Riparian Preserve/Kiwanis Park Out and Back (28.6 miles)
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a 110-acre wetland, wildlife preserve that supports various habitats wildlife, and plant life. The Desert Rivers Audubon organization conducts free Family Bird Walks between 8 am and 1 pm on the third Saturday of every month from October through March. The Riparian also houses Water Ranch Lake, which is an urban fishing lake, regularly stocked with trout, catfish, bass and sunfish by the Arizona Game and Fish department. The Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory is located at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch which is open to the public Friday and Saturday nights managed by the East Valley Astronomy Club. The Riparian also features overnight camping and tours of the Preserve.
Take the Western Powerline Trail from the Riparian Preserve into Downtown Gilbert for some coffee, food and/or drinks then head out over the DT Gilbert Pedestrian Bridge for Neely Ranch Riparian Preserve, Freestone Park, McQueen Park and more. Don't forget to stop at the Animal Feeding Farm before you head home.
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