Visit the River
Where to Visit
We invite you to visit the Gila River! Many people do not know the Gila River flows through the West Valley of metro Phoenix. In the desert Southwest, the majority of wildlife species depend on rivers and wetlands, so it is important to take care of this special place.
On the Gila River, you can view wildlife, fish, boat, hike, and more! Just south of the river is the Maricopa Trail, which links all of the County's regional parks and traverses 15 municipalities. As you explore these lands, which are managed by a variety of agencies, please note that some agencies require permits or entry fees, as indicated on the map. Visit their websites to learn what to expect. Remember to recreate responsibly and Leave No Trace.
Tres Rios
Celebrate the Lower Gila at Tres Rios Nature Festival
Join us the last weekend of February each year for the Tres Rios Nature Festival, a free celebration of the river.
Look forward to paddle boarding, kayaking, archery, fishing, and more!
The Tres Rios Nature Festival is located at the Tres Rios Base and Meridian Wildlife Area
7602 Jimmie Johnson Dr. Avondale, AZ, 85323
Download Maps & Access the River at Tres Rios
Lower-Gila-River-Recreation-Map-11x17-West-Public-2.14.22.pdfLower-Gila-River-Recreation-Map-11x17-East-Public-2.14.22.pdfVisit the Tres Rios Wetlands
The Tres Rios Environmental Restoration project involves the rehabilitation of nearly 700 acres in and around the Salt River, restoring a vital wetland and riparian habitat. The project creates a mutual relationship between the renewed wetlands and the nearby wastewater treatment plant.
The lush and scenic Tres Rios is now home to more than 150 different species of birds and animals like muskrats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, bobcats, and beavers. The beautiful cottonwood groves, willows, mesquites, and other desert shrubs around the reed-lined ponds and along the trail attract many migratory and wintering songbirds. By bringing the Salt River back to the condition it was in during the early 1800s, this project is repairing a natural habitat.
The reclaimed water from the wastewater treatment plant is pumped over to the wetlands, and the plants and animals take what they need before it is discharged back into the river.
Free Access Permits
Free access permits must be requested prior to visiting Tres Rios.
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area
The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area aims to restore the native wetland and riparian habitats of the historic Salt River, which once flowed year-round through Phoenix.
With a variety of paved and natural trails, most with smooth surfaces and minimal elevation changes, Rio Salado is a popular location for hikers hoping to spot one of the hundreds of species of birds that use the area as a seasonal migratory path.
To protect the delicate ecosystem, we ask that special care be taken when visiting Rio Salado. We ask that visitors remain on designated trails; keep dogs leashed and on paved trails; refrain from disturbing the wildlife; and that nothing be taken or moved from the habitat area. Additionally, fishing is strictly prohibited.
Trailheads:
NE 7th Ave. Trailhead
2801 S. 7th Ave.
NE Central Ave. Trailhead
2439 S. Central Ave.
SE Central Ave. Trailhead
3131 S. Central Ave.
SE 7th St. Trailhead
***TRAILHEAD CLOSED***
2875 S. 7th St.
SW 7th Ave. Trailhead
3212 S. 7th Ave.
16th St. Trailhead
3203 S. 16th St.
Trailhead & Trail Hours:
Lower Gila River Point of Interest
Lower Gila River Points of Interest, Segment One
Sites between Tres Rios to the east and Estrella Parkway to the west
Base & Meridian Wildlife Area, AZ Game & Fish - Fishing, boating, birding, etc. Visit Base & Meridian Wildlife Area
El Rio Confluence Lake, Flood Control District Maricopa County - potential future recreation site
Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation - Hiking, picnicking, events, nature center, etc. Visit Estrella Mountain Regional Park
Lower Gila River Points of Interest, Segment Two
Sites near the State Route 85 Bridge
4. Hidden Lake, privately owned - Fishing, boating, concerts, private events. Visit Hidden Lake
5. Robbins Butte Wildlife Area, Arizona Game & Fish - Fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing. Visit Robbins Butte Wildlife Area.
Lower Gila River Points of Interest, Segment Three
Sites from Arlington at the river bend, south to the Gillespie Dam
6. Arlington School Historic Site, Arlington School Road.
7. Arlington Wildlife Area, Arizona Game & Fish - Wildlife viewing, waterfowl hunting. Visit Arlington Wildlife Area
8. Gillespie Dam and US-80 Bridge, Maricopa County - Historic and archaeological site, bridge overlook, boating, wildlife viewing.
Fly over the Lower Gila
Visit the Gila Virtually!
Video courtesy of Arizona Game & Fish Department
Video courtesy of Arizona Game & Fish Department