7 Lesser-Known State Parks In Arizona That Will Absolutely Amaze You
If you’re like most Arizonans, you’re always in awe of this great state. From the weather to the quality of life and the gorgeous views – plus all of the fun things to discover – we really do have it all in the Copper State. And with so much to discover, it can be an easy misstep to overlook the underrated places all around us. Here are seven lesser-known state parks found throughout Arizona that are worth a visit. Check ’em out, if you haven’t already!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Comprised of 3900 acres in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, Oracle State Park offers miles and miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails to enjoy the splendor by day. And by night, Oracle S.P. is an official Dark Sky observation park. It's an ideal spot to view the night sky without interference from big city lights. The Arizona Trail also passes through this underrated state park. Visit seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Park entry fees are $7.00 per vehicle (up to 4 people); individuals on bicycles are $3.00 each. Learn more here.
Ever feel the urge to just get away from civilization for a few days? This little-known state park has been described as 'out in the middle of nowhere,' so this is an ideal spot! In reality, it's only a mile north of Winslow and has a campground that's open year-round. The historic park preserves more than 300 Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites and you'll find ruins along the many trails. Homolovi State Park is located on Arizona 87 just north of Winslow. For day visits to the park, visitors center and museum, the hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park entry fees are $7 per vehicle (up to 4 people); individuals on bicycles are $3 each. Learn more here.
When many people think about state parks, they get visions of hiking trails, campgrounds and more. However, not all of Arizona's state parks fit that description; some are distinguished as historic sites. The park system has a real passion for preserving our state's significant history and that is certainly true with their Colorado River State Historic Site. While not an actual park, it's a valued site in the history of Arizona and preserves the Yuma Quartermaster Depot used by the US Army. Learn more with a visit. It's open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily (and closed on Mondays). Park entry fees are $6 per adult (14 and over) and $3 for youth ages 7-13; persons aged 6 and under are admitted free. Learn more here.
Perhaps there is just so much to compete with in Arizona's most haunted city, but this Jerome historic site is worthy of a peek. The historic mansion here, The Douglas Mansion, was built in 1910 by a wealthy mining family. A quick tour of the inside and out doles out many artifacts and exhibits documenting the history of Jerome and this family's journey into mining. Plus, from high atop the hill, you'll have a fantastic view of the city below! Worth a visit, so don't overlook it the next time you're in Jerome. It's open year-round from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Park entrance fees (including the Douglas Mansion) are: Adult (14+): $7.00, Youth (7–13): $4.00. and Child (0–6): free. Learn more here.
Whether you prefer camping or rustic glamping, Dead Horse Ranch has an ideal place for you to have a quite little stay-cation for a few days. The 10 miles of hiking trails, some located along the picturesque Verde River, dole out ample opportunities to stretch your legs and enjoy the beauty of the area. Its open year-round. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Park entry fees are $7 per vehicle (up to 4 people); individuals on bicycles are $3 each. Learn more here.
Whatever your preference, you can choose to enjoy the lovely view of the peak from your campsite at the base or have a fun immersive experience hiking to the top of Picacho Peak. The park also hosts guided hikes for beginners who may not be ready to go it alone without some guidance. Hiking safety is of utmost importance here, so please heed all requests and warnings. The state park is open year-round. Day use hours are from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., however; the trails are open from sunrise to sunset. Park entry fees are $7 per vehicle (up to 4 people); individuals on bicycles are $3 each. Learn more here.
Visit a park that depicts what life was like for a frontier solder in the late 1800s. The state has preserved many parts of this old camp, including the old administration building of the camp (now the visitors center) and some outpost buildings like the old jail. It's open year-round from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Park entry fees are $7 per vehicle (up to 4 people); individuals on bicycles are $3 each. Learn more here.
How many of these have you already explored? We’d love to know – and to see your pics! Post them in the comments! We love hearing from you and about your adventures.
Sometimes it may seem the amazing national parks found in Arizona perhaps overshadow our own state parks. But that simply isn’t true. Check out one of the most popular state parks that is just so perfectly Arizona it gives us goosebumps! Read all about it here.
Address: 3820 Wildlife Dr, Oracle, AZ 85623, USA
Address: Homolovi State Park, AZ-87, Winslow, AZ 86047, USA
Address: Colorado River State Historic Park, 201 N 4th Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364, USA
Address: 100 Douglas Rd, Jerome, AZ 86331, USA
Address: 675 Dead Horse Ranch Rd, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, USA
Address: 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85141, USA
Address: 125 E Hollamon St, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks to Visit in Arizona
January 12, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some cool, lesser-known state parks in Arizona?
Arizona is most famous for one particular park: Grand Canyon National Park. But did you know it’s also home to more than 30 state parks, many of which seem to be underappreciated? It’s true! For example, there’s a beautiful state park with a gorgeous lake called Lake Alamo State Park, and it’s easily one of the Copper State’s most underrated treasures. For just $10 for a day pass, you can explore everything this amazing park has to offer. There’s also Picacho Peak State Park, where the one and only battle of the Civil War was fought in Arizona – and Picacho Peak is a strange, but interesting, sight. Dead Horse Ranch State Park, in Cottonwood, is fascinating, especially if you’re a fan of Arizona’s mining history. Then there’s Buckskin Mountain State Park, Oracle State Park, Cattail Cove State Park… the list goes on! To learn more about these and then some, check out this article for ten of them!
What are the most popular hiking trails in Arizona?
Arizona is one of those states where the hiking is beyond amazing. It’s pretty hard to find a trail that ISN’T amazing, and we’re guilty of favoring some over others ourselves. Those tend to be the same ones loads of folks really, really love, like the world-famous Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park. It’s a journey into the Grand Canyon like you’ve never seen before, and it’s trekked by millions of visitors every year. Hike Antelope Canyon for some of the most picturesque views you’ll ever see – Antelope Canyon is an absolutely amazing treasure (and only accessible by lottery!). Speaking of rare hikes only accessible by lottery, while up near Antelope Canyon, check out The Wave as well. Both are nearby Page, and both are well worth the journeys. Sedona is also filled to the brim with world-famous hikes and incredible red rock views.
Address: 3820 Wildlife Dr, Oracle, AZ 85623, USA
Address: Homolovi State Park, AZ-87, Winslow, AZ 86047, USA
Address: Colorado River State Historic Park, 201 N 4th Ave, Yuma, AZ 85364, USA
Address: 100 Douglas Rd, Jerome, AZ 86331, USA
Address: 675 Dead Horse Ranch Rd, Cottonwood, AZ 86326, USA
Address: 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho, AZ 85141, USA
Address: 125 E Hollamon St, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, USA
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
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