Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 51 - 72 of 72
The area around Sierra Vista Arizona is diverse: everything from pine forests to desert and riparian areas. It makes for a great little vacation, and there is plenty to do down there. Last month I told you about a couple of things to do on the way down there from Phoenix or Tucson, plus Ramsey Canyon which is just south of Sierra Vista. After hiking Ramsey Canyon, you may be in the mood for a drive and perhaps another little uphill hike along the way. Coronado National Memorial The perfect... Full story
(APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz.) -- The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), in partnership with the Dolly Steamboat and Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society, is offering a two-day opportunity to view and learn about desert bighorns, one of our state's most fascinating native mammals. Desert bighorn sheep are true icons of the wild American Southwest, thriving in some of Arizona's steepest canyons and most rugged mountain ranges. In addition to hosting a pre-viewing workshop in Mesa on Saturday... Full story
Rainbow Bridge National Monument will be closed for the month of January to complete repairs to the trail from Lake Powell. On Jan. 5, 2015 crews will begin work to repair segments of the trail that were damaged in the monsoon floods that occurred in late September 2013. Because of the nature of this work there will be no access for visitors coming from Lake Powell. Hikers who have obtained permits from the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department to hike from Navajo Mountain will be able to... Full story
In early June, Governor Jan Brewer proclaimed a Monsoon Awareness Week in Arizona in anticipation of the 2014 monsoon season and summer severe weather hazards. However, the message from that week is relevant throughout the season. Arizona's monsoon spans the hot summer months of June to mid-September. Extreme heat alone can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. People over 65 years old, children under 5, persons with a pre-existing medical condition, and individuals who work... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is forwarding to constituents the following information from a July 1, 2014, U.S. Forest Service news release: The Coconino National Forest has expanded the Slide Fire emergency closure area to include all National Forest land within Oak Creek Canyon beginning Thursday, July 3. The closure is being implemented for public safety due to the risks associated with flooding from monsoon, debris flow and the limited ability to quickly inform and evacuate people... Full story
Southern Arizona's Monsoon Storms hit Cascabel and The Oasis...hard! Monday afternoon we experienced a storm with winds gusting to 60-80 mph and flooding rains which dropped over 4 inches in an hour. The Oasis was hard hit with flash flooding and downed trees. But the worst thing that happened was when our three-sided storage barn was literally torn apart!... 
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(Phoenix, AZ - April 9, 2014) - Beginning in April 2014, Oracle State Park Center for Environmental Education will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round. For the past few years, the park has only been open on weekends seasonally from October through April. Executive Director Bryan Martyn said, "The Friends of Oracle have been instrumental in working with Arizona State Parks on getting the park open year-round. Without this group of dedicated volunteers...
(Phoenix, AZ - April 9, 2014) - Beginning in April 2014, Oracle State Park Center for Environmental Education will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round. For the past few years, the park has only been open on weekends seasonally from October through April. Executive Director Bryan Martyn said, "The Friends of Oracle have been instrumental in working with Arizona State Parks on getting the park open year-round. Without this group of dedicated volunteers... Full story
The Chiricahua Mountains are a sky island in the southeast corner of Arizona – not a place you'd probably pass by on your way to somewhere else. But if you have never been there, you seriously need to add a visit to the Chiricahuas to your bucket list. The rock formations are spectacular – you will see towering hoodoos, rocks that look precariously balanced, shady grottos, and miles of standing columns that might remind you of a gargantuan army marching in formation. First Things First When you... Full story
Monsoon season brings one of the southwest desert’s most iconic creatures out of their burrows and out-and-about across the state. Desert tortoises are now in their most active season and more likely to be seen by the public. The Arizona Game and Fish Department asks the public to follow these important guidelines if they encounter a desert tortoise: • Do not remove a tortoise from its habitat. Taking a wild tortoise home is illegal in Arizona. Additionally, most tortoises stay in the same sma... Full story
Lake surface temperature and lake level are declining. Cool monsoon weather patterns are adding much-needed rainwater to the lake but not enough to keep the lake from declining one foot per week. Fishing success for stripers on anchovy bait and smallmouth on plastic bait is still exceptional. Adult stripers are holding at about 30 feet where cooler temperatures make life more pleasant for these hungry fish. Add some anchovy chum to the water and stripers come running. Best fishing spots are... Full story
Fishing for catfish is slow at all Urban Fishing waters statewide through the summer (no stocking period). For holdover catfish, try the larger lakes of more than 5 acres. Some catfish and bass are being caught, but it takes persistence and some good timing in the early morning and evening hours. Fishing has been good all summer for the plentiful bluegill that frequent the shoreline areas in search of food. Mealworms fished on the bottom or a few feet under a bobber can catch sunfish throughout... Full story
Arizona is famous for many things, but opening day of dove season is downright legendary. Temperatures here may still be high, but there's nothing cooler for the hunting community than the first day of dove season. Sunday, Sept. 1 is the official start of dove season. Since the big day falls on a Sunday this year, be sure to get your hunting license and stamp well in advance. Before the weekend, stop in and get your license and stamp at any of the seven Game and Fish offices statewide, 8 a.m.... Full story
Tip Of The Week Remember that at Blue Ridge (C.C. Cragin) there is no bag or possession limit. The road is open and SRP has begun to draw the lake down for necessary repairs to the dam and associated piping. There have been reports of some nice holdover trout being caught. The lake will not be stocked this year due to plans to drain the lake for repairs. The Reel Deal Trout fishing is only picking up with monsoon activity. Many high country fisheries are scheduled to be stocked this week. But,... Full story
The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department has initiated its annual fire ban as have other land-management agencies throughout Arizona. “This winter, portions of the Valley received a significant amount of rain. While the showers produced a beautiful wildflower season, they also increased fuel loads of ground coverage and brush in the parks, which intensifies the possibility of wildfires. As a precaution, the department began its annual fire ban after Memorial Day weekend,” said Maricop... Full story
Phoenix) – The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department will initiate its annual fire ban on Tuesday, May 28. “This winter, portions of the Valley received a significant amount of rain. While the showers produced a beautiful wildflower season, they also increased fuel loads of ground coverage and brush in the parks which intensifies the possibility of wildfires. As a precaution, the department will initiate its annual fire after Memorial Day weekend,” said Maricopa County Parks and Recre... Full story
Don’t get trapped inside by the summer heat. Come join San Tan for a variety of fun programs that take advantage of the coolest parts of the day. And if you join us for our featured Wet N Wild programs, you could win your way into Wet N Wild Water Park to cool off. Please read the attached document or below to find more information on June 2013’s exciting programming. This month’s Wet N Wild Programs are: San Tan Shredders Sunset Ride Friday, June 7, 7:30p.m.-9p.m. Join an exciting new mount... Full story
All lakes were stocked again with channel catfish the week of Oct. 1-6. Fishing for catfish is good to excellent now that the fall stockings have resumed. Mornings and evenings are the best times as catfish prefer to feed under dim or dark conditions. While the majority of stocked catfish are caught in the first five days of stocking, anglers are still catching cats one to two weeks later at a slower rate. Top baits for catfish have been stink baits, shrimp and worms fished on the bottom in the... Full story
As we make plans to go out to the lake, we have listened to the weather forecast and storms are either not identified or most often not talked about because the chance is slight. As you go about your day on the lake, be vigilant of those storm cells that are small and fast moving. Most often, you will have a great amount of wind blowing through the area prior to the rain. If you were paying attention to the weather (and it gets stormy) then the best thing to do is to move to a sheltered cove... Full story
Urban Fishing Report Best Hope In Summer Are Larger Lakes Monsoon storms trigger some good fishing periods. From AZGFD Fishing for catfish is slow at all Urban Fishing Program waters statewide through the summer (no stocking period). For holdover catfish, try the larger lakes over five acres in size. Some catfish and bass are being caught, but it takes persistence and some good timing in the early morning and evening hours. Fishing has been good all summer for the plentiful bluegills that... Full story
Bring Your Rods To The Rim Arizona’s High Country Offers Excellent Angling Now By Rory Aikens AZGFD Monsoon rains have helped our high mountain lakes. For many getting ready to head back to school, it's time for one last summer fishing fling. So, here are some tips for a summer fling. Tough to beat the Mogollon Rim Country. You can fish Woods Canyon, Willow Springs Lake, Christopher Creek, Tonto Creek, Canyon Creek, Haigler Creek, and Bear Canyon all on the same trip — if you so desire. Tak... Full story
Boating Basics: On the Water Monsoons Often Cause For Concern Arizona weather can change rapidly, creating the unexpected. From AZGFD’s “Arizona Handbook of Boating Laws & Responsibilities” Weather Emergencies Weather can change very rapidly and create unexpected situations for boat operators, and weather-related accidents in Arizona are on the rise. Even meteorologists have trouble predicting rapid weather changes. [Think Arizona monsoons!] You should always monitor weather developments. Besid... Full story
