Posted in Arizona
September 08, 2018
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 and all of the fun things to discover, we really do have it all in Arizona. 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.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
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 7:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. It's located at 3820 Wildlife Dr., Oracle, AZ 85623. Park entry fees are $7 per vehicle (up to 4 people); individuals on bicycles are $3 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 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 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 Quatermaster Depot used by the US Army. Learn more with a visit. It's located at 2336, 201 N 4th Ave., Yuma, AZ 85364. It's open seasonlly from June through the end of September with hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. 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 located at 100 Douglas Rd., Jerome, AZ 86331 and is open year-round from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 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. It's located at 675 Dead Horse Ranch Rd., Cottonwood, AZ 86326. Its open year-round. Day-use hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 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. It's located at 15520 Picacho Peak Rd., Picacho, AZ 85141. The state park is open year-round. Day use hours are from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., however; the trails are only 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 located at 125 E Hollamon St., Camp Verde, AZ 86322. It's open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 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!
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.
