Arizona State Parks Park-Cation

PHOENIX – Summer is coming to a close, but there’s still one more three-day weekend left! Turn your Labor Day weekend into a park-cation by visiting one of the amazing Arizona State Parks in northern Arizona!

If a day trip is on your agenda, head to Red Rock State Park (https://t.e2ma.net/click/3vygz/3vqqt1/7manug) in Sedona, where the beautiful trails are rivaled only by the night skies. Your chances of catching sight of wildlife are great during this end-of-summer weather. There are picnic areas and educational opportunities for the kids, but it won’t feel like school in a setting as gorgeous as this!

If green is more your scene, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (https://t.e2ma.net/click/3vygz/3vqqt1/nfbnug) has everything you need. With lush trails leading to this amazing travertine formation and a sprawling lawn right outside the historic Goodfellow Lodge, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. The pedestrian bridge gives you a viewpoint of a true hidden gem of Arizona, all just two hours north in Payson.

For campers, pick a spot and stay the whole weekend at Dead Horse Ranch State Park (https://t.e2ma.net/click/3vygz/3vqqt1/37bnug) in Cottonwood, Lyman Lake State Park (https://t.e2ma.net/click/3vygz/3vqqt1/j0cnug) in St. John’s, or Homolovi State Park (https://t.e2ma.net/click/3vygz/3vqqt1/zsdnug) near Winslow. These cool northern parks have plenty to keep you and the family busy, whether it’s fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife watching, or just relaxing. Plus, Homolovi State Park is hosting a Star Party on Saturday, September 1 from its new night-sky observatory!

Of course, it’s always a great time to visit one of our historic state parks for a trip through Arizona’s past! Fort Verde (https://t.e2ma.net/click/3vygz/3vqqt1/flenug), Jerome (https://t.e2ma.net/click/3vygz/3vqqt1/vdfnug), and Riordan Mansion (https://t.e2ma.net/click/3vygz/3vqqt1/b6fnug) state historic parks all offer a look back in time with museums about the local way of life, tours and an immersion in Arizona’s history.

Make a reservation today (https://t.e2ma.net/click/3vygz/3vqqt1/rygnug) and enjoy your last long weekend of summer before it’s gone!

"Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our parks and through our partners."

For information about all 35 Arizona State Parks and Natural Areas, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com.