Arizona is a place you can explore for free, mostly, since such a huge amount of the land is still government-owned. Nonetheless, it is worth a small donation to the Nature Conservancy to visit the Hassayampa River Preserve.
This is one of the few places in the low desert where a river runs on the surface. I once lived on the Ohio River, so this may seem ""blah"" at first, but after going for nine months without seeing flowing water, this place is a haven.
This is a uniquely southwestern ecosystem, and the staff (a total of two, plus a host of unpaid volunteers) will help you see just how this unique stretch of river remakes the desert landscape.
This is no Eastern ""river"". However, it is no""Eastern"" habitat or ecosystem. If you are a fan of birds, wildlife, or the plants of the southwest, visit to see what ""oasis"" really means.
Pros: A beautiful place to walk, explore nature
Cons: Eh... I guess you have to give a donation?
more