Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch: Gilbert, Arizona’s Hidden Nature Escape
Whenever I discover a place that I love, I can’t wait to come back and tell you all about it. The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona was no different. We intended to take a quick one-mile walk, but ended up wandering over two miles. This place was just that captivating.
TIP: Bring a water bottle. You’ll need it!
A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Gilbert, Arizona
The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is a local park managed by the Town of Gilbert. Let me tell you, it’s a magical little world tucked right in the middle of the city. Think Bridge to Terabithia vibes: peaceful, lush, and full of surprises.
When you arrive, you’ll notice a small parking lot on the north side that fills up quickly. If you continue further west, there’s also a public library with plenty of parking. Yes, you can park there while exploring the Preserve. The parking is free.
Parking near Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona.Parking near Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona at the Library
What You’ll Find at the Riparian Preserve
Serene walking path surrounded by lush greenery at the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, Arizona.
We didn’t follow a specific trail; we just let curiosity lead the way. That approach turned out to be perfect because there’s so much to see. Here’s what you can expect:
110-acre wetland and wildlife sanctuary
7 ponds connected by scenic hiking trails
1 recreational urban fishing lake (fishing license required)
1 floating boardwalk
3 overnight campsites
2 reservable small ramadas
2 restroom facilities (north and south ends)
Serene walking path at the Riparian Preserve in Gilbert, Arizona.
According to AZCentral, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch was created in 1999 to help recycle and replenish groundwater. The preserve also supports native riverside forests and wildlife habitats. Over 70 acres are dedicated to seven recharge basins, which are filled on a rotating basis with treated wastewater. I am always fascinated by how we can re-use our resources time and again.
Nature, Wildlife, and a Touch of Mindfulness
During our walk, we spotted several bird species, squirrels, rabbits, and turtles swimming through the ponds. Me and another trail-walker even discovered some wild mushrooms growing near the trees.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona – Turtles
One of my favorite features, were the posted Mental Health Tips along the trails. I thought the mindful health tips was such a thoughtful touch. It made me pause every time and really breathe in the calm of the space.
Whether you are coming for exercise, photography, a quiet moment of reflection, or a family stroll, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch lets you choose your own pace. There are benches scattered throughout the trails where you can sit and take it all in.
Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for peaceful outdoor thing-to-do, this preserve is an absolute must-visit. It’s beautiful, free, and full of life, literally and figuratively. Let the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, in Gilbert, Arizona, remind you how good it feels to just wander.
Plan Your Visit
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch 2757 E. Guadalupe Road Gilbert, Arizona 85234
Hours: Sunday – Saturday: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona Creek
Dental Tourism in Los Algodones, Mexico: Saved Me Thousands on Dental Implants
If you’ve ever considered traveling for dental care, Los Algodones, Mexico, nicknamed Molar City, has probably popped up on your radar. I recently had someone ask about my experience getting implants there, which inspired me to finally blog about it. So, here are the deets.
Where I Went: Best Dental Clinic in Los Algodones for Dental Tourism
Walking through Los Algodones might look a little suspect at first, but once you step inside Supreme Dental Clinic, you’re immediately relieved. The office is clean and modern, and the dentists, as well as the front desk staff, speak English.
A lot of people worry about language barriers when it comes to healthcare. At Supreme, every patient is assigned a coordinator to answer questions and help with scheduling. The dentists are accredited, well-trained, and affiliated with the American Dental Association. You don’t just have to take their word for it; their identification numbers are published publicly so you can verify them yourself.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost in Los Algodones, Mexico?
One of the biggest draws? The cost.
I’m paying about a quarter of what the same procedures would have cost me in the U.S. For example, I needed 8 implants plus some minor work. My U.S. dentist gave me an estimate of around $50,000. At Supreme Dental, I was quoted about $2,000 per implant (that includes the implant, abutment, and crown). That doesn’t include additional dental concerns, like bone grafting or sinus lifts, which some people may need before implants.
Supreme Dental also offers other services such as cleanings, whitening, extractions, veneers, full mouth restoration, and packages.
💡TIP: If your job offers an FSA account/card, Supreme accepts it as long as it carries a Visa or MasterCard symbol.
Crossing the Border to Los Algodones: Parking & Travel Tips for Dental Tourists
There’s a large, gated, paved parking lot called the Andrade Parking Lot. This is the location I enter in my navigation system, and it costs $10 per day to park. You insert your money into a machine and a ticket is printed. If there are ever any problems, we’ve noticed an attendant that is there, but not always. While they do accept cards for parking payment, I highly suggest cash. On one occasion, the card system was down.
We are about 2.5 hours from the border, because we live west of the Phoenix city center. If you enter Phoenix to Los Algodones, you’ll get an estimated drive-time of about 3 hours.
Once there, crossing the border is easy if you plan ahead. Just remember to bring your passport. It makes re-entry to the U.S. much smoother.
Here’s how it goes: park, hop out of your car, walk about 5 minutes, and you’ll reach the Mexico Customs & Immigration building. They’ll ask for your passport to make sure you have one. Then you’ll walk through a metal detector, and you’re in Los Algodones in about 10 minutes.
💡TIP: Use the clean bathrooms near the parking area before heading into town.
💡TIP: Don’t rush! Give yourself plenty of time for navigating and crossing back. The line to enter back into the U.S. can get lengthy.
You can also drive right into Los Algodones, however we’ve noticed the lines are always long and parking isn’t that great along the streets.
A question I’m always asked is: Do you really need a passport to go to Los Algodones? Yes. Don’t be fooled by how easy it is to enter Mexico. It’s still another country, and you need to follow their rules and laws.
You can use a U.S. Department of State issued passport card or even a birth certificate paired with a photo ID. But I always recommend traveling with a full passport when crossing any international border.
The Implant Process: Step-by-Step Dental Implant Process in Los Algodones
My first implant was placed, and implants need about 3–4 months to heal and integrate with the gums before attaching the crown. When I returned after the first healing process, I had my first crown placed and also had two additional implants placed.
The healing process is fairly quick, about three to four weeks without soreness. Since the implant sits under the gum line while healing, there’s nothing visible until the crown is placed.
I chose Straumann implants, the most reputable option, because they’re made of titanium and last the longest. I researched materials beforehand since I’m sensitive to metals, and titanium was the safest option to avoid rejection.
💡TIP: Use your patient coordinator! They’re there to answer questions, adjust schedules, and make sure you feel supported.
Return Visit & Dental Crown Fitting in Los Algodones
When you come back for your crown, the dentists will measure the space/fit, then cast your crown in their in-house lab, so you don’t have to go elsewhere. You’ll return the next day (or a very short time after) for them to fit the crown.
Overnight Stay Option & Return Visit Logistics Overnight Stay & Return Visit Tips for Dental Tourism in Los Algodones
Just outside the Andrade Parking lot is Quechan Casino Resort (a casino + hotel) in Winterhaven, CA, about 3 miles from the Andrade border crossing, just off Highway 8. It’s a convenient choice if your treatment spans multiple consecutive days and you don’t want to commute back and forth.
💡 TIP – Alternative: Yuma, AZ Stay (what we chose) Yuma is only 20–30 minutes from the border (depending on your starting point), and there’s an abundance of hotel options, making it another solid choice.
You can also find lodging within Los Algodones, MX, if you prefer not to leave. Supreme Dental Clinic partners with a hotel provider, so ask your coordinator if you’d like this option.
Challenges of Dental Tourism in Los Algodones (What to Expect)
The only real downside I’ve experienced is occasional waiting, it’s simply because they’re busy. Once, the power surged twice and we had to wait about 10–12 minutes for it to return. We were told that’s just Los Algodones life, and honestly international travel in general. Still, nothing that would deter me.
Final Thoughts: Is Dental Tourism in Los Algodones Worth It?
Dental tourism isn’t for everyone, but it’s a solid option for Americans seeking quality care at a fraction of the price. Dental work is a process, and it can feel like a lot, but doing your homework, knowing what to expect, and giving yourself grace along the way makes all the difference.
With preparation, Los Algodones can be a smooth, cost-effective, and feasible option for dental work you may have thought impossible in the U.S.
Sharonda Shariee - Curating a Life Well-Lived 