From the views from the prehistoric route up Picacho Peak to the sights in the subterranean Kartchner Caverns, Arizona’s state parks are all set for early season vacations.
Explore the lower elevation state parks of Arizona this spring, from caves to peaks, from ancient dwellings to fresh wildflowers, from bass fishing and tubing to hiking and horseback riding … and much more.
Arizona is chock full of incredible state parks, from border to border in each direction. Some of the best water-based state parks trips can be found on either the eastern or western border of the state. In this case, we decided to visit them all—down the western border and up the eastern border—in one itinerary for a summer full of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Thanks to the waters of Arizona, these parks are great destinations in the summer. You can explore on foot or on bike in the cooler morning and evening hours, then beat the sunshine and heat by jumping into the Colorado River or Lake Havasu.
With more than 30 unique state parks to choose from in Arizona, there is truly something for everyone. But with so many options, it can be difficult to determine where to plan your upcoming trip! Let this guide to four diverse parks help you narrow it down this summer.
Over the course of five days, you’ll spy for bobcats and hawks, hike quiet trails beneath the famous red rocks of Sedona, and live the good life on a lake—whether that means days spent on the quad or in quiet reflection.
No matter what month of the year it is in Arizona, folks are sure to find perfect hiking weather!
Planning a trip to visit Arizona in the spring? Maybe you caught wind of Arizona’s “superbloom” in 2019 and you want to see the wildflowers for yourself. Perhaps you’re making the trip to hopefully catch a few spring training games to get excited for baseball season....
These six southern Arizona state parks are just a few of many, and they’re all connected by legacy, legend, lore, and the great outdoors. We are highlighting these parks because they all are close to large communities, where you can pick up wifi and coffee for classes, client calls, and projects before and after escaping to the parks.
As America embraces #SweaterWeather and pumpkin spice lattes, southern Arizona state parks are a safe haven for those not yet ready to bundle up or face the freeze. This itinerary will take you through six parks that not only won’t have you reaching for a puffy coat, but will also pull you into their tales of lost gold, found secret caves, legends, and stars. Not all of these state parks offer overnight accommodations or camping, so we have noted nearby places to stay so you can make the most of your time in the parks, rather than on the road. This itinerary should take a week, with drive time around six hours total.