Sweetwater Wetlands

About

Sweetwater Wetlands is a Tucson Water site on the west side, built in 1996 to treat and recharge water, and it now doubles as a wildlife refuge. The Tucson Bird Alliance has counted more than 300 bird species here, and bobcats, javelinas and coyotes turn up too. It is free to visit from dawn to dusk, with more than 2.5 miles of mostly flat paths. About 1,000 feet are concrete and wheelchair accessible, and the rest is decomposed granite or gravel. Dogs, bikes and horses are not allowed, which keeps things calm for the wildlife. The main ramada looks out over open water and cattails, a good spot to sit and wait for birds.