Arizona State Parks & Trails: Independence in the Parks
July 4, since the inception of this country 242 years ago, has been a day of celebration. Over the years, Americans have fine-tuned this craft to include the outdoors in spectacular Independence Day festivities. Camping and barbeques are the usual go-to activities, but busy 21st century schedules may call for day-trip planning. With the possibility of a full Independence Day week to celebrate, check out the diverse and numerous Arizona State Parks and Trails! Read on to learn about this month’s featured parks and family-friendly events as you search for July inspiration!
Nestled within a scenic north-central Arizona canyon lies a local treasure and destination that has inspired a sense of wonder for as long as most of us can remember. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is home to the worlds’ largest natural travertine bridge, carved out by the loving hands of Mother Nature and conserved for the inspiration of all! Trails into the viewing areas are moderate, making it possible for visitors of all skill levels to venture into the canyon depths. Throughout the year, the park hosts a variety of fun events, tours of Goodfellow Lodge, and other community-building adventures that always have a great turnout of amazing people! Tonto Natural Bridge may have been built over the last couple hundred thousand years, but it has been refined with friendship, conservation, and a drive to strengthen the community.
In Sedona’s weathered, time-tested landscape, Red Rock State Park sits surrounded by scenic vistas, native wildlife, and the calming roll of the Oak Creek. An expansive trail network will either lead visitors into the cool, canopy-covered trails along the shore of Oak Creek or up the sides of high-desert escarpments like Eagle’s Nest. The beauty of this park lies within the trail options and the freedom for visitors to match their personal abilities with the perfect trail to accentuate their experience.
In Sedona’s weathered, time-tested landscape, Red Rock State Park sits surrounded by scenic vistas, native wildlife, and the calming roll of the Oak Creek. An expansive trail network will either lead visitors into the cool, canopy-covered trails along the shore of Oak Creek or up the sides of high-desert escarpments like Eagle’s Nest. The beauty of this park lies within the trail options and the freedom for visitors to match their personal abilities with the perfect trail to accentuate their experience.
Visitors often speak of a closeness to the natural world while using any of the park’s many trails, picnic spots, and group use areas. The simplicity of each moment can be felt in this park, although the craggy, red-tinted landscape might be considered complex by most standards. The strange dichotomy of simplicity within complexity brings visitors back time and again to replicate their experiences in this amazingly beautiful Arizona destination.
Information on all Arizona State Parks & Trails in one place
Information on all Arizona State Parks & Trails in one place
Arizona State Parks & Trails offers diverse recreation opportunities throughout the state. Hiking, biking, camping, cabins, boating, fishing and more are waiting for you to discover. Download the latest issue of our statewide guide for what to do and where to go in both English and Spanish. Get Your Digital Copy Here
Be Aware, Stay Safe, and Have Fun!
Be Aware, Stay Safe, and Have Fun!
With fire season in full swing, attention to detail can go a long way in the prevention of wildfires. Please be aware of current fire restrictions and closures before your trip.
