Great Egret. Photo: Christine Howe/Audubon Photography Awards

Visit the Rio Salado Audubon 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 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. 

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 Audubon Center
Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon 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/ 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
Saturday Morning Guided Birding
Apr
18
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Audubon Southwest
Saturday Morning Guided Birding
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...
Habitat Restoration Volunteer Days at Rio Salado
Apr
18
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Audubon Southwest
Habitat Restoration Volunteer Days at Rio Salado
Phoenix, AZ
Spend a few weekend hours helping Audubon help birds at the Rio Salado Audubon Center in South Phoenix. Work varies throughout the year and...
Maricopa Bird Alliance: Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve Habitat Restoration
Apr
18
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Audubon Community Chapters
Maricopa Bird Alliance: Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve Habitat Restoration
Glendale, AZ
Arizona State University has co-managed the 47-acre Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve in partnership with the Maricopa County Flood Control since 1994...
Desert Rivers Audubon: Higley Ponds Monthly Bird Walk
Apr
20
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...
Desert Rivers Audubon: Sycamore Creek upper Beeline Highway
Apr
21
6:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Audubon Community Chapters
Desert Rivers Audubon: Sycamore Creek upper Beeline Highway
Fountain Hills, AZ
**Sycamore Creek upper Beeline Highway** is Maricopa County’s most accessible high elevation riparian area. Sycamores and willows line a creek with...
Arizona Project WET Training
Apr
22
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Audubon Southwest
Arizona Project WET Training
Phoenix, AZ
Calling all educators! Join us for a FREE hands-on training hosted by Arizona Project WET.
Guided Nature Walks
Apr
23
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Audubon Southwest
Guided Nature Walks
Phoenix, AZ
Join us for a peaceful and mindful walk through the Rio Salado habitat. Together, we’ll explore the trails, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature...