An Oasis in the Desert

A Daytrip to the Hassayampa River Preserve ~ Wickenburg, AZ

What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well ~ Antoine De Saint-Exupery

Not quite a well, but what a hidden gem! A beautiful oasis in the middle of the desert offering tall, shady Cottonwood and Willow trees, soft, groomed trails, and for now, a stream filled with running water. For some reason, I am really drawn to the water element lately. I must miss the Colorado River.

Children still need a childhood with dirt, mud, puddles, trees, sticks, and tadpoles ~ Brooke Hampton

What child can resist squatting near the water’s edge to watch the pollywogs swim by ~ not my boy. This is a nice area for families. There are a six easy trails and one moderate overlook at the preserve, totaling about 5 miles. We spent the day, so we walked them all, stopping for lunch and a rest here and there.

Your off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way ~ Dr. Seuss

My Havasu niece made the drive to meet up with us for a picnic and hike. If you’re looking for a peak to climb or massive elevation gain and rocky trails, this place might not fit the bill. But……if you’re looking for a pleasant walk beneath the trees, a spot for birding, or just a picnic ~ you might like it here.

If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water ~ Loren Eiseley

Stumps provide a nice place to break beside the “river.” There’s even a lake (Palm Lake) with a trail and benches looping the pond. I don’t know what the summer does to this waterway, but for today, we got to enjoy this delightful oasis surrounded by the Sonoran desert. What a nice place to relax, contemplate, ponder, ramble, and just enjoy nature! I plan on returning again!