Base & Meridian Wildlife Area — Attraction in Arizona

I've been visiting this spot since before it had that name, back when there were warning signs about the ddt in the water. It's very beautiful here and there is a bit of history up on top of the hill. As with anything like it, it has become more popular over time. It can get crowded. I waited for parking today. There is a lot of trash, although a number of good samaritans come out to clean it up. It is heavily fished with both nets and poles. Motorized vehicles are prohibited, yet constant (for example today I have seen 3 atv's and 2 scooters so far). Shooting is prohibited (except in season hunting with a license) yet constant (3 people so far today), and more common after dark. This is still a beautiful and decent place to go, but it's a sad sight compared to the past. I used to see river otters and Egrets every time I came here. It's more rare to see Egrets and I haven't seen an otter here for years. There are still Herons and other birds, and various fish. Some of the small fish are in trouble, like the endangered Gila Topminnow. They get caught in nets here often.

It's a different weekend now, but the same story. ATV's all day/night, trash everywhere, constant shooting after dark. Does anyone know who is responsible for this place? I see AZ game & fish on the sign but I know they don't...

Police harass and kick you off it even if you are just fishing. Constant gunfire and trash is everywhere. Unfortunate it is much more filthy than it used to be and the police are not doing anything to help harassing fishermen. I live near here and the amount of gunfire at night reminds me of being back in Afghanistan. Also there is a sewer/reclaim water dump in at 91st Ave now. So the water is definitely not clean. Also 3 times a weeks Maricopa county trucks dump unknown materials into the gila on El mirage. Unmarked trucks with no placards or labels dumping. They just say...

The water had an unpleasant smell that I didn’t enjoy, but other than that, it was fun to watch the baby frogs and hike from the mountain. I did have a scary moment when a man followed me, so I had to play hide and seek in the woods to get away. Later, two other men approached me in a weird way, and I couldn’t understand their accent. I told them my boyfriend was waiting for me and quickly left the area, opting for the mountain instead to have a more relaxing time. I wouldn’t recommend going there alone, but it could be a good family spot if you don’t mind the...