Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

About

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a wildlife sanctuary with a 110-acre wetland and hiking trails. You’ll find 7 ponds along the trails, including a recreational urban fishing lake (with listed stocking and rules). There’s also a floating boardwalk, restroom facilities (north and south), multi-use trails, and additional features like a play area, benches, bike racks, an information kiosk, and more. There are also overnight camping options and reservable small ramadas. Fishing is prohibited in the basins and waterways of the preserve; fishing is limited to the designated fishing lake.

Why stop: Great for a morning or evening walk—ponds, boardwalk views, and even a designated community fishing lake for when you’re in the mood to cast a line.

Good to know: The fishing lake is operated as a Community Fishing Lake (in partnership with Arizona Game and Fish Department). The listed rules include using single barbless hooks and follow the catch-and-release/catch-and-keep rules by species. Fishing isn’t allowed in the preserve basins and waterways.

Hours: Preserve open 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Trails open dawn to dusk.