Being from NYC this is our version of central park. I love the observatory which is open Friday and Saturday nights sunset till 9pm. It's free but donations are appreciated. They are rib by volunteers. The trails are clean, dogs welcome everywhere, horses in designated areas, camp sites also available to rent which come with bbq grills and pits along with space for tents. Check out their website for the info. This is a great park to take your kids to the playground, go fishing, get your steps in, take your dog food a walk or have a date. Many picture perfect spots which are popular for graduation, wedding, and birthday pics. I even saw a couple get married on the bridge at sunset a quick 5 minute ceremony to not hold up anyone. Parking in a few spots and adjacent to the library for extra parking. 2 bathrooms I've been to are clean and maintained. Water fountains also there. read more

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The only question I have is... Why did we wait so long to come? There was 8 of us in our group and we loved being there. We all felt so calm and peaceful. Such a beautiful park with a lot of things to do. One of our favorite things was looking through the telescope to see Venus. There was a long line but it does move fairly well and is worth the wait. Thank you! read more

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It's always an awesome experience at my favorite nature preserve in the area. Today, there were so many turtles out in the water they were enjoying the oat cereal a lot. There's so much wildlife here, especially today. It was fun having our bird app to help identify the different bird calls. We also saw 3 families of ducks with babies. So cute. There were also bunnies, quail, pelicans, and even a coyote today. If you haven't been here, it's a must see. read more

This riparian area is a great place to get outside and walk around. There are a lot of trails that loop around multiple ponds, and we usually end up doing about 2 to 3 miles without even trying. There is a ton of wildlife here. You will see rabbits, squirrels, ducks, turtles, fish, and a wide variety of birds. It feels like every time we go, we see something new. It is also one of the few places in the Phoenix area where you can see pelicans out in the wild, which is really cool. On our last visit we saw a coyote, a whole flock of pelicans take off and soar for a long stretch, and a bunch of little duck families with baby ducks. It is just a really peaceful place to spend some time. This is a perfect spot for a walking date or to bring the family and enjoy being outside. Definitely one of the better outdoor spots in the area. read more

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - pelicans - Parks Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

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The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is honestly a little slice of paradise. It's a beautiful wetland and wildlife sanctuary where you can spot all kinds of animals--I've seen birds, turtles, bunnies, and even squirrels just wandering around. There are seven ponds and about 4.5 miles of trails, both paved and gravel, so it's great whether you want an easy walk or something a bit more scenic. There's also a floating boardwalk, fishing spots, picnic areas, and even an observatory, which makes it feel like there's always something to explore. It's the perfect place to relax, take a walk, fish  or have a picnic.Plus, it's super family-friendly--bring the kids and even your leashed dogs along. read more

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If you live in the Phoenix area and appreciate nature even a little you should visit this location. The walking path is excellent. The scenery. The signage so you can learn. The location right next to an excellent library. While there I saw families enjoying nature and the birds. I saw people exercising. I saw a girl in a beautiful quinceañera gown taking photos. I saw a family take what looked like Christmas photos. I saw many people walking their dogs. This is a place for all. Wide trails, plenty of space. What a wonderful escape from the city, literally in the city. Dare I say this is the Central Park of Phoenix. Honestly, GO. You won't regret it. (Pro tip: take a bag of bird seed - epic photos await). read more

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Highly recommended . Gorgeous it's my go to place. Every time, an adventure. Open all year 6 am to 10 pm read more

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The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a peaceful escape right in the middle of Gilbert. There are miles of well-maintained trails (both paved and dirt) that wind around several ponds, making it a dream for birdwatchers and photographers or outdoor walker/runners. It's a great spot to see turtles, rabbits, and all kinds of waterfowl. The pelicans were our personal favorite! The park is very family and dog-friendly, with plenty of shade and benches to sit and take in the views. Unlike some more remote spots, this one has great amenities like clean public restrooms and a large, free parking lot right by the library. Whether you're looking for a serious morning walk or just a quiet place to watch the sunset, this preserve is a must-visit. And it's free! read more

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Such a beautiful and peaceful place to walk and read. Lots of bugs lol but the scenery is worth it. Lots to explore. Bathrooms were actually decent. read more

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I came to visit during the weekday mid afternoon. There were several people, dogs bikers but you are able to have the space you need without feeling crowed. The Riparian Preserve offers different trails that are paved and non-paved so it can be enjoyed by everyone. Great location for professional or non-professional photos, spending time alone, spending time with people, and/or enjoying the beauty of it all. The trails are all labeled with orange signs or you can find small maps. They offer educational signage about wildlife, plants and the solar system. The preserve is well taken care of and has plenty of areas to be explored. read more

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Great, extensive network of trails. Lots of nooks and crannies for varied walk experiences. Near the parking area are large, impressive looking cacti for nice photo opps. read more

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Cacti near parking area - Parks Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

This is such a nice hidden gem in Gilbert! I've always heard about this spot, but never thought much about it until we visited the library next door! This is a beautiful natura preserve with various trails. We didn't walk too much, but my toddler absolutely loved it! There are so many ducks, he couldn't decide which to run after! There were a lot of people but it didn't feel crowded. We walked past a few photographers doing graduation portraits, couples photos, and family pictures. We would love to come back and explore of the area and even have a picnic! I highly recommend even for a post-work decompress walk. Something about being in nature really opens the mind again! read more

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Parks Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

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The riparin preserve is one of my favorite places for walking, bird watching & getting out in nature. There are so many different types of birds here. read more

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Two Snowy Egrets - Parks Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

An easy stride with beautiful views and photo ops. Plenty of bird life and friendly walkers along the trails. read more

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Great White Herons - Parks Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

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We absolutely love coming here to check out the different birds and also to take our doggie for a nice walk. There are nice trail systems here, and we always find plenty to look at to keep us busy. There are various small bodies of water here, so birds love to come here, which is great for us as we are avid birders! I've seen so many bird species here, and depending on the time of year, you'll find different birds here. Rosy, a roseate spoonbill, was here this past winter and I am hoping to see her again when the weather is cooler. She isn't a bird that's local to here, but somehow she was here last season. Great place to hang out for a couple of hours, and the best is when you catch the sunsets here. I'll make it out here one day for the dawn song and sunrise too. There is also a planetarium here, so on some nights, the astronomy club will set up telescopes here to look at the night sky. The Audobon Society also is here on some mornings leading birding tours. I love this preserve and always a fun time! Bring your family, friends and anyone else that loves a bit of nature that's right in the center of things. read more

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Evening sunset with a swarm of birds - Parks Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

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A good place for a walk in the woods, but, too few trees. So, a good place for a walk in the brush. Lots of birds and rabbits. Lots of ducks and coots. The last time we were there, the stream wasn't running, but that's nice when it is. Great place to visit on a rainy day. Good playground and rest rooms. And while you're there, visit the library next door! read more

Excellent location for walks and family visits. Parking was free and the lot was close to restrooms and child friendly entertainment. The playground was often occupied with hoards of children and there was plenty of space for running. Beyond the playground were sidewalks and cleared paths to walk around the lake and gardens. There were different flowers available throughout the seasons and many rabbits and birds roamed the area. Some people fish in the lake although to different degrees of success. There was one area with covering where families often used for gatherings but everything else was open to the sun. Honestly a lovely place that temporarily takes you away from the bustle. read more

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My happy place! My time to myself to enjoy nature. My dogs and my children have always loved it here.

It is a wonderful place. We had a nice walk and my dog loved it too. The ponds are lovely. I'm sure we will be back.

Beautiful park! Lots of trails to walk, beautiful plants, and wildlife. But don't go in the heat - there's almost no shade.

What an amazing trail walk with numerous ponds and trails. Plenty of parking and clear marked trails. If you are looking for a relaxing walk, this is your best option. Plenty of shaded benches along the way. read more

As a family and individually we come to the Riparian Preserve often! I love the walking paths and my daughter loves running around all the different play areas. The lake is great for fishing and bird watching. We are lucky we live so close to this park! Highly recommend those visiting the area to stop by or a great place to take family photos. read more

Great place to take the family for walks, family pictures, especially since it's in our Morrison Ranch neighborhood. read more

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Family memories in our back yard. - Parks Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

We love it here. We take family pics here, go visit the library, feed the ducks, and play on the color wall. Really something for everyone. It is especially my favorite for feeding ducks with toddlers. The little bridge is enclosed so it's safer for the kids read more

Love the Riparian. Such a good outdoor place to visit, especially if you double-up with a trip to the Southeast Regional Library right there. There's a duck pond, some walking trails, and a small picnic area. There are a few designated children's areas like the sandbox and the colorful wall kids like to balance on, but the whole place is family friendly. A great place to spend a few hours on the weekend. read more

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Parks Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

Loved every minute of walking through this beautiful preserve. I took my two Chihuahuas, and they loved it as well! Lots of wildlife and birds as well as little bunnies hopping around. There is also an observatory that we just happened to stumble upon tonight, and we saw the moon through the large telescope. It was crystal clear! This is a perfect spot to come and relax and get away from city life. They were people fishing and barbecuing and doing photo shoots as well. Plenty of available parking and the reserve stays open till 10 PM which is very nice and late! read more

Riparian truly lives up to its name! From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted by a breathtaking display of beautiful blooms and captivating desert landscaping. The abundance of dogs, families, ducks, and rabbits added an extra layer of charm to our experience. It's like stepping into a real-life Disney movie! (My Duke loves to chase the bunny rabbits). Whether you're a nature lover, a dog enthusiast, or just looking for a serene escape, Riparian is a must-visit destination to get your steps in. Plenty of parking in the back in the church parking lot. read more

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Ive always enjoyed walking around the lakes and looking for different birds. However recently they put up all these signs for mental health that are part of the Gilbert hope walk. I admire the intention but these signs are really depressing. One said maybe if you feel buried you are just being planted. There are suicide hotline numbers to start the walk. All of this immediately made me think did someone die here? I googled and there was one suicide in 2016 but nothing recently. What used to be a pleasant light hearted nature walk now has me seeing the brush and ponds in a different light. Positivity, be positive affirmation sticks were also scattered around. I think the park needs to get back to what it is and not a mental health awareness signage project. It was very difficult to enjoy nature. read more

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For the last 7-8 years, I've frequented this park for a scenic walk, playing Pokemon go, meeting friends for a potluck, and just enjoying seeing the wildlife as well. This area is gorgeous and one of my favorite outdoor activities within Gilbert, and I frequented several times a week when I worked out that way. They even have a holiday light display, so be on the lookout for that! read more

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Pot luck at a Ramada - Parks Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

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Lovely place to walk around and get in some great bird watching. The kids love feeding the birds and there are plenty of signs on display that give appropriate choices for food to throw for the birds. Watch out for the geese though they can get aggressive lol! Paths are available for people that have different levels of walking abilities too. Perfect for children and the elderly :) read more

We love walking our dogs here. We all enjoy it so much. Very clean and well taken care of. Good parking.

This park is absolutely beautiful; a great place to see animals and take photos! I can't wait to go again. read more

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Parks Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

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We visited on a sunny holiday in February. The weather and the free time brought a LOT of people out to the park. We had to park in the secondary lot (adjacent to the library) as the first lot we tried was full. The park, which we probably did not fully explore, is built around 5 - 6 large ponds. Each one is a magnet for birds of all types. I saw a number of photographers with huge lenses prowling around looking for shots. There are well-marked dirt trails that wind in between the ponds, which are also largely bordered by large bushes and trees. Hence, you get the feeling of being much more isolated from civilization than you actually are (which can be nice). Other amenities included some playgrounds for the kids, at least one boardwalk across part of a pond, restrooms, and even a small observatory. If you just want to do a short nature-walk or if you are into birdwatching, this could be a nice place to spend an hour or so. read more

Love this place! I'm lucky enough to live near it and go frequently to walk and get some nature. There are lots of pathways that intersect so there's endless routes to take. Tons of birds and bunnies! I've also seen turtles. Winter of 2023 I saw pelicans for the first time, which was so great! I walk my dog here a lot. You'll also occasionally see horses and often people taking family or other kinds of photos. Pretty good shade. A wonderful place to see some nature! read more

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Such a beautiful place!!! People were so lovely and friendly. So many fun trails and the little creek was just beautiful! My pup had a blast and so did my fella! We will definitely be visiting this desert gem often! read more

Happy Earth day! Not sure how I missed writing a review on this one. This is by far one of our favorite parks for getting our photographs clicked. The park is beautiful, the entrance has amazing cactus collection which acts as a great backdrop for pictures. It's not just scenic with lake, beautiful trails, variety of cactus but the park is home to variety of birds and has good trails, play area for kids, ramadas and well situated restrooms. There are icecream trucks too which come by. So Plan your day well here and you won't be disappointed. read more

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch - Parks Near Me - Gilbert, Arizona

This is such a beautiful spot. It's just so calming. It's where I go to clear my head. There's so much to do, such as many trails, ponds, fishing, and it's right next to a super nice library. There's also lots of community events hosted here! read more

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very nice park. kid friendly, easy paths, lots of ducks, turtles, herron . parking can be a bit challenging, just have to be patient! read more

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It's hard to believe this place exists right in the middle of civilization. There are beautiful views and tons of wildlife (rabbits, ducks, birds, squirrels, turtles). I've never seen so many ducks in one place! There is plenty of parking and no fee to enter. The trails are flat and well maintained. There is some shade, but not tons and not enough to shade you from the summer heat. There are different events hosted here as well. There is an observatory night on the weekends which I look forward to attending. read more

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Absolutely i recommend to anyone. For me personally i love bringing some good herb & just going on a nature walk for most of the day. If you love wildlife &/or being surrounded by nature this is the place for you. Boasting nice long walks, showing very nice camping spots as well as a hidden rock event, that is constantly on going. Yes hidden rocks everywhere, theyre painted as well. There is even a hidden rock SNAKE somewhere hahah. I love riparian preserve. Occasionally when its clear sky & night out the observatory will open to visitors. So if you love space, nature & animals boy do i have the spot for you. Riparian preserve, one of the best parks in AZ. read more