Southeast Arizona is well-known for the vastness of its deserts, so the fact that the area is actually full of lush, marshy landscapes might come as a shock to some. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a sprawling, 110-acre park with wildlife, trails, and a boardwalk that provides some of the best views around. Take a look:

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a 110-acre wetland and wildlife sanctuary in Gilbert.

AllTrails/Zaid Fadul It features a 1.9-mile hiking trail with seven different ponds, a recreational fishing lake, overnight campsites, and so much more.

Water Ranch Trail is a rugged lakeside path leading through brush so thick, it hangs overhead to create a tree tunnel that envelops you in its warm embrace.

AllTrails/Jessika Bracey

Along the way, various benches let you stop and take in the scenery for a little while.

AllTrails/K J There are also bike racks for cycling enthusiasts to park and catch their breath, simultaneously enjoying the views.

Despite the fact that Gilbert is a large city, you can practically hear a pin drop out here.

AllTrails/Zaid Fadul You won’t hear car horns and sirens breaking the silence, but rather the occasional croak of a frog or cheerfully chirping bird. Talk about peaceful!

A floating boardwalk stretches across the water, lined with cattails and several other unique plants.

AllTrails/Ale Kay

It’s the perfect viewing platform to watch an iconic Arizona sunset from.

TripAdvisor/diangeltravel Add a little romantic flair to the evening by bringing along your special someone.

Address: 2757 East Guadalupe Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234

Google Maps Park hours are 5:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Visit the AllTrails page to learn more.

AllTrails/Zaid Fadul

It features a 1.9-mile hiking trail with seven different ponds, a recreational fishing lake, overnight campsites, and so much more.

AllTrails/Jessika Bracey

AllTrails/K J

There are also bike racks for cycling enthusiasts to park and catch their breath, simultaneously enjoying the views.

You won’t hear car horns and sirens breaking the silence, but rather the occasional croak of a frog or cheerfully chirping bird. Talk about peaceful!

AllTrails/Ale Kay

TripAdvisor/diangeltravel

Add a little romantic flair to the evening by bringing along your special someone.

Google Maps

Park hours are 5:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Have you ever hiked at Riparian Preserve? What’s your favorite trail with a boardwalk in Arizona? Let us know!

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Address: Riparian Preserve Trail, Gilbert, AZ 85234, USA