5 TOP TO BOTTOM: SIERA WHITTEN; ELISABETH BRENTANO; @FLOSSINJEN Do you know the Leave No Trace principles? Scan with your phone to see how you can protect Arizona’s natural features. STAY SAFE The great outdoors are better when you’re prepared. Before leaving, check weather conditions, leave Rim to Rim hike, Grand Canyon a trip plan with a trusted contact and bring a map or download trail information on your phone. (Bonus for bringing a solar charger or extra battery.) While you’re out, always stay on trails and steer clear of wildlife. Rim to Rim hike, Grand Canyon 6 7 COMPETENT CAMPER MANZANITA CAMPGROUND, Sedona As part of the Coconino National Forest, this campground offers access to Sedona’s famed Oak Creek for swimming and fishing. (Or venture to nearby Grasshopper Point Swimming & Picnic Area.) Reserve your campsite early; this is a popular destination. Patagonia Lake State Park, Nogales APPRECIATE AZ While camping, protect Arizona’s natural splendor by following the seven Leave No Trace principles: Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife and Be Considerate of Other Visitors. Learn more at appreciateaz.com . SHARE A SELFIE Sometimes your outdoor adventure is too good to keep to yourself. Share a spectacular sunset snap or a victorious selfie from atop a summit and tag #VisitArizona and #AZStateParks. And follow both accounts to stay inspired by Arizona’s flora, fauna, history and people. After all, someone else’s post may just be your next camping trip. BACKCOUNTRY BUFF PATAGONIA LAKE STATE PARK, Nogales Stretching across 260 acres, Patagonia Lake is a show-piece within southeastern Arizona. Reserve one of the 12 boat-in campsites to explore the region’s fishing and birdwatching. The Lakeside Market offers rentals and supplies. HOMOLOVI STATE PARK, Winslow Named for the Hopi word for “Place of the Small Hills,” this 4,000-acre state park attracts history buffs for its rich Hopi heritage. Explore ancient ruins and archeological sites set amid the sun-bleached desert. ORGAN PIPE CACTUS NATIONAL MONUMENT, Ajo Home to extraordinary Sonoran Desert flora (including 31 species of cactus), this is a designated International Biosphere Reserve. Nine backcountry camping zones include roadless, waterless and trail-less terrain for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. BONITA CANYON CAMPGROUND AT CHIRICAHUA NATIONAL MONUMENT, Willcox Enjoy spacious campsites shaded by trees, and then venture to numerous hiking trails to see dramatic hoodoos and sweeping overlooks. At night, this International Dark-Sky-certified area is a prime place for stargazing. HORTON CREEK TRAIL, Payson With waterfalls, wildflowers and wild berries, this trail affords much more than forest views. And intrepid campers can experience it up close when they take advantage of the dispersed camping at clearings and campsites available along the trail. 11
Arizona Official State Travel Guide Arizona 2021-22: Page 11
