See Also: Fee Schedule 2011 
See events at Arizona State Parks further down on this page.
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Parks Closed: Lyman Lake 
Experience unique adventures at Arizona State Parks! Click on a month above or read our complete listing below to learn about upcoming events and activities. To learn more about a park, including downloading park maps and getting step by step driving directions, follow the link to the park's web pages. Note that the “
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Calendar Symbol Key
= Brown Bag Lunch Lecture 
= Evening Slide Presentation
11:00 am. Few visitors know Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park as well as the well-trained corps of resident park host volunteers. Starting New Year's Day and continuing daily through April 30, they'll share their knowledge of plants, animals, and natural history on guided walking tours at 11 am. Have you pondered the history of that bell hanging over the entrance to the Smith Building, or wondered why we don't have He-oaks to accompany our She-oaks? Did you know there were Galapagos tortoises and an alligator here in the 1920's? How tall is the giant red rum tree known as Mr. Big? Learn more with Howard, Sandy, Kate and other engaging resident volunteers on a guided 11 am tour. http://ag.arizona.edu/bta/events.html
10 am. Homeschooling families are invited to gather and experience education programs at the Arboretum. Wednesday, February 1, when the “Tree Tour” will be offered. The Arboretum is a natural fit for the study of trees, and this tour teaches students about basic tree physiology, plant classification, and even some mathematics with a ‘tree-ometry’ activity. (2 hours). Admission fees for this event are $1 for each Pre-Kindergarten - High School student (ages 4-18), and $1 per adult, limited to two adults per family. Additional adults are $9 each. Pre-registration and payment for Homeschool Days is required and is non-refundable. Families are asked to reserve in person at the Arboretum Admissions Window or by phone: 520-689-2723, no later than one week prior to each tour.
9 am. Join us at Siphon Draw Trailhead for a 4.2 mile round trip hike to the basin (slick rock waterfall area). A steady uphill grade provides hikers the opportunity to exercise leg muscles and the heart. Come prepared to hike on a less than smooth trail. Elevation change: 1030’. Wear sturdy trail or hiking shoes; carry at least 2 bottles of water and bring a hiking snack for a 3 hr. moderately strenuous hike. Led by volunteer hiking leader Barb
10 am. Meeting for Opening Event and Saturday Gatehouse/Office Help at the Kannally Ranch House. Sign up preferred, but feel free to just show up.
10:30 am. A guided tour of the “Old Town” section of Tubac with Alice Keene. Explore the original adobe buildings and discover the rich heritage of Arizona’s first European settlement. Learn about early Native American inhabitants, Spanish explorers, mining booms, Apache attacks, kidnappings, duels and other episodes in Tubac’s colorful past. Meet at the Park’s Visitor Center. Allow 1-1/2 hours for the tour and bring walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. $5 fee includes admission to tour the Presidio Park. Tour limited to 20 people; reservations encouraged.
9 am. The Treasure Loop trail, 2.5 miles round trip. Elevation gain: 500’ Moderate, 2 hr hike. Meet at Cholla picnic area.
Sorry, this event has been canceled.
7 - 9 pm. Join Dr.Sky, a radio/TV journalist based in Phoenix, for An Amazing Night Under The Skies. What planets will we see in the dark desert sky? Dress warmly and be prepared to be amazed at the sightings. Cholla Day Use area (weather permitting)
8 am to 5 pm. Re-opening day will include: guided bird hikes, Kannally Ranch House tours, speakers, and special activities. Plus it's a FREE DAY! Bring a Picnic Lunch & enjoy many activities. Download Event Information (
738 KB PDF)
For more information, call the park at 520-896-2425 or email Volunteer Coordinator: jrinio(at)azstateparks.gov
Our evening Slide Presentation Series presents a wide ranging of topics. Presentations are held at 7 pm. Programs are free but reservations are recommended due to limited availability. Please call (928) 779-4395.
By Rose Houk, Flagstaff Author. Sharlot Hall and hired guide Al Doyle departed in July of 1911 for a trip through the remote lands north of the Grand Canyon and forged westward to small Mormon towns in Utah and down through Nevada. Seventy-five days and a thousand miles later, their trip ended. Re-travel their route with Rose Houk as she relives the journey with the words from Sharlot Hall's own diary, and photos by renowned photographer Michael Collier.
8:30 am. Make a New Year's resolution to get out and see more birds at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, and to sharpen your skills identifying birds by field marks and bird calls! Winter/Spring guided birdwalks resume Feb. 4 with Arizona Audubon's Cathy Wise & John Ray as our special guest bird walk guides. Scottsdale author Jim Burns returns Feb. 12 and acclaimed photographer Richard Ditch leads the walk Feb. 18. Bird walks at BTA begin at 8:30 from the breezeway lobby of the visitor center, continuing Feb. 26 and also March 3, 11, 17, 25, and also April 7, 8, 21 & 22. Recent bird checklist reports
http://ag.arizona.edu/bta/events/birdwalks.html
9 am & 2pm. Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is one of the best places in all of AZ to see and photograph wildflowers [http://azstateparks.com/rangercam/index.html] and presents a chance to meet the author or Wild in Arizona: Photographing Arizona's Wildflowers, A Guide to When, Where, and How. Saturday Colleen Miniuk-Sperry will present a slideshow of colorful images, followed by a photography walk into the gardens. Her Feb. 4 sessions are open to the public, do not require pre-registration, and are included with daily admission of $9 for adults. Chandler author Colleen Miniuk-Sperry describes her new 224-page guidebook as packed with 60 descriptions of the most beautiful spots to see wildflowers across Arizona. The book showcases 60 different types of flowers, provides 17 instructional photography tips, and offers a bloom calendar to help plan your visit. "This presentation is an introduction to the book and will help people discover little-known places to experience and enjoy amazing scenery within Arizona with their friends and families. I'll also share a few tips and tricks about capturing photographs at each location, no matter the camera, no matter the skill level. With easy to follow maps and directions provided for each location, it's a foolproof way for anyone to get outside this spring, not just photographers.
10 am. You may have walked the Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park main trail a dozen times and never crossed paths with the Galapagos Tortoise pens. Take a moment to scan the horizon above Picket Post Mountain, can you imagine cavalry soldiers operating a heliograph in the late 1800s? Learn a few new facts about the life and times of Colonel William Boyce Thompson and his namesake Arboretum on a walking tour guided by Phoenix historian Sylvia Lee Feb. 4 (repeats March 3). Walks typically last about 90-minutes, departing at 10am from the Visitor Center breezeway.
2 pm. Can you really get water from a barrel cactus? What direction is north – and how can I use desert plants to find my way back to the car? And, well, ewwww, what animal pooped on that rock right along the main trail? Kids who are curious about nature or want to feel more confident outdoors should spend Saturday afternoons this winter and spring at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park for Junior Ranger guided Activities at 2pm weekly through the end of April. No pre-registration is required, just be in our visitor center lobby at start time. Our docent-guided outings are included with daily admission of $4.50 for kids age 5-12 or $9 for older participants (parents’ admission is also $9; parents or adult chaperones are required to stay nearby and keep an eye on their kids). For detail call 520-689-2723
2:00 pm in Park Theater: One of the most popular educational programs at Red Rock State Park is the Sunday Lecture Series. In February, the program will feature local architect and botanist Max Licher (pictured right). He will present a program entitled The Flora of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon with an emphasis on species found in Red Rock State Park. The program will provide a review of on-line resources for plant identification in Arizona and the importance of documenting local floras with herbarium collections. Reservations are required as seating is limited, please call (928) 282-6907.
Mr. Licher is a local architect who has resided in Sedona for nearly thirty years. During that time, he has been involved as a community planning volunteer, including working as an organizer of the Sedona Forum and as Chair of the City's Transit Task Force.
His lifelong interest in nature eventually caused him to focus primarily on the area of native plants. He documented the native and naturalized flora of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon after training with Jean Searle and Norm Herkenham. The documentation consists of approximately 1,200 species. His work is available on the Southwest Information Network (SEINet), which is a website created by a National Science Foundation Grant at Arizona State University. In addition to the documentation of these plants with herbarium specimens, Mr. Licher photographed most of the plants and posted them on the SEINet web database.
Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited. The program is free for four adults in a car with $10.00 paid admission to the Park. For additional information and reservations, please call (928) 282-6907.
1 pm. Discover the unique sounds and timbres made by the instruments of a woodwind quintet in an informal setting at the 1885 Territorial Schoolhouse. Join the Siroccan Winds for a musical journey around the world including stops in Argentina, France, Germany, Russia, and Sweden. Featuring Maureen Baker on flute, Torrence Welch on oboe, Daniel Coombs on clarinet, Ben Yingst on bassoon, and Daniel Harvey on French horn. Tickets are $15 and include admission to the Park. Seats are limited; please call for reservations.
1:30 pm. AZ State Parks Volunteer Leda Fide leads the recurring Plants of the Bible walk at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park , sharing history, scripture and botanical lessons on a slow-paced and relaxing two-hour stroll through Arboretum gardens. Tour repeats Feb. 18 with Dave Oberpriller as the guide. Palms, figs and pomegranates are Plants of the Bible
2 pm. A new children's story about Sonoran Desert critters, plants and nature will be read aloud each Sunday at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. February books include Don't Call Me Pig Feb. 5, Who Pooped in the Desert Feb. 12, How Jackrabbit Got His Very Long Ears Feb. 19, Lizards for Lunch Feb. 26, Storm on the Desert March 4, Sing Down the Rain March 11, The Three Little Javelinas March 18 and then Cactus Hotel March 25.
8:30 am. Do you have a fancy new digital SLR, or even a digital point-and-shoot camera that you're eager to learn to use more effectively? Sign up for the Saturday morning 'walk-a-bout' photo workshop at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park with Scottsdale artist Tom Boggan. Tom's once-a-month outdoor shoots help improve your camera skills on a relaxed morning outing surrounded by beautiful gardens and alongside a pro -- and with plenty of chances to ask questions about the dials, settings and controls on your own camera. Pro photographer Tom Boggan has a talent for portraits and a passion for nature photography, and he generously volunteers by dedicating a weekend morning each month to be here helping our visitors improve their camera skills. Pre-payment of $29 is required ($20 for Arboretum annual members). Enroll by phone, have your credit card ready and call our staff at 520-689-2723.
7 - 9 pm. Due to popular demand during our busy season, we are now offering two moonlight hikes per month. There is a limit of 100 hikers per night, so please call in advance to reserve your space: 480-982-4485. This is a guided 2.5 mile hike on Jacob’s crosscut Trail at the base of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. Hikers should dress appropriately and wear trail shoes or boots. Please bring a flashlight in case of cloudy conditions. Some parts of the trail are rocky and uneven with occasional steep grades (elevation gain: 120’). Participants should be in good health with no walking or night vision difficulties. Trail is NOT suitable for strollers or walkers. After the hike gather round the campfire for a marshmallow roast (marshmallows and sticks provided). All ages welcome. No pets, please. Parking in Cholla Day Use Area.
5:00 pm. Meet at the Sonoita Creek Visitor Center. You will need to bring water, sturdy shoes, hiking sticks for going downhill in the dark, and flashlights or headlamps. Day use park entrance fees apply ($10 per vehicle up to four persons in that vehicle).
5:30 pm. Featuring musicians Larry and Margaret Cada singing popular old classic country western songs accompanied by their rhythm guitar and electric bass. The couple hails from Florence, AZ jam sessions. Join around the campfire for music as the full-moon rises. Bring a chair & blanket. Parking in Cholla Use
7 - 9 pm. Due to popular demand during our busy season, we are now offering two moonlight hikes per month. There is a limit of 100 hikers per night, so please call in advance to reserve your space: 480-982-4485. This is a guided 2.5 mile hike on Jacob’s crosscut Trail at the base of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. Hikers should dress appropriately and wear trail shoes or boots. Please bring a flashlight in case of cloudy conditions. Some parts of the trail are rocky and uneven with occasional steep grades (elevation gain: 120’). Participants should be in good health with no walking or night vision difficulties. Trail is NOT suitable for strollers or walkers. After the hike gather round the campfire for a marshmallow roast (marshmallows and sticks provided). All ages welcome. No pets, please. Parking in Cholla Day Use Area.
8 am. Volunteer Mary Ellen Flynn hosts Bird Walks. Bring binoculars. Park in the last parking lot on the access road into the park. Walk meets across from the restrooms, at the main trailhead.
9 am. This 4 mile round-trip hike will travel east on Treasure Loop Trail, into Tonto National Forest, to the “Praying Hands” formation atop the first ridge. From there we continue east, walking an un-maintained, cairned* trail traversing the north facing slope of the Superstition Mountain to a second large geological formation, dubbed “The Apartment”, on the west side of Weekes Wash. Four Peaks, Black Mesa, Weekes Wash, First Water Creek, and the Massacre Ramp are just a few of the fantastic sights- a photographers dream. This is a challenging, 3 hr hike, bring camera and GPS. Experienced hikers only. The trail can be rocky and appx 800’ elevation gain within the first mile. Meet at Cholla Parking bring water, a snack, sunscreen, a hat, hiking boots and be ready for a challenge. Led by volunteer hiker Georgy.
9 am - Noon. Oracle State Park seeks volunteers to lead trail programs for students. The park offers outdoor education programs focusing on wildlife and the environment to visiting school groups. We depend on volunteers as program guides to maximize the number of students that we can serve every year. We need your help! Classes will be once a week on Thursday mornings from 9 am to Noon at the Kannally Ranch House located at the park. The first class, February 9, is New Volunteer Orientation for potential volunteers who want to learn more about volunteer opportunities at the park and Oracle State Park's cultural history, with an introduction to the school programs. Training will continue consecutive Thursdays in February and volunteers will learn how to lead two different interactive hands-on programs. The Oracle Adventure is a 1.5 hour program for grades 1-3. Students engage in activities using the five senses to learn more about their environment. The Oracle Odyssey, for grades 4-6, is a 2.5 hour program focusing on plant, animal and human interrelationships in the oak-grassland community.
Do you have an enthusiasm for the outdoors and enjoy sharing with kids? Can you comfortably walk one mile of trail? Help us offer students a meaningful outdoor learning experience. No experience is necessary. For more information, call (520) 896-2425.
9 pm. No registration is necessary. Attendance via conference call is available upon request.
Entrance Gate opens 8 am - 5 pm. Guided House Tours will be offered at 10am and 2pm. Park Entrance Fee: $7 per vehicle. Interpretive Programs TBA. Arizona State Park Annual Passes for Sale.
9 am. Jacob’s Crosscut to Prospector’s View, 2.2 miles round trip, with elevation gain of 500’. Moderate 2 hour hike. Meet at Saguaro picnic area.
10 am - Noon. Learn about geocaching! The outdoor sporting activity which participants use a GPS to hide and seek containers called geocaches. A cache is a waterproof container with a small treasure or trinket. Children should be accompanied by a parent, and a GPS if possible. A limited number of GPS units will be provided. Bring water, no sandals. Cholla Day Use.
2 - 4 pm .Cowboy Poet Jan Michael Corey will be highlighting his favorite western poetry. Reciting classical and contemporary cowboy poems (stories) he will bring the audience into those stories. Appropriate for all ages Campground amphitheater.
Language Of Flowers Valentines Weekend Flower Show8 am - 5 pm daily, Feb. 11-14. Flowers, chocolates and jewelry -- its all here at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park for your Valentines Weekend date. See, smell and photograph a wide array of flowering plants, cut flowers and exotic blossoms from Saturday through Tuesday as the Smith Building Lecture Room is transformed by the fragrant, colorful Language of Flowers exhibit -- with placards near each plant telling you about the ancient meaning of that particular flower -- or its meaning when given in a bouquet with other blossoms. Baker and candy-maker Jerry Temanson (an Arboretum member whose chocolate covered cherries were a hit here on Thanksgiving weekend), will sell chocolates and give away samples both days of the weekend - and Barbara Pohan will exhibit and sell her unique handmade jewelry, too; using turquoise, peridot and other native Arizona gemstones. Barb's also a BTA annual member - and generously donates a portion of her sales to support the Arboretum.
1:30 pm. Guest tour guide Mike Hills lead this popular Saturday walk at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, sharing information about ways native plants have fed, healed and clothed Sonoran desert peoples for more than one thousand years. Ethno-botanist David Morris guide the Fourth Sunday walk Feb. 26, and then Apache Junction authors Jean Groen and Don Wells lead this tour on March 10.** Please note: this tour explores the Curandero Trail, which has steep sections that are not suitable for visitors who use wheelchairs or walkers.
February 11 - Catalina State ParkCatalina SP is proud to be a part of this inaugural annual event sponsored by the Town of Marana and Oro Valley. Celebrate Arizona’s 100th Birthday and experience the rugged outdoors as early Arizona settlers did in 1912! The First Annual Move Across 2 Ranges Hiking Challenge will do just that as it gives
outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities, the opportunity to trail run, hike or stroll two ranges in the Marana and Oro Valley areas: the Tortolita Mountains and the Catalina Mountains. The Mega Move Challenge hike is 15.7 miles, the Mighty Move Challenge hike is 10.1 miles, and the Mini Move Challenge hike is 5.4; all in a single day! Family and friends are invited to participate in our “Family Friendly” activities and may join us for the Managed the Move Awards Dinner (Feb. 12) celebrating event participation and the State’s Birthday! Learn more about the event: Download Registration & Information Form ( 403 KB PDF).
10 am - 4 pm. Florence will celebrate its 27th Annual Tour of Historic Florence on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Eleven historic homes, commercial buildings, and public buildings dating from 1868 to 1930 will be featured on the tour. Florence is noted for its collection of Territorial period architecture with over 120 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The heart of the downtown commercial district retains much of its original western character with old adobe homes, graceful Victorians, and early 20th century commercial structures. The tour not only focuses on the town’s architecturally significant buildings, it also gives visitors a glimpse of Florence’s colorful past. The stories that shape Florence’s history run the gamut from old west gun fights to politicians and movie stars. The self-guided Tour of Historic Florence begins at McFarland SHP, at the corner of Main Street and Ruggles Street in downtown Florence.
New to the tour this year, visitors will be impressed with the Southworth/Clemans House that features distinctive stained glass and tiles from a castle on the Rhine in Germany. The home belonged to William J. Clemans, Jr. and until recently, his descendants. Clemans and his brother M. Twain Clemans produced Madison Square Gardens Rodeos in New York City and Boston from the 1930s to 1950s. Gene Autry and Tom Mix were known to stay at the Clemans home whenever they visited Florence. The Windmill Winery is another property that is new to the tour. The Windmill Winery sits on the site of Florence’s first brickyard and contains a 1910 dairy barn that was transported plank by plank from Wisconsin a few years ago. The most unique site on the tour this year is the 1880 Rittenhouse/Arriola’s Cosmopolitan Store building on Main Street. Today, the building houses the Rynning’s Rangers Museum where visitors can test their shooting skills in quick draw competitions, with rubber bullets of course!
To commemorate the Arizona Centennial, the Pinal County Historical Society Museum will host the “Pictorial History of Arizona” presented by author Jim Turner at 2 pm. History comes to life at the Blue Adobe Meeting Center where local historians perform during the Southwestern History Hub Matinee Show at Noon.
Admission for adults is $10 in advance or $12 on the day of the tour, children under 18 are free. Trolleys will provide transportation to all tour sites except the Windmill Winery. Proceeds from the tour support downtown revitalization activities of the Florence Main Street Program. Visit www.florencemainstreet.com or call 520-868-4496 or toll free (866) 977-4496 to buy tickets or get more information.
Time is To Be Announced: Do you have a fancy new digital SLR, or even a digital point-and-shoot camera that you're eager to learn to use more effectively? Our monthly 'walk-a-bout' photo workshopwith Gilbert artist Tom Boggan offers that chance. Tom's once-a-month outdoor shoots help improve your camera skills on a relaxed outing surrounded by beautiful gardens and alongside a pro -- and with plenty of chances to ask questions about the dials, settings and controls on your own camera.
Pro photographer Tom Boggan [http://boggan.photoshelter.com/page1] has a talent for portraits and a passion for nature photography, and he generously volunteers by dedicating a day each month to be here helping our visitors improve their camera skills. Workshops with Tom are limited to eight students. Pre-payment of $29 is required ($20 for BTA annual members). Enroll by phone, have your credit card ready and call our staff at 520-689-2723. Check out this gallery of images from Tom Boggan Photo Classes at the Arboretum. Join us for a chance to improve your basic photography skills, including composition, lighting and exposure -- and for one-on-one time with Tom helping students understand the different between aperture, exposure and light balance. View other workshop images on the Tom’s Arboretum Flickr Gallery
[http://www.flickr.com/groups/btaphotoclass/]
Geology Hike2 pm. Sedona is located at the base of the Mogollon Rim, an escarpment that runs east/west through the middle of Arizona. The Rim, approximately 200 miles long, ranges between 2,000 and 3,000 feet in height. Erosion has slowly eaten away at the rim, moving it northward about four miles and leaving behind some of the most spectacular and picturesque canyons and buttes in the world.
Join a volunteer on a guided geology hike on the second Sunday of February to learn why the rocks are red, where they came from, where they are going, and more. This hike includes the Eagle’s Nest Trail for a great view of the Park and surrounding area. It is more than a guided hike! It is an interpretive experience for the beginner as well as advanced geologist, lasting two to two-and-a-half hours, with a 250 feet elevation climb. Our knowledgeable volunteer guide will explain the rock formations that create the scenic backdrop of Red Rock State Park. Bring water and wear suitable shoes or boots.
8:30 am. Make a New Year's resolution to get out and see more birds at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, and to sharpen your skills identifying birds by field marks and bird calls! Winter/Spring guided birdwalks resume Feb. 4 with Arizona Audubon's Cathy Wise and also John Ray as our special guest bird walk guides. Scottsdale author Jim Burns returns Feb. 12 and acclaimed photographer Richard Ditch leads the walk Feb. 18. Bird walks at BTA begin at 8:30 from the breezeway lobby of the visitor center, continuing Feb. 26 and also March 3, 11, 17, 25, and also April 7, 8, 21 & 22.
2 pm. A new children's story about Sonoran Desert critters, plants and nature will be read aloud each Sunday at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. February books include Who Pooped in the Desert Feb. 12, How Jackrabbit Got His Very Long Ears Feb. 19, Lizards for Lunch Feb. 26, Storm on the Desert March 4, Sing Down the Rain March 11, The Three Little Javelinas March 18 and then Cactus Hotel March 25.
On the 2nd Monday of each month at 12:15 pm we present a different lecture as part of our Brown Bag Lunch Series. Stop by with lunch for an interesting presentation. Special Brown Bag in celebration of Arizona’s Centennial!
Flagstaff Author John DeGraff will be presenting his newly released book, Flagstaff, part of Arcadia Publishing's Postcard History Series. He will be describing his postcard collection and how he became interested in his hobby. Some of the historical postcards presented will be from his books and some will be John's favorites that never made the cut.
February 14 - Tubac Presidio State Historic Park9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Professional printer and teacher James Pagels demonstrates the 1858 Washington Press used to print Arizona’s first newspaper and answers questions about hand press printing, type setting, and other aspects of this marvel of industrial engineering. Included with park admission $4 adult, $2 youth 7–13, children free.
10am - 2pm. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Arizona’s statehood at Arizona’s first state park! Open house with birthday cake and lemonade, live music, living history programs and frontier printing press demonstrations. Cannon firing and group birthday song at 11 am. Bring a picnic and enjoy your state park on this historic day. Free admission.
5:30 pm. Following the Treasure Loop trail to Jacobs Cross Cut to intersect with Siphon Draw Trail will find hikers marveling at the mountain and the sky full of color especially when there a few clouds. Elevation change is 102’ on very well maintained trails. Easy 2 hour hike. Meet at Saguaro picnic area. Led by volunteer hiking leader Nancy
10:30 am. A guided tour of the “Old Town” section of Tubac with Alice Keene. Explore the original adobe buildings and discover the rich heritage of Arizona’s first European settlement. Learn about early Native American inhabitants, Spanish explorers, mining booms, Apache attacks, kidnappings, duels and other episodes in Tubac’s colorful past. Meet at the Park’s Visitor Center. Allow 1-1/2 hours for the tour and bring walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. $5 fee includes admission to tour the Presidio Park. Tour limited to 20 people; reservations encouraged.
Spanish Colonial Living History Noon - 3 pm. Volunteers dressed in period clothing reenact the daily lives of Spanish soldiers and civilians who lived in Tubac during the Spanish Colonial period (1752-1776). Special display of the bounty of foods from the Old World, New World and surrounding desert used by Tubac cooks, plus cooking demos with samples. $4 adult, $2 youth 7-13, children free
10 am - 3 pm. February's guest artist in the Visitor Center Gallery at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, Michael Madsen, has traveled to Thailand, Mexico, Morocco, Jamaica and the Bahamas in search of the perfect picture. On Feb. 17 he will coach beginner-to-intermediate photographers who are ready to harness the horsepower of their digital cameras by choosing to ignore the 'auto' settings in favor of controlling their own aperture, shutter speeds, ISO and white balance. Two hours in the classroom from 10:00 a.m. ‘til Noon will be followed by a lunch break, and then two hours spent in the field where we will "switch your camera to manual mode and take charge of our cameras and explore the creative side of photography, "said Madsen." You will be taught how to adjust your camera settings, and the photographic effects that occur based on these settings. After classroom instruction we will head outdoors into the Arboretum to apply techniques students have learned, and experiment with camera settings together, and one-on-one. See more of the artist's work at heartsrock.org ($30 / $39).
Friday at Noon. Sat.-Sun. 10 am. Be there or be square! It's all about the music, vintage cars, motorcycles, and of course cool retro-fashions at the Lake Havasu Rockabilly Reunion. It's 3 day trip down nostalgia lane with a car show, carnival rides, food, beer-garden, and the ever popular pin-up girl contest. Don't forget there'll be giveaways, a swap meet, lots of vendors, and even a 1950s hair salon and barber! Rockabilly only rolls around once a year, so mark your calendar and tell all your friends.
Admission per day:$10 Adults / $25 for a 3 day pass. Kids 12 and under Free. Student ID $5 per day. Easy access to parking is available next to the Bridgewater Motel at 101 London Bridge Road. Website: http://www.facebook.com/RockabillyReunion.
Meet at 8:30 am at the Kannally Ranch House upper patio. Hike led by Mary Ellen Flynn. Free with park entrance fee. Reservation preferred.
9 am - 4:30 pm. Activities for the day include a Ranger led hike at 9 a.m.; arrival of 3rd Annual LDSP Benefit Riders at the park, followed by lunch, live music, party activities; then Prospector, Historian and Goldfields’ Mayor Bob Schoose will share his prospecting for gold experiences in the Goldfields and discuss another viewpoint of the Lost Dutchman. Group campground and amphitheater. www.superstitionhd.com
8:30 am. Make a New Year's resolution to get out and see more birds at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, and to sharpen your skills identifying birds by field marks and bird calls! Winter/Spring guided birdwalks resume Feb. 4 with Arizona Audubon's Cathy Wise and also John Ray as our special guest bird walk guides. Scottsdale author Jim Burns returns Feb. 12 and acclaimed photographer Richard Ditch leads the walk Feb. 18. Bird walks at BTA begin at 8:30 from the breezeway lobby of the visitor center, continuing Feb. 26 and also March 3, 11, 17, 25, and also April 7, 8, 21 & 22. Recent bird checklist reports
http://ag.arizona.edu/bta/events/birdwalks.html
10 am. NOTE: two classes are being offered this weekend due to the overflow of interest in Sunday’s class, which has filled. These popular four-hour workshops at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park are a chance to burn, paint, etch and emboss decorative gourds with coaching from Mesa artists Gerald & Vicki Johnson. Pre-registration is required, and this class is limited to 12 students. Enrollment is $39 (or $30 to Arboretum annual members) includes a gourd and full morning of coaching and artistic inspiration. Tools, paints and paintbrushes are provided during the workshop as well. Call 520-689-2723 to enroll and pre-pay. Editor's note: our this class has filled please make sure to give your email, name and phone so Arboretum staff can alert you to gourd art workshops in March and April.
1:30 pm. AZ State Parks Volunteer Dave Oberpriller leads the recurring Plants of the Bible walk at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park , sharing history, scripture and botanical lessons on a slow-paced and relaxing two-hour stroll through Arboretum gardens. Tour repeats March 4 with Leda Fide as our guide. Palms, figs and pomegranates are Plants of the Bible
February 18 & 19 - Fort Verde State Historic ParkThe Buffalo Soldiers will be at Fort Verde to celebrate African American Heritage Month, in conjunction with the Town's Pecan and Wine Festival. They will conduct living history presentations, as well as riding demonstrations.
February 19 - Tubac Presidio State Historic Park2 pm. A hands-on presentation by Steve Ellis about the historical significance of beads with an emphasis on trade beads of the American West. Attendees will be able to examine beads traded during the 1700s and 1800s. A Green Valley resident, Ellis has studied and collected trade beads for over 25 years, and provides expertise and beads to collectors, museums and jeweler. $5, includes admission to tour the Park.
10:30 am. Dogs are always welcome at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, provided they're on good behavior and a short leash -- and also are accompanied by owners who pick up after their furry friends. Arizona State Parks volunteer Sandra and her canine compadre Chaco guide a dog socialization walk Feb. 19 (repeats March 17 and April 22) at 10:30 a.m. Pre-registration is not required, just be in the overflow parking lot with your leashed dog at 10:30 am start time.
http://ag.arizona.edu/bta
1:30 pm. "What's an Arboretum?" Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park staff member and Certified Arborist Jeff Payne guides this Third Sunday Of The Month walk where visitors learn the answer to that often-posed question during a relaxed and leisurely guided tour through the forested areas of the Arboretum. Join us for a chance to learn about the Arboretum's collection of oak and olive trees, native hackberry, mesquite and many more. Tom McDonald , owner of the Smiling Dog Landscapes Company in Gold Canyon, leads the walk March 18. http://ag.arizona.edu/bta
2 pm. A new children's story about Sonoran Desert critters, plants and nature will be read aloud each Sunday at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. February books include How Jackrabbit Got His Very Long Ears Feb. 19, Lizards for Lunch Feb. 26, Storm on the Desert March 4, Sing Down the Rain March 11, The Three Little Javelinas March 18 and then Cactus
Hotel March 25.
February 21 - Tubac Presidio State Historic Park9:30 am - 12:30 pm. Professional printer and teacher James Pagels demonstrates the 1858 Washington Press used to print Arizona’s first newspaper and answers questions about hand press printing, type setting, and other aspects of this marvel of industrial engineering. Included with park admission $4 adult, $2 youth 7–13, children free.
8:00 am. Volunteer Mary Ellen Flynn hosts Bird Walks. Bring binoculars. Park in the last parking lot on the access road into the park. Walk meets across from the restrooms, at the main trailhead.
9 am. “Everything you ever wanted to know about this area but were afraid to ask” This hike will begin at the Saguaro Day Use area, follow Discovery Trail to Siphon Draw, to Prospectors and north side of Treasure Loop. Returning to Jacobs Crosscut and Saguaro Day Use. This 3.2 mile hike with about 500’ elevation change is a Moderate hike. Volunteer hiking leaders will be prepared to answer questions on geology, Superstition gold lore, history, Sonoran desert plants and critters, and more. Bring your curiosity and questions! Led by volunteer hiking leader Jim and joined by other volunteer hiking leaders.
February 24 - Fort Verde State Historic Park5-8 pm. In Camp Verde, enjoy free admission to the Archaeology Center, the Historical Museum & Jail, Hance House and Fort Verde SHP. Sponsored by Downtown Camp Verde - Don't Miss it. Park will remain open late on these dates only. (Also March 23). Event sponsored by the Town of Camp Verde and Hold the Fort (a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to keeping Fort Verde open to the public).
7:30 pm. Learn about the night sky, constellations and planets with local astronomer Bill Dellinges. Parking and seating at campground amphitheater
10:30 am. A guided tour of the “Old Town” section of Tubac with Alice Keene. Explore the original adobe buildings and discover the rich heritage of Arizona’s first European settlement. Learn about early Native American inhabitants, Spanish explorers, mining booms, Apache attacks, kidnappings, duels and other episodes in Tubac’s colorful past. Meet at the Park’s Visitor Center. Allow 1-1/2 hours for the tour and bring walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. $5 fee includes admission to tour the Presidio Park. Tour limited to 20 people; reservations encouraged.
10 am - 12:30 pm. Join fiber art enthusiasts at the Tubac Presidio on the last Friday of the month – January 27, February 24 and March 30. Bring your knitting, crochet, spinning or quilting project and gather for uninterrupted fiber art time. Hosted by members of the Southwest Fiber Arts Resource Group. Free with Park admission, $4.
1:30 pm. Once-a-month geology walks are a chance to see rocks and volcanic formations along the Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park main trail on a guided tour that compresses almost two billion years of geologic history into just over one educational hour! Learn about Pinal schist, the volcanic origins of Picket Post Mountain and the Apache Leap tuff with local geologist Kristen Gholson.
6 pm. Bet you've never seen the Drover's Shed, the old Dodge Power Wagon or our gardens lit quite as they'll appear [http://www.flickr.com/photos/planetwrite/sets/72157627864244469/] Jan. 21, 2012: familiar plants and scenery scenery rendered a candy-colored rainbow of colors after dark by custom-made, high-power LED light boxes strategically placed and arranged by artist and local luminary John Aho. His painting-with-light nighttime shoot Saturday, Feb. 25, is limited to eight photographers. Editor's note: if John's February class has filled when you call, ask to be on the waiting list and leave your name/phone/email to be alerted to March and April dates. The $30 fee for these special-access evenings is a fundraiser for the Arboretum ( $39 for nonmembers). Have a credit card ready and call 520-689-2723 to reserve your spot; please make sure to spell out your email and give your current cell# or home phone to our clerks when you sign up so we can provide specific meeting/parking instructions just ahead of Saturday's shoot. If this class has filled when you call, make sure to leave your name, phone and email (again, please take a minute to spell it out so we have it right) so we can alert you to future shoots as they’re scheduled. See more of John's surreal nighttime scenes -- such as Superior Architecture, and these scenes from Besich Park Downtown. [http://www.flickr.com/photos/planetwrite/sets/72157626854984538/
Program starts at 6:30 pm. Please join us for an exploration of the wonders of the night sky through astronomers’ telescopes! Astronomers will answer questions and discuss the elements of the night sky as darkness descends. Meet at main trailhead parking lot at Catalina State Park. When the night sky arrives, astronomers will volunteer their expertise and telescopes for visitors to view an assortment of night sky attractions including star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae.
What to Bring: Folding chair, a red light (mini red LED flashlights will be available for a small donation; red light protects everyone’s night vision), sweater or jacket (temperatures will drop quickly after sunset), & enthusiasm to enjoy and conserve our beautiful night skies! Online camping reservations are available (additional fee). Event supported by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association Download Event Flier ( 703 KB PDF).
9 am. To Praying Hands, 2.8 miles round trip. Elevation gain 800’, Wear sturdy trail or hiking shoes; carry at least 2 bottles of water and bring a hiking snack. More difficult, 3 hrs. Walking stick or trekking poles recommended. Meet at Cholla picnic area.
2 pm. Dr. Andy Baldwin, professor of biology at Mesa Community College, gives an up close and personal presentation on venomous animals of the Lost Dutchman State Park that will include descriptions and natural history of the animals that call the park home. Amphitheater
Brown Birds of Gila Valley!Program Starts at 9 am. Monika Ragland will present “Brown Birds of the Gila Valley”. Meet at Conference Center in back of gift shop by the entrance gate. Download Event Flier ( 700 KB PDF)
In addition to being an avid ‘birder’, Monika is an amateur photographer who has had her pictures published in the Eastern Arizona Courier, the Graham-Greenlee Visitor’s Guide, the Graham County Chamber of Commerce book, and the Arizona Republic.
Most people think there are only two kinds of birds--little brown birds and bigger brown birds. In a way, they are right. Brown birds can be very confusing. However, there are things you can look for that allows the practiced eye to distinguish the differences. This presentation will help you differentiate the multitudes of brown birds that inhabit the area. Monika will also present tips to improve your wildlife photography. Bring warm clothes, binoculars, and hiking shoes to take a hike after the talk.
Cost is the entrance fee of $7 per vehicle (up to 4 adults) for the presentation and family fun. Program arranged by the Friends of Roper Lake State Park. Camping sites and Camping Cabins are reservable online.
2 pm. Author Thomas Sheridan will discuss and sign the new edition of his popular history of the Grand Canyon state. In time for Arizona’s centennial, Sheridan has revised and expanded his classic work to incorporate recent events and contemporary issues like land use, water rights, dramatic population increases, suburban sprawl, and the US–Mexico border. No other book on Arizona history is as integrative or comprehensive. $5, includes admission to tour the Park. Sheridan will be in the Visitor Center at 2pm to sign books and will give an illustrated presentation at 2:30 pm. The Visitor Center book signing is FREE; admission to the presentation is $5.
8:30 am. Winter guided birdwalks continue Feb. 26 with Kathe Anderson leading the walk. Bird walks at BTA begin at 8:30 from the breezeway lobby of the visitor center, continuing March 3, 11, 17, 25, and also April 7, 8, 21 & 22.
2 pm. A new children's story about Sonoran Desert critters, plants and nature will be read aloud each Sunday at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. Our final February book is Tempe author Conrad Storad’s wonderful Lizards for Lunch Feb. 26, then stories continue with Storm on the Desert March 4, Sing Down the Rain March 11, The Three Little Javelinas March 18 and then Cactus Hotel March 25.
9 am. Beginning at Cholla Day Use, birders will learn how to tell one bird from another and where one might look to find a particular bird (like a woodpecker). Many birds can be located at the Cholla Day Use area. Then, birders will walk up to Jacob’s Crosscut Trail and eventually back to the parking area. Bring binoculars, water to drink and protective footwear. Walk will last approximately 90 minutes, Easy, 1 hour hike. No dogs, please. Led by birder Babs.
March 2012Celebrate AZ Archaeology & Heritage Awareness Month with events all month long, all throughout Arizona! Plus, check out the Arizona Archaeology & Heritage Expo on March 3, on the Arizona State Capitol Grounds with educational attractions, displays and more! The Expo is an official Arizona Centennial Event. See Complete Calendar of Events listed by city
11:00 am. Few visitors know Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park as well as the well-trained corps of resident park host volunteers. Starting New Year's Day and continuing daily through April 30, they'll share their knowledge of plants, animals, and natural history on guided walking tours at 11 am. Have you pondered the history of that bell hanging over the entrance to the Smith Building, or wondered why we don't have He-oaks to accompany our She-oaks? Did you know there were Galapagos tortoises and an alligator here in the 1920s? How tall is the giant red rum tree known as Mr. Big? Learn more with Howard, Sandy, Kate and other engaging resident volunteers on a guided 11 am tour. http://ag.arizona.edu/bta/events.html
11 am - 1 pm. FREE! (Bring Your Lunch) Years ago, Arizona was selected as the best location for the US National Observatories. Unfortunately, increasing light pollution is a threat to astronomy in Arizona and around the world, and the general public is loosing the ability to see and appreciate the night sky. Arizona State Parks have developed programs for night sky appreciation and preservation. Last year, Kartchner Caverns and Alamo Lake State Parks won the award of Star Parks based on their support of night sky programs. Hundreds of people are now attending “Star Nights” at AZ State Parks. Catalina State Park and other AZ Parks are also supporting night sky programs. This talk will introduce the audience to the wonders of the night sky, examples of why and how functional human and natural ecosystems are intricately linked to dark skies, and discuss ways to preserve this critical resource.
Presenter: Mr. Bob Gent is a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, past president of the International Dark-Sky Association, and past president of the Astronomical League. He holds university degrees in mathematics, astronomy, and international relations. He currently serves on the Boards of Directors for the U of A University South Foundation and Huachuca Astronomy Club (HAC). Mr. Gent's service and collaboration with other active and retired astronomers across the state and nation is a vibrant program within Arizona State Park's RIM (Resource, Inventory and Monitory) Program. Currently under the direction of Bob Casavant, Ph.D., Research and Science Manager/Natural Resource Manager for ASP, the mission of this partnership program is the promotion and public demonstration of science-informed stewardship of Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources, and the advancement of scientific literacy, advocacy and enjoyment of science. Download Event Flier ( 907 KB PDF).
Friday & Saturday 10 am - 6:30 pm. Sunday 10 am - 5 pm. Come on out to The 2012 Bluegrass on the Beach Festival and mingle with bluegrass veterans and newcomers alike. There'll be jam sessions on and off stage, so don't be shy about bringing your favorite instrument and joining in. Remember to check out the workshops, arts and crafts, and enjoy great food and beer at this beachside festival.
Bluegrass music evokes a happy toe-tapping energy everyone can relate to, so grab a lawn chair and settle in for an afternoon of innovative American roots music. Buy your tickets early - you don't want to miss out on the fun! All inclusive packages are available which include tickets to the 3-day event and camping within Lake Havasu State Park. See website for details. Access easy parking next to the Bridgewater Motel located at 101 London Bridge Road. Website: www.landspromotions.com
9 am – 4 pm. The kick-off event for Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month is the ARIZONA ARCHAEOLOGY & HERITAGE EXPO (Expo). The Expo will offer many educational attractions for archaeology and history buffs, and will be held on the lawns in front of the Senate and House buildings at the Arizona State Capitol. The event is open to the public and is FREE.
The Expo provides a special opportunity for visitors to learn more about why it is important to preserve archaeological sites and historic places, what archaeologists, historians, and tribal members do in their jobs, and about the prehistory and history of Arizona. Archaeology- and/or history-related, hands-on activities, craft demonstrations, and other fun and educational events will be featured. In addition, Boy Scout and Girl Scout merit badge requirements can be fulfilled at the Expo. Special displays and booths by archaeological and historical organizations, museums, Native American tribes, state and federal agencies, and others will allow you to participate as an archaeologist might in their research today, or make crafts and tools that teach how prehistoric Native Americans and other early inhabitants survived in the Southwest. Demonstrations and interactive activities will help make the past come alive! In addition, information on archaeological sites, museums and historical period parks in and around the local area will be highlighted.
The Expo will give visitors new insights into Arizona's many prehistoric, historic, and contemporary cultures, and will help instill a sense of stewardship for our state’s fragile and nonrenewable heritage resources.
Download Archy Expo Flier ( 1 MB PDF)
11 am & 3 pm. Bring your family to Fort Verde to learn how to make adobe bricks and tour through the four remaining historic adobe buildings, fully furnished with period artifacts. March Archaeology Awareness Month activity.
Homolovi II Pueblo Site & Tours(March 3, 17, 24). The morning tours will be leaving at 10:00 am (AZ-MST) by personally owned vehicles out to the Homolovi II Pueblo site then walking approximately 1/2 mile. This tour is ADA Accessible. Reservations are strongly recommended, the group size per tour for Homolovi II is limited to 20. If we experience more than 20 visitors wanting to tour the site a second tour will be provided weather permitting at 11:30 am. The tour will last approx one hour. The Homolovi II Pueblo is one of eleven pueblos in the Winslow area and the largest of the sites in the Homolovi cluster. This Ancestral Hopi site was occupied up into the late 1390s. The sidewalk around the site is ADA accessible. If visitors require alternative access or interpretive materials in alternative formats, these requests need to be made at the time reservations are made to make adequate accommodations. Day Use Fees Apply: $7.00 per vehicle up to 4 adults $3.00 each additional person.
Sunset Cemetery Tour(Saturdays in March 3, 17, 24). The guided walking tour of the Historic Sunset Pioneer Cemetery will be held at 1:15 pm (AZ-MST) from the Homolovi Visitor Center/Museum and returning at 2:15 pm each Saturday, weather permitting. Reservations required. The walk is approximately 3/4 mile long and closed toed shoes recommended. The Sunset Pioneer Cemetery is all that remains of the Mormon Fort of Sunset (1876-1888), one of five United Order Settlements of the Mormon Church in the Winslow area and the first LDS Stake Center in the Arizona Territory. The tours are limited to 15 people per tour. ASP Day Use Fees Apply $7.00 per vehicle up to 4 adults $3.00 each additional person. Reservations can be booked by email or phoning the park at kke2(at)azstateparks or phoning (928) 289-4106. When making reservations please include Name, Phone # or email contact information, and date of visit. Filled tours will be posted here. If weather is bad, tours may be canceled or postponed. Visitors should dress for cold and windy (20-35+ mph) conditions.
11 am. Penstemons, Poppies and Primrose – Oh, My! Learn to identify common Sonoran Desert wildflowers at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park -- and some unusual rarities, too -- with Cass Blodgett on alternating weekend days as he offers guided wildflower walks at 11:00 a.m. Blodgett is an Arizona State Parks volunteer, and also co-president of the Phoenix Chapter of the Arizona Native Plants society - visit the page linked below for ANPS meeting dates, guided hikes in the Sonoran desert, and outings this year. Read more or connect with Chapter leaders Cass Blodgett and Mike Plagens at http://www.aznps.com/chapters/phoenix.html
8:30 am. Winter guided birdwalks continue at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park with Arizona Game & Fish Department Migratory Bird Expert Troy Corman leading walks March 3 and 11; walks are also scheduled March 17 & 25; also April 7, 8, 21 & 22. Recent bird checklist reports http://ag.arizona.edu/bta/events/birdwalks.html
9 am & 2 pm. Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is one of the best places in all of AZ to see and photograph wildflowers [http://azstateparks.com/rangercam/index.html] and presents a second chance to meet the author or Wild in Arizona: Photographing Arizona's Wildflowers, A Guide to When, Where, and How. Saturday Colleen Miniuk-Sperry will present a slideshow of colorful images, followed by a photography walk into the gardens. Her March 3 sessions are open to the public, do not require pre-registration, and are included with daily admission of $9 for adults. Chandler author Colleen Miniuk-Sperry describes her new 224-page guidebook as packed with 60 descriptions of the most beautiful spots to see wildflowers across Arizona. The book showcases 60 different types of flowers, provides 17 instructional photography tips, and offers a bloom calendar to help plan your visit. "This presentation is an introduction to the book and will help people discover little-known plac
es to experience and enjoy amazing scenery within Arizona with their friends and families. I'll also share a few tips and tricks about capturing photographs at each location, no matter the camera, no matter the skill level. With easy to follow maps and directions provided for each location, it's a foolproof way for anyone to get outside this spring, not just photographers.
http://ag.arizona.edu/bta/photoclass.html
11 am. Penstemons, Poppies and Primrose – Oh, My! Learn to identify common Sonoran Desert wildflowers at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park [http://azstateparks.com/rangercam/index.html] -- and some unusual rarities, too -- with Cass Blodgett on alternating weekend days as he offers guided wildflower walks at 11:00 a.m. Blodgett is an Arizona State Parks volunteer, and also co-president of the Phoenix Chapter of the Arizona Native Plants society - visit the page linked below for ANPS meeting dates, guided hikes in the Sonoran desert, and outings this year. Read more or connect with Chapter leaders Cass Blodgett and Mike Plagens at http://www.aznps.com/chapters/phoenix.html
Meet at 8:45 am. 9 – 11 am. 2.5 miles. Rated moderate with some steep ascents. we will move at a rate comfortable for everyone. Topics of discussion: general geology, flora and fauna. Bring a snack, minimum 1 quart water, sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes. Meet at the big ramada at the Discovery Center. Hike begins promptly at 9 am. Please call 520-586-4115 to sign up. Hike may be cancelled or postponed in the event of inclement weather.
11 am - 3 pm. Discovery Center. Please join us and learn more about the history of Mata Ortiz pottery. Few destinations offer the combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity, archaeological and historical richness, along with artistic excellence as the Mata Ortiz region of Northwestern Chihuahua, Mexico does. Along the trade routes into the United States for the Hohokam, Anasazi and Mogollon people is the most important archaeological site in the American Southwest and northern Mexico. See the demonstration on the how the pottery is made and the unique techniques used to decorate the pottery. View the beautiful pottery and be amazed at the pride and beauty that goes into each unique pot that is made. You will be amazed!
John Bezy is an expert in this field from doing many years of research, co-author of “The Artistry & History of Mata Ortiz”, presenter at many National Parks, Museums & leads tours into Mata Ortiz. Oralia Lopez is an exceptional and much sought after master artist from Mata Ortiz who will give us a live demonstration on how the pottery is made, fired and decorated. We are honored that John and Oralia are taking their time and stop at Kartchner Caverns to demonstrate and tell us more in depth the exciting wonderful history and artistic insight of Mata Ortiz. Don’t miss this special event!
Come spend the day at Kartchner Caverns. Take a cave tour, learn more about caverns and Cochise County in the Discovery Center, hike the trails around the Park, bird watch, wildlife watching, walk the hummingbird garden, view the vast sights of the San Pedro Valley, enjoy the RV campground, taste our fresh and local foods made in the “Bat Cave Café” (especially the homemade pie) and shop in the unique Gift Shop for that special item!
2 pm. A new children's story about Sonoran Desert critters, plants and nature will be read aloud each Sunday at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. March books include Storm on the Desert March 4, Sing Down the Rain March 11, The Three Little Javelinas March 18 and then Cactus Hotel March 25.
10 am. This is our Centennial year – and Homeschooling families are invited to gather and experience education programs at the Arboretum. Wednesday, March 7, features ‘The Arizona Tour,’ highlighting unique and wonderful attributes of Arizona including geology, edible plants, state symbols and habitats. (2 hours).Admission fees for this event are $1 for each Pre-Kindergarten - High School student (ages 4-18), and $1 per adult, limited to two adults per family. Additional adults are $9 each. Pre-registration and payment for Homeschool Days is required and is non-refundable. Families are asked to reserve in person at the Arboretum Admissions Window or by phone: 520-689-2723, no later than one week prior to each tour.
5:30 pm. Meet at the Sonoita Creek Visitor Center. You will need to bring water, sturdy shoes, hiking sticks for going downhill in the dark, and flashlights or headlamps. Day use park entrance fees apply ($10 per vehicle up to four persons in that vehicle).
Geo-Cache Bash (Official AZ Centennial Event)In March, Cattail Cove State Park hosts an annual geo-caching treasure hunt. Geo Caching is related to orienteering where people find their way using a compass, except that Geo Caching takes advantage of personal, handheld Global Positioning Systems, commonly referred to as GPS, to seek out a specific location. There will be presentations by both the Lake Havasu City Museum of History and the local chapter of the Arizona Site Steward program. Plus a dedication of an existing ironwood tree, a cactus garden nature walk through our newly-expanded cactus garden, and nature hikes (flora and fauna) throughout the boundary of the park. In the evening enjoy a slideshow presentation on the history of Cattail Cove State Park. Download Event Flier ( 900 KB PDF)
Event Schedule
Food Vendor Dan-D-Dawgs. The park encourages responsible Geo Caching practices in all natural settings, including discouraging graffitti, digging, trash, illiegal off road vehicle use, vandalism, or caches near archaeological sites or commercial use.
10 am. Girl Scout badge workshops for Brownies this month continue. Registration requires a non-refundable minimum down payment of $15.50. To sign up and prepay, have a credit card ready and call Arboretum staff at 520-689-2723. March 10 with ‘Eco-Explorer’ and March 17 with ‘Plants’ and March 24 with ‘Earth is Our Home.’ Learn more.
Sunset Cemetery TourThe guided walking tour of the Historic Sunset Pioneer Cemetery will be held at 10:00 am (AZ-MST) from the Homolovi Visitor Center/Museum and returning at 2:15 pm each Saturday, weather permitting. Reservations required. The walk is approximately 3/4 mile long and closed toed shoes recommended. The Sunset Pioneer Cemetery is all that remains of the Mormon Fort of Sunset (1876-1888), one of five United Order Settlements of the Mormon Church in the Winslow area and the first LDS Stake Center in the Arizona Territory. The tours are limited to 15 people per tour. ASP Day Use Fees Apply $7.00 per vehicle up to 4 adults $3.00 each additional person. Reservations can be booked by email or phoning the park at kke2(at)azstateparks or phoning (928) 289-4106. When making reservations please include Name, Phone # or email contact information, and date of visit. Filled tours will be posted here. If weather is bad, tours may be canceled or postponed. Visitors should dress for cold and windy (20-35+ mph) conditions.
This is an official Arizona Centennial Event and this year marks the 150th anniversary of the Picacho battle! Visitors travel from around the country to experience the three fascinating historic battle re-enactments complete with lifestyles of the soldiers in the southwest during the 1860s. More than 200 re-enactors come from many states and will camp at the park with their authentic Civil War camping gear. Food and beverage concessions are also available, including the popular Kettle corn vendor. Vehicle Entrance Fee: $10 up to 4 persons. Each additional person is $3. Individual Entrance Fee is $3 for walk-in or bike. Gate Hours are from 9:30 am - 3 pm and entry to park is permitted only during Gate Hours. Event hours are from 10 am - 4 pm. No Dogs are permitted in Event Area. Event supported by the Arizona State Parks Foundation. Download Event Flier ( 1 MB PDF)
Check back here to download a daily schedule prior to the event. In the meantime check out the photo galleries from 2011, 2010, and 2008. Re-enactors please register early and review additional re-enactor information.
10 am – 3 pm. Take a stroll along Officer’s Row with a docent as they lead guided tours through the historic homes! Living history presentations will be available. March Archaeology Awareness Month activity.
11 am. Winter/Spring guided birdwalks continue at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park with Arizona Game & Fish Department Migratory Bird Expert Troy Corman leading walks March 11; walks are also scheduled March 17 & 25; also April 7, 8, 21 & 22. Recent bird checklist reports http://ag.arizona.edu/bta/events/birdwalks.html
11 am. Penstemons, Poppies and Primrose – Oh, My! Learn to identify common Sonoran Desert wildflowers at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park [http://azstateparks.com/rangercam/index.html] -- and some unusual rarities, too -- with Cass Blodgett on alternating weekend days as he offers guided wildflower walks at 11:00 a.m. Blodgett is an Arizona State Parks volunteer, and also co-president of the Phoenix Chapter of the Arizona Native Plants society - visit the page linked below for ANPS meeting dates, guided hikes in the Sonoran desert, and outings this year. Read more or connect with Chapter leaders Cass Blodgett and Mike Plagens at http://www.aznps.com/chapters/phoenix.html
2 pm. A new children's story about Sonoran Desert critters, plants and nature will be read aloud each Sunday at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. March books include Sing Down the Rain March 11, The Three Little Javelinas March 18 and then Cactus Hotel March 25.
On the 2nd Monday of each month at 12:15 pm we present a different lecture as part of our Brown Bag Lunch Series. Stop by with lunch for an interesting presentation.
Presented by Neil Weintraub, Archaeologist, Kaibab National Forest. On the Kaibab National Forest, archaeologists, fire fighters, range, and timber specialists have worked together to protect numerous historic sites by removing vegetation on and around them so that these important traces of the past can be better protected and preserved during wildfires. The presentation will discuss how Kaibab National Forest managers have worked together to protect and preserve these fragile pieces of history.
8:00 am. Volunteer Mary Ellen Flynn hosts Bird Walks. Bring binoculars. Park in the last parking lot on the access road into the park. Walk meets across from the restrooms, at the main trailhead.
Enjoy viewing the skies through astronomers telescopes. More details will be posted.
Homolovi II Pueblo Site & Tours(March 17, 24). The morning tours will be leaving at 10:00 am (AZ-MST) by personally owned vehicles out to the Homolovi II Pueblo site then walking approximately 1/2 mile. This tour is ADA Accessible. Reservations are strongly recommended, the group size per tour for Homolovi II is limited to 20. If we experience more than 20 visitors wanting to tour the site a second tour will be provided weather permitting at 11:30 am. The tour will last approx one hour. The Homolovi II Pueblo is one of eleven pueblos in the Winslow area and the largest of the sites in the Homolovi cluster. This Ancestral Hopi site was occupied up into the late 1390s. The sidewalk around the site is ADA accessible. If visitors require alternative access or interpretive materials in alternative formats, these requests need to be made at the time reservations are made to make adequate accommodations. Day Use Fees Apply: $7.00 per vehicle up to 4 adults $3.00 each additional person.
Sunset Cemetery Tour(March 17, 24, 31). The guided walking tour of the Historic Sunset Pioneer Cemetery will be held at 1:15 pm (AZ-MST) from the Homolovi Visitor Center/Museum and returning at 2:15 pm each Saturday, weather permitting. Reservations required. The walk is approximately 3/4 mile long and closed toed shoes recommended. The Sunset Pioneer Cemetery is all that remains of the Mormon Fort of Sunset (1876-1888), one of five United Order Settlements of the Mormon Church in the Winslow area and the first LDS Stake Center in the Arizona Territory. The tours are limited to 15 people per tour. ASP Day Use Fees Apply $7.00 per vehicle up to 4 adults $3.00 each additional person. Reservations can be booked by email or phoning the park at kke2(at)azstateparks or phoning (928) 289-4106. When making reservations please include Name, Phone # or email contact information, and date of visit. Filled tours will be posted here. If weather is bad, tours may be canceled or postponed. Visitors should dress for cold and windy (20-35+ mph) conditions.
Details TBA. Sponsored by the Huachuca Astronomy Club & Astronomers of Verde Valley.
11 am & 3 pm. Bring your family to Fort Verde to learn how to make adobe bricks and tour through the four remaining historic adobe buildings, fully furnished with period artifacts. March Archaeology Awareness Month activity.
10 am. Girl Scout badge workshops for Brownies this month continue. Registration requires a non-refundable minimum down payment of $15.50. To sign up and prepay, have a credit card ready and call Arboretum staff at 520-689-2723. March 17 with ‘Plants’ and March 24 with ‘Earth is Our Home.’ Learn more.
10:30 am. Dogs are always welcome at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park, provided they're on good behavior and a short leash -- and also are accompanied by owners who pick up after their furry friends. Arizona State Parks volunteer Sandra and her canine compadre Chaco guide a dog socialization walk (which repeats April 22) at 10:30 a.m. Pre-registration is not required, just be in the overflow parking lot with your leashed dog at 10:30 am start time.
1:30 pm. "What's an Arboretum?" Tom McDonald , owner of the Smiling Dog Landscapes Company in Gold Canyon, guides this Third Sunday Of The Month walk where visitors learn the answer to that often-posed question during a relaxed and leisurely guided tour through the forested areas of the Arboretum. Join us for a chance to learn about the Arboretum's collection of oak and olive trees, native hackberry, mesquite and many more. Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park staff member and Certified Arborist Jeff Payne leads the walk April 15.
2 pm. A new children's story about Sonoran Desert critters, plants and nature will be read aloud each Sunday at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. March books include The Three Little Javelinas March 18 and then Cactus Hotel March 25.
February 24 - Fort Verde State Historic Park5-8 pm. In Camp Verde, enjoy free admission to the Archaeology Center, the Historical Museum & Jail, Hance House and Fort Verde SHP. Sponsored by Downtown Camp Verde - Don't Miss it. Park will remain open late on these dates only. Event sponsored by the Town of Camp Verde and Hold the Fort (a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to keeping Fort Verde open to the public).
Noon. Mountain Bike Basics will take place on Saturdays starting at Noon, and go until 4:00, "or when everyone gets tired", according to Park Ranger Randy Victory. "These will be beginner trail rides on the dirt, with some instruction on the pavement." Victory, a certified cycling instructor, will offer everything from basic riding techniques to trail etiquette. Although the rides are oriented towards beginners, everyone is welcome to attend (minimum age is 15-16). "There's always a certain amount of interaction between riders," explains Victory. "Group rides where the beginners are supportive of each other, and more experienced riders can offer their insight are an excellent way to build skills, and have a great time doing it. The focus is on fun!" Riders will be REQUIRED to wear a helmet and complete an Acknowledgment of Risk Form ( 57 KB PDF) (parents must sign for riders under 18 years old). They should also bring water and make sure their bike is in good working order. Flat protection (Slime tire sealant, for example) and riding gloves are recommended. The rides will start at the Raptor Trailhead at the top of Roadrunner Road in the park. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email Ranger Victory at rvictory(at)azstateparks.gov. The Day use fee of $7.00 applies, or Annual Passes are accepted. In addition there will be a program fee of $5.00 per rider collected at the time of the ride/class. Mountain Bike Basics will also take place on: April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5. Download Event Information ( 2.4 MB PDF)
Homolovi II Pueblo Site & ToursThe morning tours will be leaving at 10:00 am (AZ-MST) by personally owned vehicles out to the Homolovi II Pueblo site then walking approximately 1/2 mile. This tour is ADA Accessible. Reservations are strongly recommended, the group size per tour for Homolovi II is limited to 20. If we experience more than 20 visitors wanting to tour the site a second tour will be provided weather permitting at 11:30 am. The tour will last approx one hour. The Homolovi II Pueblo is one of eleven pueblos in the Winslow area and the largest of the sites in the Homolovi cluster. This Ancestral Hopi site was occupied up into the late 1390s. The sidewalk around the site is ADA accessible. If visitors require alternative access or interpretive materials in alternative formats, these requests need to be made at the time reservations are made to make adequate accommodations. Day Use Fees Apply: $7.00 per vehicle up to 4 adults $3.00 each additional person.
Sunset Cemetery TourThe guided walking tour of the Historic Sunset Pioneer Cemetery will be held at 1:15 pm (AZ-MST) from the Homolovi Visitor Center/Museum and returning at 2:15 pm each Saturday, weather permitting. Reservations required. The walk is approximately 3/4 mile long and closed toed shoes recommended. The Sunset Pioneer Cemetery is all that remains of the Mormon Fort of Sunset (1876-1888), one of five United Order Settlements of the Mormon Church in the Winslow area and the first LDS Stake Center in the Arizona Territory. The tours are limited to 15 people per tour. ASP Day Use Fees Apply $7.00 per vehicle up to 4 adults $3.00 each additional person. Reservations can be booked by email or phoning the park at kke2(at)azstateparks or phoning (928) 289-4106. When making reservations please include Name, Phone # or email contact information, and date of visit. Filled tours will be posted here. If weather is bad, tours may be canceled or postponed. Visitors should dress for cold and windy (20-35+ mph) conditions.
10 am – 3 pm. Take a stroll along Officer’s Row with a docent as they lead guided tours through the historic homes! Living history presentations will be available. March Archaeology Awareness Month activity.
10 am. Girl Scout badge workshops for Brownies this month continue. Registration requires a non-refundable minimum down payment of $15.50. To sign up and prepay, have a credit card ready and call Arboretum staff at 520-689-2723. March 24 with ‘Earth is Our Home.’ Learn more.
1:30 pm. Once-a-month geology walks are a chance to see rocks and volcanic formations along the Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park main trail on a guided tour that compresses almost two billion years of geologic history into just over one educational hour! Learn about Pinal schist, the volcanic origins of Picket Post Mountain and the Apache Leap tuff with local geologist Kristen Gholson.
Nature Walk9 am. Meet at West Lagoon Parking lot, across from Trail Horse Adventures horse corrals.Nature Walks will start on Sunday mornings and last for 1-2 hours. The guided hikes will meander along riparian areas or stroll through the high desert trails within the park. Hikers need to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing; sturdy shoes, a hat. Says hike leader Ranger Margie Sanchez, “You might want to bring binoculars and a camera, too. These hikes are a great opportunity for wildlife sightings and photo ops.” Most hikes start at the Quail Loop Campground - inquire at the gate for starting points. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email or Ranger Sanchez a msanchez(at)azstateparks.gov with questions. The Day use fee of $7.00 applies, or Annual Passes are accepted. Nature Walk also takes place on April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6.
2 pm. A new children's story about Sonoran Desert critters, plants and nature will be read aloud each Sunday at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. March books include Cactus Hotel March 25.
8 am. Volunteer Mary Ellen Flynn hosts Bird Walks. Bring binoculars. Park in the last parking lot on the access road into the park. Walk meets across from the restrooms, at the main trailhead.
10 am. Arizona State Parks will conduct a grant workshop about the Growing Smarter grant application process. The application deadline is June 29, 2012. This instructional session is designed to provide attendees with a clear understanding of how to complete a Growing Smarter State Trust Land Acquisition Grant application. Program requirements and procedures are discussed at the workshop, along with rating criteria and the grant scoring and award process. See Grant section for more information.
10 am. Girl Scout badge workshops for Juniors this month begin March 31 with ‘Outdoor Creativity,’ and continue April 7 with ‘Your Outdoor Surroundings,’ and April 14 with ‘Plants and Animals,’ and also April 21 with ‘Arizona.’ Registration requires a non-refundable minimum down payment of $15.50. To sign up and prepay, have a credit card ready and call Arboretum staff at 520-689-2723. Learn more.
11 am & 3 pm. Bring your family to Fort Verde to learn how to make adobe bricks and tour through the four remaining historic adobe buildings, fully furnished with period artifacts. March Archaeology Awareness Month activity.
Sunset Cemetery TourThe guided walking tour of the Historic Sunset Pioneer Cemetery will be held at time TBA (AZ-MST) from the Homolovi Visitor Center/Museum and returning at 2:15 pm each Saturday, weather permitting. Reservations required. The walk is approximately 3/4 mile long and closed toed shoes recommended. The Sunset Pioneer Cemetery is all that remains of the Mormon Fort of Sunset (1876-1888), one of five United Order Settlements of the Mormon Church in the Winslow area and the first LDS Stake Center in the Arizona Territory. The tours are limited to 15 people per tour. ASP Day Use Fees Apply $7.00 per vehicle up to 4 adults $3.00 each additional person. Reservations can be booked by email or phoning the park at kke2(at)azstateparks or phoning (928) 289-4106. When making reservations please include Name, Phone # or email contact information, and date of visit. Filled tours will be posted here. If weather is bad, tours may be canceled or postponed. Visitors should dress for cold and windy (20-35+ mph) conditions.
Nature Walk9 am. Meet at West Lagoon Parking lot, across from Trail Horse Adventures horse corrals. Nature Walks will start on Sunday mornings and last for 1-2 hours. The guided hikes will meander along riparian areas or stroll through the high desert trails within the park. Hikers need to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing; sturdy shoes, a hat. Says hike leader Ranger Margie Sanchez, “You might want to bring binoculars and a camera, too. These hikes are a great opportunity for wildlife sightings and photo ops.” Most hikes start at the Quail Loop Campground - inquire at the gate for starting points. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email or Ranger Sanchez a msanchez(at)azstateparks.gov with questions. The Day use fee of $7.00 applies, or Annual Passes are accepted. Nature Walk also takes place on April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6.
10 am. Homeschooling families are invited to gather and experience education programs at the Arboretum. The Arboretum has dozens of plants directly and indirectly named in the Bible, and this engaging tour will take you back to Biblical times during a two-hour walk in the gardens. Admission fees for this event are $1 for each Pre-Kindergarten - High School student (ages 4-18), and $1 per adult, limited to two adults per family. Additional adults are $9 each. Pre-registration and payment for Homeschool Days is required and is non-refundable. Families are asked to reserve in person at the Arboretum Admissions Window or by phone: 520-689-2723, no later than one week prior to each tour.
5:30 pm. Meet at the Sonoita Creek Visitor Center. You will need to bring water, sturdy shoes, hiking sticks for going downhill in the dark, and flashlights or headlamps. Day use park entrance fees apply ($10 per vehicle up to four persons in that vehicle).
Noon. Mountain Bike Basics will take place on Saturdays starting at Noon, and go until 4:00, "or when everyone gets tired", according to Park Ranger Randy Victory. "These will be beginner trail rides on the dirt, with some instruction on the pavement." Victory, a certified cycling instructor, will offer everything from basic riding techniques to trail etiquette. Although the rides are oriented towards beginners, everyone is welcome to attend (minimum age is 15-16). "There's always a certain amount of interaction between riders," explains Victory. "Group rides where the beginners are supportive of each other, and more experienced riders can offer their insight are an excellent way to build skills, and have a great time doing it. The focus is on fun!" Riders will be REQUIRED to wear a helmet and complete an Acknowledgment of Risk Form ( 57 KB PDF) (parents must sign for riders under 18 years old). They should also bring water and make sure their bike is in good working order. Flat protection (Slime tire sealant, for example) and riding gloves are recommended. The rides will start at the Raptor Trailhead at the top of Roadrunner Road in the park. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email Ranger Victory at rvictory(at)azstateparks.gov. The Day use fee of $7.00 applies, or Annual Passes are accepted. In addition there will be a program fee of $5.00 per rider collected at the time of the ride/class. Mountain Bike Basics will also take place on: April 14, 21, 28, May 5. Download Event Information ( 2.4 MB PDF)
10 am. Girl Scout badge workshops for Juniors this month continue April 7 with ‘Your Outdoor Surroundings,’ and April 14 with ‘Plants and Animals,’ and also April 21 with the ‘Arizona’ badge. Registration requires a non-refundable minimum down payment of $15.50. To sign up and prepay, have a credit card ready and call Arboretum staff at 520-689-2723. Learn more.
Nature Walk9 am. Meet at West Lagoon Parking lot, across from Trail Horse Adventures horse corrals. Nature Walks will start on Sunday mornings and last for 1-2 hours. The guided hikes will meander along riparian areas or stroll through the high desert trails within the park. Hikers need to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing; sturdy shoes, a hat. Says hike leader Ranger Margie Sanchez, “You might want to bring binoculars and a camera, too. These hikes are a great opportunity for wildlife sightings and photo ops.” Most hikes start at the Quail Loop Campground - inquire at the gate for starting points. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email or Ranger Sanchez a msanchez(at)azstateparks.gov with questions. The Day use fee of $7.00 applies, or Annual Passes are accepted. Nature Walk also takes place on April 15, 22, 29, May 6.
8 am. Volunteer Mary Ellen Flynn hosts Bird Walks. Bring binoculars. Park in the last parking lot on the access road into the park. Walk meets across from the restrooms, at the main trailhead.
10 am. Girl Scout badge workshops for Juniors this month continue April 14 with ‘Plants and Animals,’ and also April 21 with the ‘Arizona’ badge. Registration requires a non-refundable minimum down payment of $15.50. To sign up and prepay, have a credit card ready and call Arboretum staff at 520-689-2723. Learn more.
Noon. Mountain Bike Basics will take place on Saturdays starting at Noon, and go until 4:00, "or when everyone gets tired", according to Park Ranger Randy Victory. "These will be beginner trail rides on the dirt, with some instruction on the pavement." Victory, a certified cycling instructor, will offer everything from basic riding techniques to trail etiquette. Although the rides are oriented towards beginners, everyone is welcome to attend (minimum age is 15-16). "There's always a certain amount of interaction between riders," explains Victory. "Group rides where the beginners are supportive of each other, and more experienced riders can offer their insight are an excellent way to build skills, and have a great time doing it. The focus is on fun!" Riders will be REQUIRED to wear a helmet and complete an Acknowledgment of Risk Form ( 57 KB PDF) (parents must sign for riders under 18 years old). They should also bring water and make sure their bike is in good working order. Flat protection (Slime tire sealant, for example) and riding gloves are recommended. The rides will start at the Raptor Trailhead at the top of Roadrunner Road in the park. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email Ranger Victory at rvictory(at)azstateparks.gov. The Day use fee of $7.00 applies, or Annual Passes are accepted. In addition there will be a program fee of $5.00 per rider collected at the time of the ride/class. Mountain Bike Basics will also take place on: April 21, 28, May 5. Download Event Information ( 2.4 MB PDF)
April 14 & 15 - Fort Verde State Historic ParkThis annual event offers visitors a living history timeline of military and civilian encampments from the Revolutionary War to the present day. Activities include flag raising ceremonies, military demonstrations, a fashion show, games for children and an 1870s-era baseball game. Veterans from around the state are encouraged to attend this special event and come to Camp Verde for picnics and special gatherings at Fort Verde State Historic Park.
Nature Walk9 am. Meet at West Lagoon Parking lot, across from Trail Horse Adventures horse corrals. Nature Walks will start on Sunday mornings and last for 1-2 hours. The guided hikes will meander along riparian areas or stroll through the high desert trails within the park. Hikers need to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing; sturdy shoes, a hat. Says hike leader Ranger Margie Sanchez, “You might want to bring binoculars and a camera, too. These hikes are a great opportunity for wildlife sightings and photo ops.” Most hikes start at the Quail Loop Campground - inquire at the gate for starting points. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email or Ranger Sanchez a msanchez(at)azstateparks.gov with questions. The Day use fee of $7.00 applies, or Annual Passes are accepted. Nature Walk also takes place on April 22, 29, May 6.
8 am. Volunteer Mary Ellen Flynn hosts Bird Walks. Bring binoculars. Park in the last parking lot on the access road into the park. Walk meets across from the restrooms, at the main trailhead.
Friday Noon - Dusk. Saturday 9 am to dusk. Sunday 9 am - 3pm. At Windsor 4. Enjoy the boat show with legends by the lake car show, offshore grand prix powerboat racing, and high speed waterski racing! In addition there will be a fishing pavillion, bass boats, tackles, lures, bait, and more. Plus free fishing activities and displays for the kids! Admission is $2, children 12 & under free. More info at LakeHavasuBoatShow.com.
10 am. Girl Scout badge workshops for Juniors this month continue April 21 with the ‘Arizona’ badge. Registration requires a non-refundable minimum down payment of $15.50. To sign up and prepay, have a credit card ready and call Arboretum staff at 520-689-2723. Learn more.
Noon. Mountain Bike Basics will take place on Saturdays starting at Noon, and go until 4:00, "or when everyone gets tired", according to Park Ranger Randy Victory. "These will be beginner trail rides on the dirt, with some instruction on the pavement." Victory, a certified cycling instructor, will offer everything from basic riding techniques to trail etiquette. Although the rides are oriented towards beginners, everyone is welcome to attend (minimum age is 15-16). "There's always a certain amount of interaction between riders," explains Victory. "Group rides where the beginners are supportive of each other, and more experienced riders can offer their insight are an excellent way to build skills, and have a great time doing it. The focus is on fun!" Riders will be REQUIRED to wear a helmet and complete an Acknowledgment of Risk Form ( 57 KB PDF) (parents must sign for riders under 18 years old). They should also bring water and make sure their bike is in good working order. Flat protection (Slime tire sealant, for example) and riding gloves are recommended. The rides will start at the Raptor Trailhead at the top of Roadrunner Road in the park. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email Ranger Victory at rvictory(at)azstateparks.gov. The Day use fee of $7.00 applies, or Annual Passes are accepted. In addition there will be a program fee of $5.00 per rider collected at the time of the ride/class. Mountain Bike Basics will also take place on: April 28, May 5. Download Event Information ( 2.4 MB PDF)
Nature Walk9 am. Meet at West Lagoon Parking lot, across from Trail Horse Adventures horse corrals. Nature Walks will start on Sunday mornings and last for 1-2 hours. The guided hikes will meander along riparian areas or stroll through the high desert trails within the park. Hikers need to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing; sturdy shoes, a hat. Says hike leader Ranger Margie Sanchez, “You might want to bring binoculars and a camera, too. These hikes are a great opportunity for wildlife sightings and photo ops.” Most hikes start at the Quail Loop Campground - inquire at the gate for starting points. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email or Ranger Sanchez a msanchez(at)azstateparks.gov with questions. The Day use fee of $7.00 applies, or Annual Passes are accepted. Nature Walk also takes place on April 29, May 6.
10 am. One Girl Scout badge workshop will be offered to Cadettes April 28 with the ‘Plants’ module. Registration requires a non-refundable minimum down payment of $15.50. To sign up and prepay, have a credit card ready and call Arboretum staff at 520-689-2723. Learn more.
Noon. Mountain Bike Basics will take place on Saturdays starting at Noon, and go until 4:00, "or when everyone gets tired", according to Park Ranger Randy Victory. "These will be beginner trail rides on the dirt, with some instruction on the pavement." Victory, a certified cycling instructor, will offer everything from basic riding techniques to trail etiquette. Although the rides are oriented towards beginners, everyone is welcome to attend (minimum age is 15-16). "There's always a certain amount of interaction between riders," explains Victory. "Group rides where the beginners are supportive of each other, and more experienced riders can offer their insight are an excellent way to build skills, and have a great time doing it. The focus is on fun!" Riders will be REQUIRED to wear a helmet and complete an Acknowledgment of Risk Form ( 57 KB PDF) (parents must sign for riders under 18 years old). They should also bring water and make sure their bike is in good working order. Flat protection (Slime tire sealant, for example) and riding gloves are recommended. The rides will start at the Raptor Trailhead at the top of Roadrunner Road in the park. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email Ranger Victory at rvictory(at)azstateparks.gov. The Day use fee of $7.00 applies, or Annual Passes are accepted. In addition there will be a program fee of $5.00 per rider collected at the time of the ride/class. Mountain Bike Basics will also take place on: May 5. Download Event Information ( 2.4 MB PDF)
Nature Walk9 am. Meet at West Lagoon Parking lot, across from Trail Horse Adventures horse corrals. Nature Walks will start on Sunday mornings and last for 1-2 hours. The guided hikes will meander along riparian areas or stroll through the high desert trails within the park. Hikers need to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing; sturdy shoes, a hat. Says hike leader Ranger Margie Sanchez, “You might want to bring binoculars and a camera, too. These hikes are a great opportunity for wildlife sightings and photo ops.” Most hikes start at the Quail Loop Campground - inquire at the gate for starting points. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email or Ranger Sanchez a msanchez(at)azstateparks.gov with questions. The Day use fee of $7.00 applies, or Annual Passes are accepted. Nature Walk also takes place on May 6.
Noon. Mountain Bike Basics will take place on Saturdays starting at Noon, and go until 4:00, "or when everyone gets tired", according to Park Ranger Randy Victory. "These will be beginner trail rides on the dirt, with some instruction on the pavement." Victory, a certified cycling instructor, will offer everything from basic riding techniques to trail etiquette. Although the rides are oriented towards beginners, everyone is welcome to attend (minimum age is 15-16). "There's always a certain amount of interaction between riders," explains Victory. "Group rides where the beginners are supportive of each other, and more experienced riders can offer their insight are an excellent way to build skills, and have a great time doing it. The focus is on fun!" Riders will be REQUIRED to wear a helmet and complete an Acknowledgment of Risk Form ( 57 KB PDF) (parents must sign for riders under 18 years old). They should also bring water and make sure their bike is in good working order. Flat protection (Slime tire sealant, for example) and riding gloves are recommended. The rides will start at the Raptor Trailhead at the top of Roadrunner Road in the park. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email Ranger Victory at rvictory(at)azstateparks.gov. The Day use fee of $7.00 applies, or Annual Passes are accepted. In addition there will be a program fee of $5.00 per rider collected at the time of the ride/class. Download Event Information ( 2.4 MB PDF)
Nature Walk9 am. Meet at West Lagoon Parking lot, across from Trail Horse Adventures horse corrals. Nature Walks will start on Sunday mornings and last for 1-2 hours. The guided hikes will meander along riparian areas or stroll through the high desert trails within the park. Hikers need to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and wear appropriate clothing; sturdy shoes, a hat. Says hike leader Ranger Margie Sanchez, “You might want to bring binoculars and a camera, too. These hikes are a great opportunity for wildlife sightings and photo ops.” Most hikes start at the Quail Loop Campground - inquire at the gate for starting points. For more information, call Dead Horse Ranch State Park at 928-634-5283. You can also email or Ranger Sanchez a msanchez(at)azstateparks.gov with questions. The Day use fee of $7.00 applies, or Annual Passes are accepted.
Learn more on the Plein Air Home Page. Arizona State Parks and and Arizona Plein Air Painters sponsor live outdoor painting competitions. After the painting period, the artists gather to judge their peers completed work. Artists are welcome to bring their easels, brushes drop cloth canvas and capture scenes around the park. This is a series of “paint outs” planned throughout the year at Arizona State Parks.
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