Welcome to

Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center

A vibrant space for wildlife, scenic trails, and community programs in the heart of Phoenix.
Aerial view of Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center. Photo: Luke Franke/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡
Discover adventure, birds, and how to make a difference at an ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ center.

3131 South Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85040

Center:

Open Hours: 8:00am - 12:00pm

Trails:

Open Hours: 7:00am - Sunset

Discover the beauty of the Sonoran Desert at the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center. Just two miles from downtown Phoenix, our center welcomes visitors to explore scenic trails, spot native birds, and enjoy free community programs. Come experience where nature, learning, and adventure meet in the heart of the city. 

The center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Even when we are closed, the birds are still here! Hiking and bike trails all around Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area are open for free, seven days a week, 365 days a year, from dawn to dusk. 

Learn More

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

Looking through Microscope Photo: Danny RJ/ ̽»¨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 RJ/ ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Facility Rentals
Burrowing owl workday Photo: Luke Franke
Conservation Volunteer Days
Upcoming Events
View All Events
May
16
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
HER Table: A Showcase of Black and Brown Women Artists
Phoenix, AZ
Experience an unforgettable afternoon of live music, dance, art and connection. HER Table brings together amazing Black and Brown women artists for a...
May
18
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...
May
23
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Nature Explorers
Phoenix, AZ
Join us for a fun, family-friendly nature adventure at the Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center! Families are invited to get outside, explore the trails and...
Jun
5
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Rio Nature Network Meeting
Phoenix, AZ
The Rio Nature Network is an informal gathering hosted by ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ at Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center on a quarterly basis. The group aims to provide a...
Jun
20
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Nature Explorers
Phoenix, AZ
Join us for a fun, family-friendly nature adventure at the Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center! Families are invited to get outside, explore the trails and...
Sep
4
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Rio Nature Network Meeting
Phoenix, AZ
The Rio Nature Network is an informal gathering hosted by ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ at Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center on a quarterly basis. The group aims to provide a...
Sep
19
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center
Art and Papermaking Workshop
Phoenix, AZ
Join Arizona State University (ASU), AZ Land, and ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest for a fun, family-friendly workshop featuring art, papermaking, and discussions...
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
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