Visit the Rio Salado Audubon Center

Connect with Nature and Community

The Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon 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.

Gila Woodpecker and Carnegiea gigantea. Photo: Mick Thompson

Hours

What to Know Before You Go

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.

Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon 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/ Audubon Southwest

Education Programs

Looking through scope at Rio Salado. Photo: Juliana Gomez/Audubon Southwest

Bird and Nature Walks

Mujeres Show. Photo: Danny Roper-Jones/ Audubon Southwest

Facility Rentals

Burrowing owl workday. Photo: Luke Franke

Conservation Volunteer Days

Upcoming Events

View All Events

Desert Rivers Audubon: Sunset Bird Walk at Gilbert Riparian Preserve

Oct

5:00 PM - 6:15 PM

Audubon Community Chapters

Desert Rivers Audubon: Sunset Bird Walk at Gilbert Riparian Preserve

Gilbert, AZ

Prior to our Monthly Speakers Meeting please join an early evening bird walk at Gilbert Riparian Preserve. Let go of the day's stresses as we observe...

Art, Culture & Community In-Person

Saturday Guided Bird Walk

Oct

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Rio Salado Audubon 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

6th Annual Queens Rise Art Showcase

Oct

6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Audubon Southwest

6th Annual Queens Rise Art Showcase

Phoenix, AZ

Queens Rise celebrates and supports local women artists through an interactive evening art walk at the Rio Salado Audubon Center. Enjoy live...

Art, Culture & Community In-Person

Desert Rivers Audubon: Big Sit at Veterans Oasis Park

Oct

7:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Audubon Community Chapters

Desert Rivers Audubon: Big Sit at Veterans Oasis Park

Chandler, AZ

BIG SIT at Veterans Oasis Park is designed for all nature lovers including those with accessibility challenges; wheelchairs, walkers, or other...

Art, Culture & Community In-Person

Desert Rivers Audubon: Higley Ponds Monthly Bird Walk

Oct

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Audubon Community Chapters

Desert Rivers Audubon: 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

Thursday Guided Bird Walk