Great Egret. Photo: Christine Howe/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards
Rio Salado

Visit the Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center

Explore our learning center and find ways to connect with birds, wildlife, and conservation.
Parking and Directions
About Us
Contact Us
Explore the Center
Our Local Birds
Get Involved
Parking and Directions

Connect with Nature and Community

The Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center is a free, community nature center nestled in the heart of Phoenix’s Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area. Just minutes from downtown, it offers interactive learning exhibits, peaceful nature trails, and rich birdwatching opportunities. Visitors can enjoy guided bird walks, field trips, wildlife encounters, volunteer programs, and a variety of community events. 

The Center is closed for summer break from June 28 to August 3, reopening August 4.

Gila Woodpecker and Carnegiea gigantea. Photo: Mick Thompson
Hours
What to Know Before You Go
Mujeres Show

  • Free admission throughout the year, but donations are appreciated.

  • The visitor center is wheelchair accessible.  

  • On-site public programs, group tours, and field trips are. 

  • Check out our Community Use & Art Space - relax, read, work or checkout our latest art showcase.

  • Binoculars are free to borrow during your visit. 

  • Visit our nature store, Saguaro and Sage, for locally-made art, crafts, gifts and souvenirs.  

  • Stay hydrated during your visit. Water refilling stations are available.

  • No pets allowed: ADA service animals only. 

  • Visitors are encouraged to bring sunblock. 

Your Guide to the Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center
Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center at a Glance
Bathrooms
Hiking trails
Binoculars to borrow or rent
Exhibits
Nature store
Parking lot
Venue rental
Pollinator garden
Group meeting space
Learn More

Checkout some of our programs, community events, or other ways to get involved at the center.

Looking through Microscope. Photo: Danny Roper-Jones/ ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Education Programs
Looking through scope at Rio Salado. Photo: Juliana Gomez/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Bird and Nature Walks
Mujeres Show. Photo: Danny Roper-Jones/ ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Facility Rentals
Burrowing owl workday. Photo: Luke Franke
Conservation Volunteer Days
Upcoming Events
View All Events
Sep
8
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Community Chapters
Desert Rivers ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡: Cindy Marple; “Voyage to the Ross Sea: The other side of Antarctica"
Gilbert, AZ
Please note this a hybrid meeting, You can attend in person or join the meeting for the speaker presentation. Doors open at 6:30 pm for socializing...
Art, Culture & Community In-Person
Sep
19
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center
Latino Conservation Week: Papermaking & Seed Harvesting
Phoenix, AZ
Celebrate Latino Conservation Week with ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest, Arizona State University (ASU), and AZ Land at the Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center! Spend the...
Art, Culture & Community In-Person
Sep
21
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Community Chapters
Desert Rivers ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡: Higley Ponds Monthly Bird Walk
Gilbert, AZ
Join us for this urban wetlands bird walk! Wide, flat trails parallel the groundwater recharge ponds for easy viewing and comfortable walking. These...
Art, Culture & Community In-Person
Sep
28
5:45 AM - 12:00 PM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Community Chapters
Desert Rivers ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡: Upper Beeline Highway – Sycamore Creek
Fountain Hills, AZ
Upper Beeline Highway – Sycamore Creek is a high elevation riparian area northeast of Fountain Hills with willows, cottonwoods, sycamores, pines...
Art, Culture & Community In-Person
Oct
3
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center
Saturday Guided Bird Walk
Phoenix, AZ
Join our local bird enthusiasts for a guided bird walk through the Rio Salado habitat! These walks are for everyone: experts, novices, and people who...
Birding & Community Science In-Person
Oct
8
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center
Thursday Guided Bird Walk
Phoenix, AZ
Join us for a walk through the Rio Salado habitat. Together, we’ll explore the trails, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, and observe the...
Birding & Community Science In-Person
Oct
17
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center
Saturday Guided Bird Walk
Phoenix, AZ
Join our local bird enthusiasts for a guided bird walk through the Rio Salado habitat! These walks are for everyone: experts, novices, and people who...
Birding & Community Science In-Person