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As one of the largest and most popular wildlife preserves in Gilbert, The Riparian at Water
Ranchfeatures hiking and equestrian trails open to the community. The preserve provides a
great opportunity for wildlife and bird watching and is considered the premier bird watching
facility in the Phoenix metro region. Close to 250 species of birds have been sighted and
many people come from different states and countries to see the beautiful and sometimes
rare birds. The park boasts covered picnic areas, a dinosaur dig site, and campsites that can
be reserved for a desert getaway. The preserve also has the only valley astronomy observato-
ry open to the public every Friday and Saturday evening from dusk until 9:30P, subject to
weather conditions.
