Statewide Calendar
95 Scheduled Events
September 1-30, 2026
Slide Rock Photo Contest
Slide Rock State Park
This September, we’re inviting photographers of all levels to share your amazing photos and enter to win prizes! We want to see your favorite memory or scenic moment of the beautiful landscape, family fun, or wildlife at Slide Rock State Park.
Sunday, October 18 | November 15 1 p.m.
Archaeology Hike at Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park
Come and hear the fascinating story of the pre-Columbian people who lived and traveled in the park. The hike will identify the various archaeological features visible from park trails and interpret them into the wider context of important regional Sinagua sites. The guide will also touch on ideas of other cultures that likely have made use of the park’s resources. Reservations are required.
Sundays, Wednesdays and select Mondays, Oct. 18, 2026 - May 17, 2027 Times vary
Guided Bird Walks at Catalina
Catalina State Park
Located in the Tucson Sky Islands Important Bird Area, Catalina State Park is home to 150+ species of birds. Experienced birding guides will help you spot and identify beautiful birds as you walk through the park for 3-4 hours.
Sundays 10:15, 11:15, 12:15 p.m.
Geology Tour and Presentation
Jerome State Historic Park
Learn how powerful geological forces shaped the Verde Valley and laid the foundation for Jerome's rugged landscape and rich mining history. Perfect for history lovers, rock hounds and curious minds of all ages!
Sundays, Oct 18 and Nov 1 10 a.m.
Textile production at Homolovi : A review of the cultural significance and technical introduction to weaving
Homolovi State Park
Textile production at Homolovi : A review of the cultural significance and technical introduction to weaving
Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. - Noon
Apple Packing Shed Open House
Slide Rock State Park
Experience a piece of Arizona history. Get an opportunity to explore the Pendley Homestead Apple Packing Shed. A ranger will be available to answer any questions about the homestead history. Come and see the Bean Cutler 1933 Sorter and Bean Cutler Polisher added in 1946.
Daily 10 a.m.
Daily Guided Nature Hikes at Red Rock
Red Rock State Park
Every morning a volunteer naturalist leads a guided nature walk informing visitors about the different life zones of Red Rock State Park. The subjects discussed on this walk include geology, wildlife, history, archaeology, and plant life.
First and third Mondays, October - April 10 a.m.
Catalina State Park - Past, Present, Future
Catalina State Park
Join one of our park volunteers to explore the history of Catalina State Park and its surroundings from the 1850s to today, and get a sneak peek of exciting upgrades planned.
Mondays 9:30 a.m.
Nature Walks at Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Walk with a park ranger along our paved walking path as the park comes alive around you, where rustling trees and blooming wildflowers frame glimpses of the parks remarkable wildlife.
Tuesdays and Fridays 11 a.m.
The Inside History of Jerome
Jerome State Historic Park
An engaging and exclusive presentation of the town of Jerome, as told by long-time local, Henry Vincent, in an outdoor setting.
Wednesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m. (9 a.m. December)
Guided Bird Walks at Red Rock
Red Rock State Park
Join us at Red Rock State Park for guided bird walks! Learn about Sedona's diverse and beautiful bird species while taking a stroll through this gorgeous park with a veteran bird enthusiast.
Thursdays (no tour Oct. 29) 11:45 a.m.
Tours of Goodfellow Lodge at Tonto Natural Bridge
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Join us for a ranger or volunteer led walk through the Goodfellow Lodge, with a history of the property, the Lodge, and the people that called Tonto Natural Bridge home. Reservations are required!
Every Thursday 9 a.m.
Ecology Hikes at Fool Hollow
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area
Explore the park's diverse plants, wildlife, and ecosystems while learning about the natural history and unique features of the area.
2nd and 4th Fridays, October 9, 2026 - April 23, 2027 Times vary
Nature Journaling at Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park
Learn the practices of Nature Journaling through focused observations of the flora, fauna and geology while connecting to the beauty of Catalina State Park.
Saturday, October 24, 2026 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Anza Day
Tubac Presidio State Historic Park
Join us for this free family event to learn about Juan Bautista de Anza's legendary expedition that departed the Tubac Presidio in 1775 with 240 people (men, women and children) to found San Francisco, California.
Saturday, October 24, 2026 Dusk
Halloween Fun at Patagonia Lake
Patagonia Lake State Park
Get into the spooky spirit with trick-or-treating and decorate your campsite for Halloween!
Saturdays 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Historical Walking Tours
Jerome State Historic Park
Join volunteer Hal Hatfield on a historical walking tour of Jerome State Historic Park Saturday mornings!
Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 8:30 a.m.
Homolovi II Ancestral Hopi Pueblo Tour and Petroglyphs
Homolovi State Park
Join a ranger lead hike at the Homolovi II Ancestral Hopi Pueblo. Guests will see the outline of five domestic rooms and a reconstructed ceremonial structure (kiva). The petroglyphs are located below the mesa.
Saturdays (September-October) 7 a.m.
Introduction to Birding by Ear
Catalina State Park
Listen for birds, learn their common sounds, and grow familiar with your local birdlife. All skill levels are welcome!
Saturday, October 24, 2026 3 - 5 p.m.
Art on the Trail at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
Enjoy an afternoon of art and nature at Oracle State Park! Sonoran Plein Air Painters will be set up along the 1.2 mile Nature Trail loop, giving visitors the unique opportunity to hike, view paintings, and watch artists at work in the beauty of the park.
Saturdays, starting October 17, 2026 (weather permitting) 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday Nature Program at Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park
Learn about the fascinating Sonoran Desert at this family-friendly program featuring live reptiles!
Saturday, October 24, 2026 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Bat Fest
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Join park rangers, partners and vendors for this day long celebration of our flying friends!
Sunday, October 25, 2026 10 a.m.
Halloween Hike at Rockin' River
Rockin' River Ranch State Park
Join us for a Halloween Hike and Costume Contest at Rockin River Ranch State Park.
Various Dates Between Oct. 11 - Nov. 15 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Homolovi IV Pueblo Guided Tour
Homolovi State Park
Join a Ranger for a tour of one the park's archaeological sites that is normally closed to the public. Registration is required for this event. This pueblo consisted of approximately 200 stone masonry rooms built in a stepwise fashion down the sides of a small butte on the west bank of the Little Colorado River. It was occupied for a short time in the mid 1200s.
Sunday, October 25 | November 22 1 p.m.
Ethnobotany Guided Hike at Red Rock
Red Rock State Park
Learn more about the native plants of Sedona and how they're interconnected with indigenous cultures, pioneer settlers, wildlife, and even modern society.
Sundays - check dates in description Times vary
Sunday Geology Walk at Catalina
Catalina State Park
How were the Santa Catalina Mountains formed? What are some of the different rocks in the park? Learn about the geology of the park with experienced geologist, Karen.
October 28, 29, and 30, 2026 7, 8, and 9 p.m. nightly
Riordan Mansion Halloween Tours
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The historic Riordan Mansion makes a great backdrop for spinning yarns appropriate to the Halloween season. This very popular guided tour for adults is a storytelling session involving tales of the fantastic and the factual. Reservation required!
First, Third and Fifth Fridays of the Month Varies by Date
Catalina Nights
Catalina State Park
Experience Catalina State Park’s desert wildlife and dark skies with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail. Registration required.
October 16, 30 | November 20 | December 4, 18 10 a.m.
Wildlife of the Sonoran Desert - Guided Hike
Lost Dutchman State Park
Learn about the amazing and diverse wildlife of the Sonoran Desert on this guided hike with Arizona State Park volunteers Lisa and Abi. This is an Outdoors250 event.
Friday, October 30, 2026 11 a.m.
All About Bats: Outdoor Discovery Event at Jerome
Jerome State Historic Park
Join Jerome State Historic Park and the Yavapai County Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners on October 30 for an Outdoor Discover event, "All About Bats." Learn about bats and the ways they benefit the ecosystem from presenter Laurin Pause with the Extension's Speakers Bureau.
Oct. 31, Nov. 1, Nov. 8, Nov. 15, 2026 Time varies
Volunteer at Red Rock State Park!
Red Rock State Park
Volunteer opportunities are available at Red Rock State Park! Click to learn more about how to become a volunteer at this beautiful Arizona state park!
Saturday, October 31 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
A Haunting at the Fort
Fort Verde State Historic Park
A Haunting at the Fort- Let’s get spooky! This ghostly lantern lit walk will give you a chance to get a glimpse of the fort after hours, hear some ghost stories, and visit with those who still call the fort home…even after 150 years.
October 31-November 1, 2026
Family Campout at Tombstone Courthouse
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Arizona Family Campout Program weekends are designed for families that have little or no experience camping. We will introduce you to the great experiences you can share with your family! Registration required.
Saturday, October 31, 2026 9:00 a.m.
Homolovi II Ancestral Hopi Pueblo Tour
Homolovi State Park
Take a guide walk with a Ranger to the Homolovi II pueblo. Homolovi II is the largest of the seven villages that comprise the Homolovi settlements.
Sunday, November 1, 2026 1 p.m.
Snakes of Arizona
Red Rock State Park
Don't slither away from this opportunity to learn about the amazing snakes in our area. Discover how and why they do what they do! As a bonus, you'll get to meet "Cowboy", our California kingsnake.
Various Sundays Nov 2026 - Mar 2027 10 a.m.
Desert Duos at Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho Peak State Park
Have you ever had a best friend you just couldn’t live without? Well, residents here at Picacho Peak take that quite literally.
First Sunday of the Month 10 a.m. (unless otherwise noted)
Nature Walk at Rockin' River Ranch
Rockin' River Ranch State Park
Join us on the first Sunday of every month for a guided nature walk.
Fridays, November 6 - April 16th (Cancelled Christmas Day) 2 - 5 p.m.
Music in Lost Dutchman State Park: Miss America is back!
Lost Dutchman State Park
Fridays (November - April) 9 a.m.
Guided Bird Walk at Sonoita Creek and Patagonia Lake
Patagonia Lake State Park
Join us for a casual guided bird walk on mostly flat terrain, with a few steps at the trail entrance and exit. We’ll take our time enjoying nature and looking for birds along the trail.
Fridays (November - April) 9 a.m.
Guided Bird Walk at Sonoita Creek and Patagonia Lake
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
Join us for a casual guided bird walk on mostly flat terrain, with a few steps at the trail entrance and exit. We’ll take our time enjoying nature and looking for birds along the trail.
Various Dates from Nov 6, 2027-Mar 19, 2027 Varies by Date
Scorpion Hunt at Picacho!
Picacho Peak State Park
Join our rangers in a search for some amazing scorpions! Look by rocks, in bushes, and even just crawling around on the ground. These skittering scorpions are not too hard to find once you start looking.
Nov. 7, 2026 | Jan. 2, Mar. 13, Sept. 18, Nov. 20, 2027 times vary
Star Party at Cattail Cove
Cattail Cove State Park
Join us for a star party to explore the night sky at Cattail Cove State Park. Bring your sense of wonder!
Saturday, November 7, 2026 5-8 p.m.
Star Party at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
Join us for a special evening of stargazing at Oracle State Park, an official International Dark Sky Park!
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Alamo Lake Star Party
Alamo Lake State Park
Alamo Lake offers some of the best conditions for stargazing. Join us to view the night sky through professional telescopes.
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 Time varies
Geology Tour at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
Join Oracle State Park’s volunteer geologist, Maribeth Greenslade, on a tour of the unique geology of the Santa Catalina Mountains region. This program is by reservation only.
Saturday, November 7, 2026 6-8:30 p.m.
Star Party at Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park
Come out and enjoy the night skies at Red Rock State Park with the Astronomers of Verde Valley. The Star Party begins with an introductory presentation on the celestial happenings in the night sky, followed by star viewing through some high-powered telescopes. Registration required.
Twice monthly (November-March) 10 a.m.
Junior Ranger Guided Hike at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Do you and your kids love being outside? Are you all fascinated with nature? Then come out to Picacho Peak State Park for a Junior Ranger Guided Hike! Join a ranger on a short hike in our park that is suitable for ages 5 and up!
Saturday, Sunday, Monday 9 a.m. | 10:15 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | 12:30 p.m.
Discovery/Bird Watching Boat Tours at Patagonia
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
Experience a boat tour around Patagonia Lake! Join us for a guided boat tour and experience the beauty, wildlife, and history of the lake!
Saturday, November 7, 2026 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Volkswagens in the Canyon at Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park
Saturdays, Nov 7, 2026 | Feb 6, 2027 10 a.m.
Guided Hike to the Peak on the Sunset Vista Trail
Picacho Peak State Park
Join a park guide on the scenic Sunset Vista Trail that will lead you to the top of Picacho Peak. Registration required.
Saturdays, November 7, 2026 | April 3, 2027 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Star Party at Kartchner Caverns
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Join Kartchner Caverns, an International Dark Sky Park, for a star party! This program offers daytime solar viewing, a presentation on protecting our dark skies as well as night sky viewing through high-powered telescopes.
Oct. 17 | Nov. 7 | Nov. 21 varies by event
Music in the Mountains Concert Series
Catalina State Park
Celebrate Arizona’s vibrant music scene with a breathtaking view of the mountains! Please bring a chair, and feel free to bring food, drinks, and your best dance moves.
First Saturdays, monthly (November - May) 8 a.m. - Noon
Buffel Slayers at Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park
Help eradicate buffelgrass from the park and Save Our Saguaros! Be prepared to work hard!
Sunday, November 8, 2026 1 p.m.
Geology Hike at Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park
Our monthly-guided geology hike led by our knowledgeable volunteers will take you out on our trails to discuss how Sedona transformed into what we see today. This interpretive experience is for both the beginner and experienced hiker. Reservations are required.
Sunday, November 8, 2026 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Riordan Mansion Special Tour: Historic Milton Walking Tour
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
A 90-minute guided walk from Riordan Mansion to explore the Arizona Lumber and Timber Company property and the town site of Milton.
Sunday, November 8, 2026 6 a.m. (Oct.) | 7:15 a.m. (Nov.)
Everyone Runs Trail Race at Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park
Challenge yourself to a trail race at your own pace! Multiple race options and packages are available. Registration is required.
Nov. 13, 2026 | Jan. 2, Feb. 6, Apr 23, 2027 Time varies
Star Party at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Come out for a night under the stars at Picacho Peak State Park! The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will be on site with high-powered telescopes and guides to the night sky.
Monthly (Oct. - Mar.) Times vary
Star Party at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
Want to learn more about the stars and planets? Then head to Lost Dutchman State Park for a star party! Registration is required!
Saturday, November 14, 2026 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Oak Creek Collaborative Cleanup
Slide Rock State Park
Join us for a collaborative clean up event with many of the organizations who care for Oak Creek and surrounding lands. Keeping Oak Creek clean takes all of us!
Saturday, November 14, 2026 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Living History Day at Fort Verde
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Join the Fort Verde Interpretive Association and take a step back in time and see what life was like as soldier here at the Fort.
Twice Monthly (October - April)- Saturdays 8 a.m. (Unless Otherwise Noted)
Guided Hike to the Peak on the Hunter Trail
Picacho Peak State Park
Join a park guide on the Hunter Trail and enjoy 360-degree views from the top of Picacho Peak. Registration required.
2nd Saturday of the Month, April - November 7 p.m. (April-Aug.) | 6 p.m. (Sept.-Nov.)
Star Party and Guest Speaker at Homolovi State Park
Homolovi State Park
Come out to Homolovi's Visitor Center Museum and Observatory for a night under the stars. Enjoy astronomy presentations featuring special guests with telescope viewing to follow. Bring your sense of wonder to the only Arizona state park with a permanent observatory!
Thursdays, Monthly (November - March) 8:30-10 a.m.
Desert Birding at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
Meet in the Palo Verde Day Use area to learn how to distinguish between birds and seek out hawks to hummingbirds all throughout the trail! This is an Outdoors250 event.
Various Fridays, Nov 20, 2026 - March 26, 2027 Varies by Date
Night Hikes at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Nov. 21 | Dec. 19 | Jan. 16 | Feb. 20 | March 20 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Shelter Dog Walking Program
Picacho Peak State Park
We are partnering with Pinal County Animal Care and Control to help get shelter dogs out on the trail! Join us to walk dogs along the Nature Loop at the park.
Monthly, Oct 17, 2026 - April 17, 2027 Varies by Date
Guided Hike on the Calloway Trail
Picacho Peak State Park
Join our park guide as you trek the Calloway Trail at Picacho Peak! Learn about hiking safety as you enjoy the surroundings up to the Calloway overlook--situated under the face of Picacho Peak. All skill levels are welcome on this guided hike! Registration required.
Saturday-Sunday, November 21-22, 2026 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
An American Civil War Encampment: Special Event
Picacho Peak State Park
Learn about the life of a Civil War soldier! Enjoy food from Calvin's Still Smokin BBQ, a Ranger talk, and weapons demonstration!
Friday, November 27, 2027 5:30 p.m.
S'mores and Stories Campfire at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Various Saturdays Nov. 2026 - Mar. 2027 10 a.m.
Curious About Cactus at Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho Peak State Park
The Sonoran Desert is home to many different prickly cacti - from the tiniest Hedgehog cactus to the tallest Saguaro. Join our rangers on a 30-minute short loop around the Sage Ramada as we identify the many types of cacti and succulents you can find in the Sonoran Desert region.
Saturday, November 28, 2026 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Star Party at Rockin River Ranch
Rockin' River Ranch State Park
Last Saturday of the month (Nov - March) 9 a.m.
Ranger-led hikes
Cattail Cove State Park
Join us for ranger-led hikes every month!
December 1 - January 6
The Riordan Mansion is ready for Christmas
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The Mansion is festively decorated in turn-of-the-century style with wreaths, garlands, greenery and a towering fir tree trimmed with old-fashioned ornaments. Guided tours during this time include glimpses of folklore and traditions of Christmas, both past and present.
Saturdays, Monthly (December - March) Varies by Date
Night Hike at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
This ranger-guided evening hike features beautiful views of the Superstition Mountains and will focus on a different topic each hike. Registration is required.
Dec. 11, 2026 | Feb. 13 and Apr. 24, 2027 Varies by Date
Star Party at Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park
Imagine what you can see with telescopes provided by the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association at Catalina State Park! Join us for an exciting, educational Star Party!
Saturday, December 12
Victorian Christmas at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Second and fourth Mondays, through May Times vary
Romero Site Interpretive Hike at Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park
Join local guides for a tour of the Romero site and walk through 1000-years of indigenous Hohokam history in 90-minutes! Learn about the area’s ranching history and how the Hohokam made a living in the desert.
December 19, 2026 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
A Victorian Christmas at Fort Verde
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Various Saturdays, Dec 19, 2026-Mar 13, 2027 10 a.m.
The Soldier's March
Picacho Peak State Park
Have you ever heard of the Battle of Picacho Pass? Do you want to know what happened that fateful day? Join a ranger for a short walk through the history of the most westward Civil War battle that took place in Arizona. Learn the who, what, where, and why of the battle and how it affected the path to statehood for Arizona.
Sunday, December 20, 2026 4-6 p.m.
Strolling With Santa
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Santa will be strolling the grounds, Visitor Center, and West House museum to visit with children to hear their Christmas wishes.
December 20, 21, 22, and 23, 2026 5-6 p.m.
Riordan Special Tour: Christmas Twilight Tour
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The original 1904 light fixtures with Edison style bulbs provide a beautiful glow in the Riordan Mansion for this special evening tour.
December 20, 21, 22, and 23, 2026 5-6 p.m.
Riordan Mansion Luminaria Walk
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Enjoy the view of the Riordan Mansion by the light of luminarias lining the path. The grounds will be open until 6 pm and hot apple cider will be available in the visitor center with your $5.00 park admission. Event is weather permitting.
January 1, 2027 10 a.m.
First Day Hike at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Start 2027 with a guided hike on New Year's Day! Choose your adventure between Hunter and Calloway Trail!
Jan 2, 2027 | Jan 17, 2027 | Feb 14, 2027 8 a.m.
Picacho Peak Bird Walk
Picacho Peak State Park
Walk the trails with one of our rangers and learn of the many birds inhabiting the Sonoran Desert region!
Various Dates Jan 2027 - Mar 2027 10 a.m.
Into the Snake Den
Picacho Peak State Park
Join our park rangers at Picacho Peak State Park and learn about some simply spectacular serpents! From the tricky hognose to the stunning rattler, these snakes are absolutely ecstatic to meet you!
Monthly Times vary
Music at Lost Dutchman with Steve Jones
Lost Dutchman State Park
Yampa Valley Steve (Steve Jones), a singer-songwriter, will entertain you at Lost Dutchman State Park.
Monthly, October 2026 - January 2027 Time varies by date
Sonoran Desert Botany Hike
Lost Dutchman State Park
Get to know the plant life of the Sonoran Desert on this guided hike. Explore the trails and learning about local cacti, trees, and shrubs, seeing how they've adapted to grow in and support this ecosystem. This is an Outdoors250 event.
Friday, February 12 | March 12, 2027 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Music in the Desert with Steve Jones
Patagonia Lake State Park
Yampa Valley Steve (Steve Jones), a singer-songwriter, will entertain you at Patagonia Lake State Park.
Saturday,February 20, 2027 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Check out CycleKarts at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Members of the CycleKart Club will be displaying their vintage-inspired designs. Root for your favorites at the races, which will occur every 30 minutes. Come and see these exciting machines in action!
Friday, March 12, 2027 7 p.m.
Thank the Stars Above at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Come down to Picacho Peak State Park and take a look at the beautiful stars above. In this program, you will learn about some of the constellations in our night skies.
Sunday, March 13, 2027 5:00 p.m.
Concert at Picacho Peak - Yampa Valley Steve
Picacho Peak State Park
Enjoy music at the park with Yampa Valley Steve, whose motto is "Loaded with Music, Have Fun, Will Travel."