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

Visit the Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center

Explore our learning center and find ways to connect with birds, wildlife, and conservation.

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. 

Hours
Gila Woodpecker and Carnegiea gigantea. Photo: Mick Thompson
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
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
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...