Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!
Sorted by date Results 251 - 275 of 628
For those whose garages got a little bit fuller during the holiday season with the addition of an off-highway vehicle (OHV) - or veteran riders who frequently hit Arizona's trails and dirt roads - the Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages everyone to take a riding safety course. An Overview Of Basic Skills Whether riding an all-terrain vehicle, dirt bike or side-by-side, completing a safety course will ensure users have an overview of the basic skills required to safely ride in or operate... Full story
Construction has begun at the Hermit Road interchange to resurface and improve the Hermit Road and Village Loop intersection. This is the first part of a 2018 Federal Highways Administration project to improve several intersections and about 15 miles of roads in the park. The road improvements will help preserve and extend the life of existing roads. Work will be completed by Fann Contracting, Inc of Prescott, Ariz. During First Phase During this first phase of construction, Village Loop Road... Full story
Tonto National Forest joins other federal agencies in waiving fees at day-use sites on six remaining days. These special days will provide people an easier way to experience national forests and grasslands, sometimes referred to as "America's Backyard". The fee-waiver program is in cooperation with other federal land management agencies under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. Day-use fees will be waived at all standard amenity fee sites operated by the forest for these listed dates.... Full story
One of the most unique RVs to debut this year is the EarthRoamer XV-HD. The self-sufficient, off-road Super C class luxury camper comes with an Aqua-Hot 600D hydronic heating solution for maximum comfort, no matter how far off the grid the vehicle may wander. The Aqua-Hot 600D delivers 65,600 BTUs of quiet, evenly-distributed heat throughout the XV-HD and offers on-demand hot water. EarthRoamer chose in-floor radiant heating to eliminate cold spots and drafts. A secondary system quickly gets the... Full story
If you gave or received an off-highway vehicle (OHV) as part of the holiday season, make sure you have the proper protective gear to get off to a safe start. Whether the ATV, dirt bike or side-by-side is for a family member, lucky friend or yourself, the Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends that you wear the following equipment when riding in an OHV: • Helmet — All OHV operators or passengers younger than 18 are required to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-safety rated hel... Full story
We have a family tradition of going on a fun hike on New Year's Day each year. Since we live in the desert, this is the best time of year to hike close to home. If you are also a desert rat, now is a great time to go for a hike. Here are some great hikes near Phoenix to get you started. Wave Cave Hike This trail is in the Superstitions and it gets quite a bit of traffic - for good reason. The trail takes you to a large cave with incredible views. It's called the Wave Cave because right in front... Full story
The importance of driving-best practices are underscored by these three actions that need to be avoided as they are major contributors to accidents. Following recent fatal off-highway vehicle (OHV) accidents, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds everyone about the importance of following best practices when driving on the state's trails and public land roads. In late September, a 58-year-old woman died in Cave Creek after being pinned underneath her utility-task vehicle (UTV). A week... Full story
The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is now closed for the season. The North Rim is expected to re-open for the 2018 season on May 15, 2018. The North Rim campground is still be available for winter camping and is accessible via inner canyon trails from the South Rim or by cross-country skiing and snowshoeing - a 45-mile trip from Jacob Lake. To stay at the North Rim during the winter months, visitors will need a backcountry permit, which can be obtained from the Backcountry Information... Full story
SEEING STARS -- The Highland Center for Natural History, Friends of JS Acker Park, and the City of Prescott Recreation Services Department have collaborated to offer year-round educational star parties, close and convenient to town at JS Memorial Park. Come and join long-time local naturalist and docent John Mangimeli for the final 2017 fun trek through the fall sky constellations on Friday, Dec. 15, 6-7 p.m.... Full story
Grand Canyon National Park has closed the yurt located at CC Hill on the North Rim for safety concerns. The yurt is scheduled for demolition later this fall. A park superintendent has the authority to "designate areas for a specific use or activity, or impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity" as outlined in 36 CFR 1.5(a)(1). The closure and demolition of the yurt is a proactive measure taken to protect park visitors and employees from conditions conducive to rodent exposure and... Full story
TAKE A HIKE -- Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional parks systems in the nation with more than 120,000 acres of open space parks that include hundreds of miles of trails. More information on trail maps and park locations: www.maricopacountyparks.net/ or (602) 506-2930... Full story
Willow Lake Loop Trail: Arizona's Newest Premier Trail Recently named an Arizona State Premier Trail by Arizona State Parks, Willow Lake Loop is a must-do hike. This trail covers rocky steep terrain, moderate terrain and some relatively flat terrain. On the western shore, the trail is clearly mellow and rambling with a wide flat trail, grassy expanses, and reflective lake views. The eastern shore, by contrast, is rambunctious and playful with billowing boulders to scramble over, small hidden... Full story
If you are a hiker in Arizona, traversing the various paths that are a part of the Arizona Trail is likely something you have done numerous times without a second thought. This 6,875 mile portion of the Great Western Loop has numerous terrains, climates, and hikes that are perfect for all hikers, new or seasoned. What Is The Arizona Trail? The Arizona Trail (AZT) is an 800+ mile thru-hike that stretches from the border of Mexico to the border of Utah. It was a teacher, Dale Shewalter, from... Full story
In upcoming years, entrance fees could more than double their current rates at some of the U.S.'s most popular national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Zion. A large backlog of infrastructure and maintenance projects have led to this request by the National Park Service. Currently priced at around $30 per vehicle, the National Park Service has proposed that entrance fees be raised to $70. These price hikes would occur during peak season from the months of May through... Full story
• Lesson #1 Only carry what you need. • Lesson #2 Make sure you have all valuables out of your machine. • Lesson #3 Make sure you have all important numbers in your phone before leaving. • Lesson #4 Have two or three ways to light a fire. Editor's Note: The story that follows explains how these lessons became crucial for Tonya and her husband. My husband and I recently purchased a UTV as we wanted to be able to spend time together and experience new things together. We had taken it out for a f... Full story
Before you know it, the holidays will be upon us and we'll all be scrambling to find the perfect gift for the people we love. If someone you love also loves the outdoors, here are some ideas that are sure to please. Good Maps Are Essential Build Your Own Whether your passion is fishing, hiking, hunting, off-roading, RV-ing, or geocaching, good maps are essential. The best way to get the perfect map is to visit MyTopo.com and build your own. These are especially great for hunters because you can... 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
After nearly 100 years since its opening, Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery has closed to new burials due to lack of space. Although the cemetery is closed to new plots, some burials may continue for individuals with a spouse or immediate family already interred in the cemetery. Anyone who believes they have a reservation for burial at Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery should contact the park's permitting office at 928-638-7707 or email a copy of the reservation to grca_permits_mail@nps.gov as soon as... Full story
The single best way to protect an RV's finish is to wax it. Shurhold Industries, the global leader in RV care and maintenance products, offers simple tips for creating a perfect, long-lasting shine-without the sore muscles and long hours the task is known for. As an RV is exposed to sunlight and UV rays, oxidation occurs, leaving the surface porous. Dirt and road grime get trapped in the clear coat, creating a faded, chalky appearance. Traditional wax works for a while, but is only a thin shell...
As you're gearing up to spend a weekend or a few days riding on forest roads and trails, we have one message for you: Head out, helmet on! Helmets are required for all off-highway vehicle (OHV) operators and passengers who are under 18 - but they are strongly recommended for everyone. A U.S. Department of Transportation-rated helmet is the most important piece of equipment you can wear. Case in point: In the event of an accident, a helmet is your only protection against head injuries. "Arizona... Full story
Last month, when I was writing about Grandparents' Day, I mentioned that we take our granddaughters on a big road trip/hiking trip every year. In between, we take a day now and then and just go to a small town or great place nearby. Since we've been doing these trips, small and big, for nearly two decades now, we've discovered some secrets to making every trip memorable and fun. Know Your Audience What is fun to a 5-year-old is not necessarily fun for an 18-year-old. What is safe for an 18-year-... Full story
Visitors to Grand Canyon National Park can now learn more about the role wildland fire plays at Grand Canyon. The short film "Living with Fire in the Grand Canyon" highlights the importance of returning fire to Grand Canyon's fire-adapted ecosystem. "Grand Canyon National Park has one of the most active fire management programs in the National Park Service," said Grand Canyon Chief of Fire and Aviation Jay Lusher, "and this film helps us tell our visitors the story of fire at Grand Canyon."... 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
Sunday, Sept. 10 is Grandparents' Day, and this year, we salute Marge and John Anderson who have shared the wonders of outdoors with their granddaughters for over two decades (and loved every minute of their times together). When we found out that our son and daughter-in-law were expecting their first baby, I quit my job so I could stay home and take care of her. Since the day she was born, Trinity has been the joy of my life. Then, three years later, Emily joined us, and brought us even more... Full story
On August 28, the price of the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass - will increase for the first time since 1994. The additional revenue will be used to enhance the visitor experience in parks. Learn more about the changes, what they mean for you, and how the additional funds will be used. Why is the price of the Senior Pass increasing? The price of the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass - is... Full story
