Teresa Bitler 2020-09-03 05:59:34
Arizona’s state parks have something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike through ponderosa pine forests, fish in pristine lakes and camp in the desert, while history buffs can explore a territorial prison or 19th-century military fort—and that’s just for starters. Discover the many different ways to experience Arizona’s diverse state parks with these quick ideas. HAVE A BEACH DAY. The sandy shores of Lake Havasu State Park attract sun worshippers and water sport enthusiasts from across the state and neighboring California. Boaters can launch their watercraft from one of five boat ramps in the park, while swimmers can cool off in the designated area near the beach. Plan to spend a few days in one of the park’s new air-conditioned cabins, so you'll have plenty of time to explore Lake Havasu City and even see the world-famous London Bridge, which in 1967 was dismantled and relocated from its original location over the Thames River. SEE A NATURAL WONDER. The world’s largest natural travertine bridge—and one of the few natural bridges on Earth not made of sandstone or limestone—can be seen from four viewpoints along a paved walkway at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park near Pine. When all four trails are open, you can hike to its base 183 feet below and walk through its nearly 400-foot tunnel. At the Goodfellow Lodge above the bridge, see exhibits on the area’s prehistoric inhabitants. MARVEL AT ANCIENT RUINS AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES. More than 300 archaeological sites, including four major 14th-century pueblos, dot the semi-desert grasslands of Homolovi State Park, just 3 miles northeast of downtown Winslow. You can explore two of those sites, one containing an estimated 1,200 to 2,000 rooms, and learn about their inhabitants, the ancestors of today’s Hopi people, through exhibits at the visitor center. After dark, gaze at celestial wonders through telescopes at the park’s observatory. CAMP ON THE COLORADO RIVER. Located on the Colorado River between Parker Dam and Headgate Dam, Buckskin Mountain State Park offers visitors more than just the opportunity to boat, fish, swim and hike. It’s one of the best in the state for riverfront camping. Tent and RV campers can reserve one of 80 spots, including several near the water, for stays of up to 14 days. Buckskin Mountain’s campground has showers and restrooms, electric hookups, free Wi-Fi and great views. EXPLORE AN ARCHITECTURAL WONDER. Built in 1904 by two brothers for their families, the duplex-style Riordan Mansion, part of the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, is one of the best examples of American Arts and Crafts architecture open to the public today. Guided tours through the home—fitted with the then-cutting-edge technologies of electric lights, central heat, hot and cold running water and telephones— leave on the hour. Self-guided tours of the grounds can be taken any time the park is open. TAKE IN SWEEPING VIEWS OF RED-ROCK BEAUTY. Family-friendly trails wind along the banks of Oak Creek to vistas where hikers enjoy sweeping views of rocks tinted red by rusting iron at Red Rock State Park near Sedona. Watch for mule, javelina and other critters in the 286-acre park on daily guided nature walks. Or, on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, set out with a naturalist on a guided bird walk. The visitor center has exhibits on geology, wildlife and plant life. SPOT SONORAN DESERT FLORA. Lost Dutchman State Park honors a miner whose gold mine remains “lost” to this day, but the real treasure here is the flora, especially during the spring when, depending on the winter’s rainfall, desert wildflowers carpet the base of the Superstition Mountains. Hike the easy Native Plant Trail, the moderate Treasure Loop and Prospector’s View trails or the challenging Siphon Draw to the top of the Flatiron. Book a cabin in the park to stay overnight. TIME TRAVEL TO AN OLD MINING TOWN. The town of Jerome already had one producing copper mine when James S. Douglas purchased the nearby Little Daisy Mine in 1912. Four years later, Douglas used profits from his mine to build a mansion with steam heat and a central vacuum system. Now Jerome State Historic Park, the mansion contains family heirlooms, local artifacts, minerals and historic photographs. Outside, mining equipment, a buggy and a 1929 Ford Model A truck are on display. GO ON A GHOST HUNT. The “Best Haunted Destination in America,” according to USA Today, Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park operated as a territorial prison for 33 years, from 1876 until 1909. While the park doesn’t offer ghost tours, it’s rumored some inmates never left. Be prepared to encounter John Ryan, who took his own life in Cell 14, or the spirits of those who endured solitary confinement in the Dark Cell. A little girl is also reported to haunt the park. VENTURE INTO SPECTACULAR CAVES. In 1974, two spelunkers discovered a “living” cave whose formations are still growing in the limestone hills near Benson. Today, Kartchner Caverns State Park offers several half-mile tours inside to see one of the world’s longest soda straw stalactites, a 58-foot column and other extraordinary formations. Stay overnight in one of the park’s cabins, and hike the park’s trails the next morning. The Discovery Center features exhibits on cave formations, cave life, hydrology and history. ARIZONA FAMILY CAMPOUT New to camping? Bring the whole family to this program series held at state parks throughout the state, where you’ll learn how to pitch a tent, go on a guided hike, drop in a fishing line, try your hand at archery, help out with service projects and pick up safety tips along the way. azstateparks.com/family-camp
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