Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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Tours of Goodfellow Lodge at Tonto Natural Bridge Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Sundays and Wednesdays 11 a.m. (Wed. & Sundays) | 2 p.m. (Sundays) Join us for a ranger or volunteer led walk through the Goodfellow Lodge, with a history of the property, the Lodge, and the people that called Tonto Natural Bridge home. The history, former use, and present use of these buildings will be included. Tour is approximately 45 minutes and is available at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays, as well as at... Full story
The gorgeous palette of autumn colors paints Arizona's state parks. It IS possible to experience vibrant fall colors in Arizona - you just need to know where (and when) to look. Several of Arizona's state parks have amazing viewing opportunities and we can't wait for you to experience them all; however, the four parks listed below are known for their above average display of beautiful Arizona fall colors! Follow this comprehensive guide to the best spots for colorful Arizona fall foliage and... Full story
These Are My Favorite Indigenous People's Sites In Arizona. Because my dad was a Chippewa Indian and I'm a registered member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewas, I've always had an interest in the sites around the state that were built by the peoples who lived here long ago. And in fact, many of their descendants live here in Arizona to this day! John and I have visited a lot of the more famous sites with the girls, so I'll start out telling you about those, but I thought I'd also add some... Full story
Director's Orders (list of waters with aquatic invasive species) updated to include Tonto Creek; Tonto Creek Hatchery closed to public. PAYSON, Ariz. - The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails, an aquatic invasive species (AIS), in upper Tonto Creek approximately 2.5 miles downstream of Tonto Creek Hatchery. AZGFD continues to conduct surveys in the area to determine the extent of infestation. Tonto Creek Hatchery will remain closed to the... Full story
Precaution Taken After Invasive Mudsnails Detected In Creek 2.5 Miles Downstream Of Hatchery The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails, an aquatic invasive species, in Tonto Creek approximately 2.5 miles downstream of Tonto Creek Hatchery. AZGFD continues to conduct surveys in the area to determine the extent of infestation. Beginning June 22, the Tonto Creek Hatchery was closed to the public. This will provide the department with time to en... Full story
Location of Origin: Highway 60 at mm 300 Start Date: July 5, 2023 Size: 831 acres Cause: Undetermined Percent Contained: 17 Personnel: 248 Fuels: Pinyon-Juniper, Grass Resources Assigned: 8 crews, 5 engines, 2 water tenders, 2 helicopters, 2 Dozers Operations: Fire activity is minimal, with only a few areas that remain active. Due to the hard work of firefighting resources, the perimeter has not changed in recent days and suppression lines are expected to hold today with no expected increase in... Full story
Great Outdoors Month helps remind us all of the physical and mental benefits of outdoor recreation and to inspire your interactions with Mother Nature. Seek adventure and you'll be rewarded with the positive effects of a connection with the natural world. Don't put adventure on hold as summer settles in! You'll find plenty of unforgettable outdoor experiences available throughout Arizona in spite of increasing temps. Cool off in the water at any of our lake or river parks, tour an... Full story
Anglers and others recreating in Canyon Creek are now required to clean, drain, dry and decontaminate their equipment after each visit The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has added Canyon Creek to its list of "Aquatic Invasive Species Affected Waters" (also known as Director's Order 2) after recently confirming the presence of invasive New Zealand mudsnails in lower Canyon Creek about 3 miles downstream of Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery. Director's Orders are authorized by ARS §17-255.01... Full story
A succession of winter storms has provided much-needed moisture to Arizona's waters and landscapes over the last several months. Salt River Project (SRP) said this winter has been one of the best for the Verde and Salt River water systems in the last three decades, and SRP's reservoirs (Roosevelt, Apache, Canyon and Saguaro on the Salt, and Horseshoe and Bartlett on the Verde) are projected to fill or be close to capacity. While the rain and snow is welcome in terms of helping to mitigate dry... Full story
August 12, September 9: Fishing Regs Changes The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking public input on proposed changes to the 2023-24 Arizona fishing regulations. There are four proposed changes: Opening the upper portion of the south fork of the Little Colorado River to catch-and-release angling for Apache trout including a seasonal angling closure. Creating a catch-and-release only fishery for all fish species at Lower Goldwater Lake. Expanding the current catch-and-release section of... 
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'Pick a trail and lace up your shoes.' From Arizona State Parks And Trails Attention Arizona hikers! If you're looking for a great way to get outdoors any time of year with friends or the family, here are some insider tips about the best hiking trails in Arizona's state parks. Explore these diverse options throughout this amazingly beautiful state, and cross these hikes off your bucket list! From Arizona's hiking trails you will come across a variety of amazing sights and experiences that range... Full story
Maps Are Guides To So Many Cool Spots In Arizona Somebody asked me recently how John and I find so many cool places around Arizona. The answer is maps. I have a lot of maps. When we were planning our recent trip to Williams, I spread several maps out on the kitchen table: a DeLorme Atlas and Gazettee; a Forest Service Map of Kaibab National Forest Williams, Chalendar and Tusayan Ranger Districts; a National Geographic Trails Illustrated Topographic map of Sycamore Canyon and Verde Valley... Full story
The Japanese have a term "Shinrinyoku" that literally means "forest therapy". They know that getting outdoors soothes your soul and relaxes your mind. It is really good for kids to get outdoors and be able to run and play and explore nature – and yes, even get really dirty. My dad started taking me camping and hunting when I was very young, and I always love the feeling that you get when you leave the city behind. To this day, it lifts my spirits to get out where there are no buildings in v... Full story
Although some venues may temporarily be unavailable, they will be ready for you when the current crisis has passed. The seduction of the crimson Sedona sandstone has long captivated people around the world. Such stunning beauty in a beautiful yet easily accessible back country makes us unique – and attracts spiritual seekers, rugged outdoors types, and world class artists from sculptors to chefs. In the last two years we have been working toward keeping Sedona the Most Beautiful Place on E... Full story
We started taking our granddaughters hiking with us when they were five or six years old, so I know how important it is to find great hikes that are pretty, but easy enough for short legs. This time of year, you also want those trails to be in the high country - and even then they might get pretty warm in the afternoon. But these two hikes are short and sweet - so they're ideal for a summer day with or without kids. Picture Canyon My granddaughter Trinity told us about this one. She's a student... Full story
The Game and Fish Department reminds everyone to stop feeding wildlife following two javelina attacks near Sedona earlier this year. Both attacks were the result of people's feeding javelina at their homes. In late winter, Game and Fish received information that a 79-year-old woman was bitten by a javelina in a neighborhood southwest of Sedona. The attack occurred at the woman's residence, where she received severe bite wounds to her leg as she tried to stop the javelina from attacking her... Full story
Patagonia Lake is a small reservoir about an hour south of Tucson. Formed by damming Sonoita Creek, this beautiful little lake offers good crappie, catfish, and bass fishing in Southern Arizona. The terrain around Patagonia is very different from the deserts surrounding the central Arizona lakes. Patagonia is at an elevation of 3,750 feet, and the surrounding country is grassy hills and scrub oak and juniper. Dan Marzano Takes Us To Patagonia Patagonia looks more like a midwestern lake than an... Full story
From the trickle of a few springs, Oak Creek gathers water from the southern part of the Mogollon Rim to start its thirteen-mile flow through the canyon that the creek helped form. From Oak Creek Canyon , the creek winds through Sedona and begins its eight-mile descent into the Verde Valley to meet up with the Verde River. Editor's Note: Each time we visit this gorgeous Arizona area, we are moved by its incredible beauty and are refreshed physically, mentally, and yes, spiritually. Land... Full story
Compiled By Carol L. Allen For lasting memories, visit the Verde Valley – recently named one of the Top 10 U.S. travel destinations by Lonely Planet. Located in the "heart" of Arizona, the Verde Valley is ideally situated above the heat of the desert and below the cold of Arizona's high country. Surrounded by the red rocks of Sedona to the northeast and Mingus Mountain to the southwest, its low elevation of 3,300' and moderate climate are enjoyed year-round. Ancient civilizations, with their u... Full story
Want to spend your summer in the mountains of Arizona? Consider applying for a campground host position with the Tonto National Forest. The Pleasant Valley Ranger District is looking for a campground host to volunteer at the Haigler Creek Campground, near Young, Arizona. This campground is located approximately eight miles away from Young on a dirt road. The campground consists of 14 campsites and two day-use areas. A host is needed from mid-May through mid-September. Duties include, but are not... Full story
I'll keep my introduction brief this issue as I want to stress two important things for our class: 1. Our 60th (!) class reunion is set for September 2017 in the afternoon at the museum just above Franklin Park. As next year progresses, you will receive more details. 2. Although I do enjoy putting out Pirate Press from time to time (and, of course, hearing from you), I think that social-media has me beat as to timing and convenience. I hope that all of you will consider becoming Facebook... Full story
Tip Of The Week All active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in Arizona, along with their spouses, may purchase resident hunting and fishing licenses. The Reel Deal Grab a license online, 24/7 (and help conserve all species of wildlife). There are only a few weeks left before winter conditions prevail in the high country, so if you're looking for scents of pine, scenes of eagles and tight lines from trout, go now. The trout bite is hot at spots such as Dogtown, Kinnikinick,... Full story
I'm an Arizona native, yet there are still countless sites in Arizona that are on my bucket list. My dad took me hunting and camping hundreds of times, and I've seen some gorgeous places – places that aren't on the typical tourist list of places to see. For instance, on a deer hunt off Dugas Road, I was walking along a small wash when it turned a corner and opened up into a little canyon. There was small stream, maybe a spring, that flowed just a short way before going underground. I'll Never F... Full story
Tip Of The Week For our desert lakes, predatory fish activity will be building toward a fall-time frenzy. Bass in particular will feed heavily to prepare for winter conditions. For anglers, that means now is the best time to hook into actively feeding bass. The Reel Deal The first hints of fall means fishing is about to bust loose. Nights are getting noticeably cooler, putting bass in the mood to chase reaction baits and trigger some of the best high-country trout fishing of the year. Remember:... Full story
Come celebrate fall at Slide Rock State Park's Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Spend the day and enjoy a variety of fun fall activities including an apple-cider press, blacksmithing, Arizona Flywheelers displaying tractors and old engines, kiddie tractor pull, quilt displays, Jay's Bird Barn Falconer, build a scarecrow, and of course, special appearances from Arizona State Parks' Rocky Ringtail and US Forest Service's Smokey the Bear! There will also be apples availab... Full story
