El Rio Preserve is a nice clean park with a little nature walk and bird watching spot. It has a large parking lot, shaded picnic area with big tables and seats, and restrooms. The park features a butterfly garden and a lake that attracts wildlife. It is a great location to join The Loop, especially for those travelling from north of Tucson. The park has well-defined dirt pathways and paved areas with benches, making it an excellent birding area. It is also accessible for biking and walking, with a paved path part of the loop, and allows dogs. The park is a great place to share nature with kids and is considered a true birder hotspot.
