Overview

There are many riparian corridors in Arizona, and many roadside rest areas, but this is the only roadside rest area in a riparian corridor where I would stop and expect to see Vermilion Flycatchers in the parking lot. The Hassayampa River riparian corridor is a migration route for birds crossing the desert that can be a good place for a quick stop along the highway. Some 230 species of birds have been recorded in the area.

Link to Map.

Description

Hassayampa is a Native American word that translates to "upside down river." While the Hassayampa runs all year, it runs underground (under the sand, not on top of the sand) through most of the course, including along the roadside rest during summer. Despite the apparently dry wash, water flowing below the sand supports large stands of cottonwood trees and desert willow along the edge of the wash and a fringe of saltbush and other shrubs. The surrounding vegetation is typical Arizona uplands desert with a variety of shrubs, mesquite thickets, paloverde trees, and saguaro cactus. In addition to the traditional roadside rest area facilities, 15 signs explain various aspects of the Sonoran Desert habitat and wildlife.

The rest area is fairly small, as rest areas go, and the easiest way to bird the area is by walking the sidewalk along the perimeter. The shrubs and cottonwood trees at the north end of the rest area can be productive. In the old days, we could jump the fence and bird along the river, but alas no more.

The Nature Conservancy and Maricopa County operate the Hassayampa River Preserve, a natural area along the Hassayampa River just north of the roadside rest area. The preserve is located on Highway U.S. 93/60, 3 miles south of Wickenburg (west of the highway near mile marker 114). Watch for the "Hassayampa River Preserve" sign over the driveway. Entry is $5 per person (children through age 12 are free). The preserve is closed Monday and Tuesday. When open, the hours of operation are 7-4 during summer and 8-5 during winter. For more information, contact Maricopa County Parks. This is a great place to spend a few hours wandering the trails along the river.

Location

The Hassayampa Roadside Rest Area is located on the west side of Highway U.S. 60/93, about 5 miles south of Wickenburg, Arizona (GPS Coordinates; 33.9094, -112.6758; 1,925 ft). Watch for standard highway rest area signs.

Hours

The rest area is always open, but the toilets are closed late at night.

Fees

None.

Specialties

Vermilion Flycatchers, Cactus Wrens, and neotropical migrants (Summer Tanager and Lucy's Warblers) are common during summer. Red-shouldered hawks nest in the Nature Conservancy area, the only known nesting site in Arizona, and Gray Hawk and Common Black Hawk nest in the area.