more retirement dollars.

Daniel Covey

Beautiful preserve with wide, flat trails suitable for walking, running, or slow biking. Quite a sanctuary for birds year-round especially during migration. Safe and family/senior friendly. One of your best choices for a free and fun family outing. Hint: purchase a small bag of food for the geese/ducks/swans at the Wild Birds Unlimited at the corner of Gilbert and Baseline...you can feed these feathered friends from the designated walkable bridge. Its an amazing feeding frenzy!

Robert Thomas

Nice hiking trails around 7 large ponds, Water Ranch Lake, and adjoining Eastern Canal Trail, San Tan Vista Trail and Western Power Line Trail. Fishing, wildlife and migratory bird watching. Learn about ancient and present geology. Observatory may be reserved for private viewing of the cosmos. Southeast Maricopa Library library lies within. Camping spots may be reserved. Abundent riparian and desert plants and trees are interesting.

Vanessa Mitchell

Such an amazing place, a great little escape in the middle of the city. So beautiful there! Be careful walking around for those with severe seasonal allergies - there are so many allergy including plants and trees! But take your Zyrtec and come e Joy this awesome little piece of nature we have in our backyards. Fun for all ages, good walk. They also have a nice park area for kids. Fishing in also allowed in certain parts of the park.

Kim Parten

I work at Drops of Beauty Medical Spa it is walking distance from the Riparian Preserve. Ive been sending patients to Riparian for years to go relax before they come in. Being from Canada, this preserve is such a treasure of green trees, meadows, lakes, and awesome birds. My kids love the trails and the wildlife and would surely built a house there if they could. GO! Great for all ages. Then go to the library too :). Love Gilbert!

Daniel Lawrence

This is a swick place to spend a good chunk of your day! The wildlife, plants, and ponds are all so cool to check out. A real treat in the suburban desert. Sometimes smells mildly like earthy poop but I still recommend going. Lots of trails to explore and sights to see. Also thank you to whoever decided to put a restroom in the middle of the preserve. Best idea of the whole project, really came in handy.

Christiane Giovanetti

Great place to walk around, plenty of shade, and shady spots to sit! Dozens of trails to explore, and its so fun for the kids to look for different types of birds or the many rabbits hopping around! Aside from the trails, there is a little play area for the children. Feeding the ducks is also fun! Just make sure to bring some oats instead of bread! Also a Wonderful place for photo opportunities!

Roger Turner

My mother and I went to the Riparian Preserve this afternoon. My mother, who is not a resident of Arizona, was surprised to see such an oasis like this in the suburban sprawl of Phoenix (in Gilbert AZ). She said a lot of the preserve reminded her of the parks close to her in Chicago IL. She said that this is a real keeper for Gilbert. Good job here!!!

DesertWolf

Peaceful place with a little bit of everything for everyone. Camping spots available with reservations, tables, plenty of bird watching areas and even some fishing spots. Library nearby that participates in read and nature walks. Plenty of beautiful and interesting wildlife, but I just come here for the rabbits. Theyre adorable, you see.

Jeff Reeves

I love walking through this park. Its got several paths to take, an observatory thats open on the weekends and during special events, a lake, and a library right next to it. I used to go occassionally to get a walk during the day but now I go a lot more due to Pokemon GO and how many gyms and PokeStops there are at this park.

Zack Gomez

Very pretty area that makes for a great walk. A lot of people exercise here. The latest towards the front are the prettiest. The ones towards the south east corner are dry. There TONS of rabbits everywhere and they arent very afraid of humans. Its a nice place for pictures, taking the kids, a date, or a quiet pretty stroll.

Antrissa Owen

Tons of wildlife, multiple lakes to fish at or feed the ducks and geese. A good place to see some different Large waterfowl that you dont see often in AZ.. also must mention the plethora of pokestops for POKEMON GO. Its a spawning ground for various pokemon.. last weekend, we caught about 30 Omanyte.. EXCITING!!!

Ana Middlebrook

Always a great place to go for hikes and see the local wildlife. There are wildlife guides on the trails so you can learn about the animals and beautiful places to rest and fish. On weekends they open the little observatory there and from what Ive heard theres an astronomy group that meets there on occasion.

Taylor Hill

Riparion is truly an escape from the hustle and bustle and never-ending traffic of metro Phoenix. Once you get out on the trails and away from the road a real peace settles in. Then it is easy to just take your time enjoying the natural setting and the huge diversity of birds that flock to the area.

Amity K

Im usually here taking photos of people or nature. They have good walking paths which wind around the whole property. You can see lots of different birds and a coyote if youre lucky. They put out holiday figures during December and light them up at night for people to check out while walking.