Entry No. 16 — the Phoenix file — filed under: observatory

Gilbert Rotary Centennial Observatory (Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch)

A volunteer-run observatory tucked into a reclaimed water-recharge marsh next to the public library — East Valley Astronomy Club members haul out their own telescopes so anyone who walks up on a Friday or Saturday night can look through them for free.

The move: Show up at sunset on a Friday or Saturday, wander the preserve's ponds while the light fades, then spend the evening hopping between amateur astronomers' telescopes pointed at planets, star clusters, and the Moon — drop a few bucks in the donation box on the way out.

• 📍 Gilbert
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: 2757 E. Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234

Hours: Added 2026-07-19 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: evaconline.org · Official site

last checked: 2026-07-19