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.

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Experienced bird guides lead this bird walk. They will help you spot and identify various birds that live and visit the park. Novices, seasoned birders, and every experience level of birder will enjoy this event.

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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.

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Celebrate the holidays with Fort Verde State Historic Park when we decorate the fort with Victorian-style holiday decorations.

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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!

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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.

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Join a ranger on a ~1 mile, mostly paved, walk through some of the most biodiverse terrain in central Arizona. A combination of plant communities and habitats surrounding the world’s largest travertine bridge supports a wide variety of bird species that call the park home and we will be searching for.

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Join us for a ranger led hike to learn about  the diverse avian wildlife at Patagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek.

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Miss America is back to host a creative musical event at the park, featuring Y-O-U! Bring your talent (or plain enthusiasm is fine too!), voice or other instruments to this combination karaoke/ jam session!

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Join us for a ranger led hike to learn about  the diverse avian wildlife at Patagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek.

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Discover the beauty of Patagonia Lake on a pontoon boat tour! Registration required.

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Mingle with rangers, volunteers and other park guests by the flickering firelight.

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How does America’s largest ghost town celebrate Friday the 13th in December? In classic Jerome fashion, of course! This year, Unlock The Christmas Spirit as you wander the historic halls of the Douglas Mansion, decked with holiday cheer, in search of clues to solve a scavenger’s mystery inspired by the classic Victorian ghost story, A Christmas Carol written by Charles Dickens.

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Learn about and see many reptiles that live naturally in the Sonoran Desert. Listen to our experts talk about the creatures and their adaptions to survive in the desert.

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Join Oracle State Park’s volunteer geologist, Tom Buckley, on a tour of the unique geology of the Santa Catalina Mountains. This program is by reservation only.

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Join a park guide on the Hunter Trail and enjoy 360-degree views from the top of Picacho Peak. Registration required.

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Experience a boat tour around Patagonia Lake! Discover the history, vegetation, and overwhelming beauty of the surrounding area.

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Join us as we host candlelight tours through Fort Verde State Park's historic homes along Officer's Row.

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The Sonoran Desert is home to many different prickly cacti - from the tiniest Hedgehog cactus to the tallest Saguaro. Join Ranger Ethan in a 30 minute short loop as we identify the many types of cacti you can find at the park.

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Get into the holiday spirit at Oracle State Park’s Santa and Songs event! Families are invited to enjoy a delightful afternoon featuring photos with Santa in the recently decorated living room of the historic ranch house!

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Lake Havasu State Park will again be offering free admission to the Windsor 4 event area for the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights. Guests will be able to view the parade from the London Bridge Channel shoreline.

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Celebrate the holidays with Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. The Courthouse will be styled in Victorian decorations and offer festive activities for all ages.

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Walk among the dinosaurs in our Arizona deserts! Millions of years ago, this land belonged to the giants. And the environment was different from the desert you see around you today.

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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.

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Have you ever wanted to learn about the history of the ranch house and land at Oracle State Park? We are excited to once again be offering historic house tours this fall!

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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.

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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.

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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 all ages!

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Join us for a volunteer-led hike along the beautiful coastline of the Colorado River!

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Enjoy a relaxing, rejuvenating foot soak after a great day of hiking around the park!

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Enjoy a delightful morning kayak trip along the scenic shores of the Colorado River.

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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!

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Experience Catalina State Park’s desert wildlife and dark skies with a one-mile, guided hike on the Nature Trail. Registration required.

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Weather permitting, the grounds will be lit with luminarias and Santa will be strolling the grounds, Visitor Center, and West House museum to visit with children to hear their Christmas wishes. Hot apple cider will be available in the visitor center.

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There’s nothing like standing under a dark, star-spangled night sky to quiet the mind and reduce stress, share an experience of awe with family and friends, and to inspire creative thoughts. Learn about Arizona's spectacular night sky from Kevin Schindler, the historian at the renowned Lowell Observatory

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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 $2.00 park admission. Event is weather permitting.

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The original 1904 light fixtures with Edison style bulbs provide a beautiful glow in the Riordan Mansion for this special evening tour. These special guided tours will focus on the history behind Christmas traditions and guests will have the special treat of seeing the Christmas tree and billiards room photo transparency windows at night. Reservations required.

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Celebrate the Winter Solstice and the longest night of the year with a guided night hike around the Nature Trail Loop.

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Join us for a geology experience at Picacho Peak State Park! Learn about the volcanic origins of the peak and surrounding parkland. Registration required!

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Have you ever heard of the Battle of Picacho Pass? Do you want to know what happened that fateful day? Join Ranger Noah 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.

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Join us for our monthly concert series at the base of the Catalina Mountains with Janice Deardoff!

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Guess Who's Coming to Town? Join Patagonia Lake State Park in celebrating the season! Activities include ornament crafts, a cakewalk, and a campsite decoration contest! Plus, don't miss an appearance by Santa Claus himself!

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Join the Northern Arizona Audubon Society for the annual Christmas Bird Count!

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Learn more about the native plants of Sedona and how they're interconnected with indigenous cultures, pioneer settlers, wildlife, and even modern society.

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Join our local interpretive guides for a hike to the Romero Ruins. With this program, you'll walk through one thousand years of Hohokam history in 90 minutes.

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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.

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Join a park guide on the scenic Sunset Vista Trail that will lead you to the top of Picacho Peak. Registration required.

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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.

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Come on down to the Visitor Center and ask a ranger about our touch table! Learn about the different plants, animals, and minerals here at Picacho Peak. Take a closer look at some animal skulls, feel some cool pelts, and learn about the different minerals on our peak.

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Nature In Your Backyard Winter Edition! Join us for an exploration of wintertime nature in Flagstaff. This guided walk will last about an hour as we explore our five acres.

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Boat tours and hikes ring in the New Year at Patagonia Lake State Park! Pick your adventure and enjoy a day outside!

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Join a Park Ranger for a hike to Diné Point via the Tsu’vö trail. Hikers will pass by petroglyphs from the early occupation period at Homolovi (620-890AD) up to Diné Point overlook. The hike is on moderate, sandy trails and is approximately two miles total.

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Meet at Lot 2 right inside the park to join this guided hike of the Sunset Trail. The hike is moderate, with sand and gravel trails, about 1.5-2 miles long. The hike will feature scenic overlooks of the lake and end in our beautiful cactus garden with water and snacks.

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Step off the year on the right foot with our First Day Hike, welcome to all! Registration required.

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Start off the new year with a Guided Hike at Oracle State Park!

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Start 2025 with a choice of two guided hikes on New Year's Day! Registration required.

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Join us at 10 a.m. behind Cooper's Hawk Restroom in the parking area on Roadrunner Rd for a 3-mile guided upland desert hike, overlooking the Verde Valley.

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Join us for a special event - the FIRST First Day Hike ever!

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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.

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Kick off 2024 amid the red rocks of Sedona! Join us for the guided nature walk and learn more about the area.

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Come start your New Year off right and hike our Foothills Loop Trail with us.  Join rangers on a moderate 2.5 mile guided hike for the first day of the new year!

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Meet at the launch ramp/trailhead area. This is a moderate 3-mile hike to Whyte's Retreat. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, water, and snacks.

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Start the New Year with a nature walk led by a Slide Rock State Park ranger.

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Join us at Buckskin Mountain State Park for a great walk through the cactus garden and park. Meet at the Buckskin Mountain State Park Ranger Station . The walk will showcase the park and the desert plant life.

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Join us for a guided hike of the Petroglyph Trail (weather dependent). The trail requires a mild climb, and a number of petroglyphs (pictures carved on stone) and interpretive signs are easily visible.

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Join us for a star party to explore the night sky at Cattail Cove State Park. Bring your sense of wonder!

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Join us for an unforgettable evening at Oracle State Park filled with stargazing!

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Want to learn more about the stars and planets? Then head to Lost Dutchman State Park for a star party! Registration is required!

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Join Chris Arpad for an evening of steel drums in Catalina State Park!

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Have you ever had a best friend you just couldn’t live without? Well, residents here at Picacho Peak take that quite literally.

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The three day festival and fair is jam packed with tethered balloon rides an art village, face painting, dog shows, great bands and entertainers on the main stage, paper balloon launching, a carnival, musical and theatrical groups, classic cars, remote control planes, untethered balloon rides, Night Glow, delicious food in the food court, and much more!

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This beautiful program is designed to start with a famous Arizona sunset draping gracefully over the Superstition Mountains, and end under the light of the full moon. Registration required!

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This tour through the Riordan Mansion will explore the macrocosm and global trends, leading up to the Arts and Crafts movement. We will include examples in art, architecture, and philosophy of the movement, as well as what led to the evolution toward Art Deco and the modern era. Registration required.

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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!

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Why is Milton Road called Milton Road? Because it linked Flagstaff with a neighboring small town called Milton. Milton's main street was Riordan Road. Historian and Riordan Mansion volunteer David Portree will share Milton's history and describe a plan to bring Milton back to life.

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Join us at Lost Dutchman State Park for a guided walk with experienced birder Vera on the trails searching for our feathered friends.

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Who doesn’t love the quirkiness of an old VW bus? What started as a split-window campout has turned into a Volkswagen extravaganza with VW buses coming from all over the country for a giant campout at Lake Havasu State Park.

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This program explores the geology that formed the Gila and the dinosaurs that splashed in it. You’ll learn about the history of prehistoric people who mastered and relied on the river. The human side of the Gila is brought to life through personal memoirs, field journals and anecdotes of the missionaries, explorers, and adventurers who followed it, to the pioneers who settled alongside it. The Gila River provided life giving water for agriculture, transportation, recreation, and inspiration for generations of people.

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Join us for our monthly concert series at the base of the Catalina Mountains with Robert Wright!

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Yampa Valley Steve (Steve Jones), a singer-songwriter, will entertain you at Lost Dutchman State Park.

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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!

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Come on down to Picacho Peak and start your Pokemon Go adventure with a ranger by your side! This short hike will bring you to multiple stops where you can catch, collect, and learn about the desert around you and the creatures that might be here.

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Check out the upcoming fishing tournaments heading to Alamo Lake State Park!

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Walk the trails with one of our rangers and learn of the many birds inhabiting the Sonoran Desert region!

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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.

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Get involved with conservation work at Kartchner Caverns with this public volunteer opportunity held four times annually. The program involves gently brushing lint off of curbs and rocks near the trail system.

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Join our flower-loving park rangers at Picacho Peak State Park and learn about the many wildflowers that bloom in the Sonoran Desert.

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The stories of trading posts in the Southwest are a unique snapshot of life almost one hundred years ago. In the early 1900’s, trading posts in the Four Corners flourished. There were over one hundred trading posts on the plateau, but today only five remain. Why did they vanish?

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Join Vera, Arizona State Park volunteers and experienced birder, on a journey to discover and learn about the owls of the Sonoran Desert.

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Arizona’s past goes far beyond Hollywood’s Wild West stereotypes of gunslinging cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws. In addition to miners, merchants, and ranchers, faith-based farmers, health seekers and women entrepreneurs of many creeds and cultures braved the West’s harshest and most treacherous territory, working together to forge lasting communities. This presentation describes Arizona history’s notables and notorious characters from common folk to public heroes including U.S. Colonel Sarah Bowman, war hero and innkeeper, and Hi Jolly, the Greco-Syrian camel driver.  

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McNamee delves into the tangled history that surrounds the so-called “Apache Wars”, when fully half of the active U.S. Army descended on the territory to combat a relative handful of indigenous warriors. Ironically, the Apache peoples of the Southwest had once welcomed the arrival of the Americans as a buffer against Mexico, which regularly attacked Apache settlements.

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Celebrate Earth Day with us under the red rocks in beautiful Sedona! Learn from our park rangers, volunteers, and community partners about some of the plants, animals, and beautiful landscapes in the Sedona area and across Arizona.

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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!

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Welcome back to this popular area event! Join us to enjoy a day of international mariachi dancing and bands. Local food and wine vendors and activities for the kids are all part of this fun event.

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