Arizona Earth Day Celebration
Statewide events, activities, and fun for the whole family!
Do you have the best interest of the earth in mind when making life’s decisions? Are you a sustainable traveler when exploring Arizona’s beautiful outdoor spaces? Chances are you want to make the best decisions for the planet, but may be unsure of where to turn for information about doing your part. That’s exactly why Earth Day is still going strong 55 years after the initial celebration in 1970!
Celebrate Earth Day surrounded by Arizona’s stunning landscapes—when you experience these beautiful places, it’s clear why protecting them matters. Arizona’s state parks are hosting special events and activities to honor our planet, from guided nature walks to hands-on conservation projects. Whether you’re exploring vibrant desert trails, learning about local wildlife, or joining a cleanup effort, there’s no better way to connect with nature and give back. Plan your Earth Day adventure and discover how you can make a difference!
Catalina State Park
Star Party
April 17, 2026
Get a broader understanding of our planet within the context of the universe at this Star Party kicking off a weekend of events at the parks you can use to celebrate Earth Day. Take in the wonders of the cosmos with telescopes provided by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, and appreciate the dark sky environment. Dark skies support nocturnal wildlife, human well-being, and many natural processes. Learn more about the case for lowering light pollution in our conversation with amateur astronomer and International Dark-Sky Association member Michael Weasner and join Catalina State Park for this Star Party!
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival
April 23-26, 2026
Appreciate and learn about the area's birds and wildlife during this popular annual festival! The 2025 festival theme is “Birds in Art” and the featured bird is the Anna's hummingbird. Workshop and presentations include Verde River ecology, birding basics, botanical walks, geology of the Verde Valley, nature photography, and much more!
Don't forget to check out the spacious campgrounds or rustic cabins before your trip.
Red Rock State Park
Earth Day Celebration
April 18, 2026
Red Rock’s annual Earth Day celebration amid Sedona’s famed red rock escarpments is always a hit! Join us at the park from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. This event features hikes, games, kids' crafts, live wildlife presentations, and much more! Learn from our community partners about taking action to protect our planet, and come experience the plants, animals, and beautiful landscapes we're working to protect.
Find out about all of the awesome events offered at this gorgeous park!
Homolovi State Park
Tsüvó Trail and Diné Point at Homolovi
April 18, 2026
Join a ranger lead walk on the Tsüvó Loop Trail and Diné Point. This 2-mile-long loop walking trail winds its way through a segment of a high desert prairie of the upper-Sonoran grassland within the park. View petroglyphs and panoramic views of the Middle Little Colorado River Valley and Painted Desert from Diné Point.
Oracle State Park
Music on the Trails + Star Party
April 18, 2026
Visit this 4000-acre wildlife refuge and center for environmental education and enjoy an evening of music and celebration of nature from 4-8 pm on April 19! Listen to an array of live performers playing beautiful melodies as you hike along the 1.2-mile Nature Trail. Finish up a great day with your own sunset picnic dinner and more live music on the historical Kannally Ranch House patio. Bring your own food and drinks (no glass containers, please).
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Star Party
April 18, 2026
Join us at 1:00 pm and listen to a presentation by Ted Blank, "Light Pollution: Why Should I Care?" This talk will discuss the importance of protecting our dark skies through smart lighting to help nighttime pollinators (like bats), nocturnal animals, migrating birds, and human health. After our talk, we'll enjoy this International Dark Sky Park by viewing stars, planets, and other wonders of the dark and natural night sky.
Practice Responsible Recreation
The impact of recreation often leaves a mark and may detract from the overall experience if too many of us turn a blind eye to it. Learn the seven principles you can practice when enjoying the outdoors to ensure future generations are able to enjoy Arizona’s beautiful places. You can even complete a free online course from Leave No Trace which introduces a simple framework of minimum impact practices to apply when spending time outdoors.
Learn About Protecting Sedona
We partnered with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, U.S. Forest Service, National Forest Foundation, and the Oak Creek Watershed Council to protect Sedona's priceless natural resources! This joint agency effort will ensure visitors are able to enjoy it for many years to come! Watch the video below to learn more about the Path to Protection.
Partner Spotlight
Natural Restorations is an Arizona organization that works to clean and restore lands to their natural state. Arizona State Parks and Trails is a proud supporter of Natural Restorations and the amazing work of their team! They engage in activities like trash removal, graffiti, hosting cleanups, and helping keep trails clean and open so that the community can enjoy them. Their positive impact on Arizona's natural and historic places has earned public respect, appreciation, and the distinction of our Earth Day Partner Spotlight. Watch the videos below to see what they're all about, and learn about a recent project! Find more on their website and YouTube.
Organize a Cleanup
You can choose to make a difference on your own this year by organizing a cleanup! Your cleanup can be as simple or extravagant as you would like, in fact every little bit helps! Pick up trash on your walks, or organize a cleanup with friends (for later!) to help out your local park. Stop by any Arizona Visitor Information Center to grab a free trails cleanup kit from Keep Nature Wild! Advertise your cleanup on social media to get the attention of like-minded people who would be willing to share their time for the betterment of the earth. You can even opt to volunteer for an organization like Natural Restorations on their projects that restore historic and natural features on your public lands. Every little bit helps, and each of us has the power to make a change in the world.
Final Thoughts
Earth Day is April 22, but you can do your part all year long! Educating yourself and finding out more about public lands and how to protect them is a great step to becoming a steward of the land and making a difference in the world!
