Tres Rios Wetlands
Located southwest of Phoenix, Tres Rios is a habitat restoration and water reclamation project resulting in an extensive riparian and wetland area near the confluences of the Gila, Salt, and Agua Fria Rivers that is a birder’s paradise. Originally the territory of the Hohokam, O’odham, Maricopa, and Apache, it was opened to the public in 2014. It comprises nearly 700 acres, and is administered by the City of Phoenix Water Department.
The 10 Essentials
ACTIVITIES:
- bird-watching
- equestrian
- fishing
- hiking
- mountain biking
- picnicking
- trail running
HIGHLIGHTS:
More than 250 observed bird species!
Several miles of easy multi-use trails
Part of the 315-mile Maricopa Trail
Part of the 120-mile Sun Circle Trail
HABITAT:
Lower elevation Sonoran riparian.
Elevation ranges from ~750 – 970 feet.
AVAILABILITY:
Open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
AMENITIES:
Parking area
Porta potties
Interpretive panels
PERMITS / FEES:
A FREE permit is required to access the wetlands. It is valid for six (6) months from issuance. Request your permit here.
SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS:
Tres Rios is included in the Lower Salt and Gila Riparian Ecosystem Important Bird Area, and is one of the sites of the Audubon Society’s Annual Christmas Bird Count.
It’s also one of the 21 Arizona ‘Wildlife Viewing Areas‘ designated by Watchable Wildlife.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Kid-friendly
Dog-friendly (must be leashed)
ADA: Many of the walking paths are accessible.
No public transit.
NEAREST SERVICES:
Phoenix is the closest full-service city.
HEADS-UP!
Although it’s primarily a riparian habitat, it is still the desert, so there may be rattlesnakes, scorpions, etc.
PLAN AHEAD! It may take up to five (5) days for your permit to be issued; they are only processed during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
Because virtually all of the water has just been through the water treatment plant, it is NOT safe for drinking, and puts off a fairly strong chemical odor.
Flora & Fauna
Tres Rios is inarguably a hot spot for birders, but it also is home to a variety of flora and fauna associated with desert riparian areas. You may see:
-
Yuma clapper rail (ENDANGERED)
-
Black-crowned night heron
- Gooding willow
- Bald eagle
- Muskrat
- Gila woodpecker
- Glossy pennywort
- Western burrowing owl
- Beaver
Wind: 2mph SSW
Humidity: 18%
Pressure: 29.8"Hg
UV index: 0
72°F
68°F
68°F
70°F
99°F / 68°F
97°F / 66°F
95°F / 64°F
86°F / 61°F
Links & resources
- Tres Rios Wetlands
- Visitor & Trails Map
- Tres Rios – Arizona Heritage Waters
- Lower Salt and Gila Riparian Ecosystem Important Bird Area
- Tres Rios Wetlands – Arizona Wildlife Viewing Area
- Tres Rios Overbank Wetlands on eBird
- Maricopa Trail Info & Maps
- Maricopa Trail + Park Foundation
- Central Arizona Conservation Alliance
- Sun Circle National Recreation Trail
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