State Parks And Activities In Arizona

Arizona has a great variety of state parks. From the plateau region near the Grand Canyon, to the mountains along the Mogollon Rim to the surprisingly green desert in the southern half of the state, recreation parks offer hiking, biking, swimming, and other great activities. River Island State Park, for example, is a prime location for lovers of the outdoors with camping, boating, and fishing sites. For the more adventurous hiker, Lost Dutchman State Park near Phoenix, named after a lost gold mine, provides not only hiking trails, but a chance to spot coyotes, provided one brings enough water to battle the challenging climate. Water skiers should visit Patagonia Lake State Park, which attracts water sports enthusiasts during the hot summer months.

State historic parks, like Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park possess military history value, and Fort Verde State Historic Park contains historical elements from the days when Native-Americans fought the early Americans in the Indian Wars. Jerome State Historic Park is an estate of the early 1900s, and contains a mansion previously owned by the Douglas family who entertained mining officials and investors.

Environmental education parks, such as Red Rock State Park offer beautiful scenery, trails to conquer, and is a nature preserve. These educational parks, especially Oracle State Park; a wildlife refuge, are ideal for school groups and adults who wish to learn more about the interactions between humans and animal or plant life. On a hot day, visiting the Kartchner Caverns State Park with its two-mile long cavern is a great way to stay cool while exploring the various calcite formations.

Arizona’s state parks offer a wide variety of activities and natural wonders to suit everyone’s recreational needs and interests. When searching for a great outdoors experience, the choices are unlimited as all parks have their own unique feature to present.