Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
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If you stop and think about it, the days of the wild west aren’t that far behind us, and Arizona used to be wild as all get-out. Miners, ranchers, and sheep herders didn’t always get along well, and of course there have always been jilted lovers and jealousy, especially back when women were fairly scarce on the ground! So it’s no wonder that Arizona has so many haunted places! And in addition to those ghostly spots, we’ve got a lot of ghost towns in various stages of ruin that can be fun to visi... Full story
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
Though it’s thought of as a desert state, Arizona has a surprisingly wide variety of climates that support a wide variety of wildlife from rodents to reptiles, birds and large predators be they common and familiar or the rarest and the strange. Here is information about some of the animals in Arizona. Much of Arizona’s wildlife can be found in its state parks and trails. The state parks include Catalina, Cattail Cove, Lyman Lake, Lost Dutchman, Patagonia Lake, Lake Havasu, the San Rafael Sta... Full story
There are so many opportunities to enjoy angling in Arizona. Here are a few to add to your tackle box. Editor's Note: Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Arizona; both tournaments and fun family angling events are available almost every month of the year. There is not room here to even begin to cover them all, but here are a few sites to check for upcoming events. Arizona Game & Fish Department Volunteer The Arizona Game and Fish Department is seeking volunteers to help buil... Full story
'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
From Arizona State Parks Check out our extensive Arizona wildflower list at the bottom of the page, complete with vibrant photos and bloom information! How many will you see in 2021? February showers make March wildflowers in the desert parks and create yet another reason to explore this beautiful state! During years of average and above average precipitation, it seems every direction you look there are beautiful yellow, red, white, orange, blue, or purple flowers blanketing the landscape. Try... Full story
At Press Time, This Is The State Lands Information One spark is all it takes! • On Friday, Aug. 14, Stage I fire restrictions were re-implemented to state lands within Coconino County - SOUTH of the Grand Canyon and in Yavapai County. • Stage II fire restrictions remain in place in Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave and Yuma Counties and Coconino - NORTH of the Grand Canyon. • Target shooting and fireworks are never allowed at any time of the year. • For more information, please call our state f... Full story
Join us on a family campout to learn the ropes of camping and experience all the fun of being in the outdoors! 2019 Spring Dates • May 11-12 - River Island State Park – Parker • May 18-19 - Dead Horse Ranch State Park – Cottonwood 2019 Fall Dates • September 14-15 - Tonto Natural Bridge State Park – Payson • September 21-22 - Slide Rock State Park – Sedona • October 5-6 - Cattail Cove State Park – Lake Havasu • October 12-13 - Kartchner Caverns State Park – Benson • October 26-27 - Roper Lak... Full story
The Arizona Game and Fish Department is excited to announce the winners of the 2018 wildlife photo contest. James Stamsek’s photo of mule deer at Lost Dutchman State Park was awarded best in show and will be showcased on both the cover and in the 2019 wildlife calendar. Stamsek, of Mesa, was at Lost Dutchman State Park with the goal of capturing a beautiful sunset and the Superstition Mountains during what photographers call the “golden hour,” the time just after the sun rises or before it sets.... Full story
Fee machines have been installed and are available to pay fees for overnight camping on the Mesa, Cave Creek, Globe and Tonto Basin ranger districts. Timber Camp Campground, on the Globe Ranger District, and Burnt Corral, Cholla, Frazier Horse, Schoolhouse and Windy Hill campgrounds are currently open on the Tonto Basin Ranger District. The Tortilla Campground on the Mesa Ranger District opened for the winter on Oct.1. Fee machines are available at the Tortilla, Burnt Corral, Cholla,... Full story
Popular recreation sites on the Tonto National Forest near Phoenix are either opening for the season, or closing for the season, depending on the location. The Mesquite and Horseshoe campgrounds and Fisherman's Point (also known as Catfish Point) re-opened for the winter on Oct.1. These three areas are on the Cave Creek Ranger District near Horseshoe Lake. They are popular camping spots for fisherman. On the Mesa Ranger District, seasonal reductions in services at some developed recreation sites... Full story
These memorable destinations are enough to fill a lifetime of "bucket lists". As we celebrate the centennial of the National Parks Service, many will be visiting national sites throughout the country. A good place to start is here at home as Arizona has over two dozen of these spectacular destinations within the state. National Monuments In Arizona Canyon De Chelly Chinle, Ariz. For nearly 5,000 years, people have lived in these canyons - longer than anyone has lived uninterrupted anywhere on... Full story
Winter in Phoenix is a beautiful thing! There is so much going on: great events every weekend, the sun shines (almost) every day, and the temperature is just right. It is an ideal time to get out in the parks to explore the Sonoran Desert. Phoenix has some of the most parkland per person within city limits in the United States, and mountain preserves and public land surround the metro area. Here are three great options for getting outdoors in the Phoenix area. • Phoenix Mountain Parks and Preser... Full story
The State Parks in Arizona are offering guided hikes for New Years Day as part of a program called 1st Day Hikes. Guided hikes are great, even if you are an experienced hiker, because the guides will have lots of information about the area that you might not have known. The State Parks are great places to visit at any time, and the opportunity for a free guided hike is a bonus. Generally, the weather is cool on New Years Day, but at higher altitudes, you should add layers. Also, bring your own w... Full story
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. Winter in Phoenix is a beautiful thing! There is so much going on: great events every weekend, the sun shines (almost) every day, and the temperature is just right. It is an ideal time to get out in the parks to explore the Sonoran Desert. Phoenix has some of the most parkland per person within city limits in the U.S., and mountain preserves... Full story
Each year the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) announces a national collaboration of all 50 State Park systems across America to sponsor guided "First Day Hikes" on New Year's Day. Arizona's "First Day Hikes" offer individuals and groups an opportunity to begin the New Year on a healthy note, so get out those boots and take a hike! There will be 20 different hikes offered at 18 parks on January 1, 2016. A full listing of hike locations, difficulty and length, terrain and tips...
Seasonal reductions in services at some developed recreation sites on the Mesa Ranger District are now in effect through April 14, 2016. The reduction in services includes no vehicle access, trash pick-up, no available toilets, and no drinking water where water was previously provided. “The reduction in services will allow the recreation staff to consolidate use and more efficiently manage recreation on the district as visitation drops in the fall and winter,” stated Gary Hanna, Mesa Dis... Full story
(Phoenix, AZ - October 19, 2015) - On Saturday, October 24, 2015, bring your children to visit the Lost Dutchman State Park to watch the release of a Horned Owl by local Liberty Wildlife Volunteers. Liberty Wildlife guardians are committed to the well-being of native wildlife in Arizona. The volunteers rescue animals, participate in the rehab of the animals, and through their education programs share release of the animal into the wild trying to instill compassion and stewardship in young... Full story
Have you ever wanted to bring your family camping but weren't sure where to start? The Arizona Family Campout Program is a one-weekend adventure designed for families who have little-or-no experience camping. The program will provide tents, sleeping mats and introduce families to the new adventure of camping at an Arizona State Park. How To Do It Throughout the weekend families will work with a Camp Coordinator and other families to learn how to set-up their tent and how to prepare a dinner,... Full story
Many hikes and events are offered throughout the remaining days of February at Lost Dutchman State Park. Bring your family to hike or enjoy a picnic for the day and enjoy the like-fall temperatures in Apache Junction. Wednesday, Feb. 18: History, Legends and Lore Hike, 9 a.m. Following the Treasure Loop Trail, Volunteer hiking leader Jim will discuss the history of the Superstitions, along with legends and lore of the gold. This 2.5 mile round trip with an elevation change of approx. 520' is a... Full story
(Phoenix Arizona - January 30, 2015) - Many hikes and events are offered throughout the month of February 2015 at Lost Dutchman State Park. Bring your family to hike or enjoy a picnic for the day and enjoy the fall temperatures in Apache Junction. Wednesday, February 4: Medicinal Plants of the Sonoran Desert, 9 a.m. This approximate 2.5-mile and two-hour round trip hike with ranger Erica will introduce medicinal plants of the Sonoran Desert. Tea made from creosote bush to ease arthritis, nuts... Full story
(Phoenix, AZ - May 21, 2014) - The State Parks in Arizona provide many opportunities for Memorial Day 2014 campers. If you have not already reserved your campsite, some campsites are already full. Some State Parks such as Lyman Lake near Springerville and Alamo Lake near Wenden will have campgrounds that may not fill to capacity. Day use and historic parks have plenty of room for daytrippers and Kartchner Caverns State Park always has 100 walk-up tickets each day and good camping opportunities... Full story
Lost Dutchman State Park (Apache Junction) will hold a Star Party on Saturday, April 26, starting at 7 p.m and hosted by the Superstition Astronomical League. Families are welcome to come spend an evening and observe the wonders of the night sky through astronomers' telescopes. Participants should bring water, snacks, a red light (to protect everyone's night vision), sweater or jacket. For more information about Lost Dutchman State Park, call (480) 982-4485 or visit AZStatePa... Full story
(Phoenix, Arizona - April 8, 2014) - Catalina State Park (Tucson) will hold a Star Party on Saturday, April 19, 2014 and Lost Dutchman State Park (Apache Junction) will hold a Star Party on Saturday, April 26, 2014. Families are welcome to come spend an evening and observe the wonders of the night sky through astronomers' telescopes. For either Star Party, participants should bring water, snacks, a red light (to protect everyone's night vision), sweater or jacket. Catalina State Park's Star... Full story
Early Spring Hikes: Being able to hike year 'round is one of the many blessings of living in Arizona. In the winter, you hike in the desert; in the summer, you head for the mountains. And now, if we've had decent winter rains, wildflowers will start to show up in mid-February and continue through the middle of June. They will be particularly abundant from mid-March through April, making hikes at that time of year almost unbelievably gorgeous. For the three and a quarter million people who live... Full story
