Statewide Calendar
100 Scheduled Events
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.
Wednesdays (November - February) 9 a.m.
Guided Hike at Sonoita Creek
Patagonia Lake State Park
Join us for a 5.5 mile hike through Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. The hike will showcase the diversity of this stunning southern Arizona area.
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.
Sundays and Thursdays 11 a.m. (Thursdays. & Sundays) | 2 p.m. (Sundays)
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!
Sundays and Wednesdays 8:00 a.m.
Guided Bird Walks at Catalina
Catalina State Park
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.
Wednesdays (November - February) 9 a.m.
Guided Hike at Sonoita Creek
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
Join us for a 5.5 mile hike through Sonoita Creek State Natural Area. The hike will showcase the diversity of this stunning southern Arizona area.
Thursdays 9 a.m.
Guided Bird Walks at Tonto Natural Bridge
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
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.
This event will be rescheduled in the future
Native American Heritage Month Display by Robert Erb
Fort Verde State Historic Park
This November for Native American Heritage Month, stop by the fort and view a display on the early pre-history of the Verde Valley, put on by volunteer and local author Robert Erb.
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!
Fridays (November - April) 9 a.m.
Guided Bird Walk at Sonoita Creek and Patagonia Lake
Patagonia Lake State Park
Join us for a ranger led hike to learn about the diverse avian wildlife at Patagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek.
Fridays (November - April) 9 a.m.
Guided Bird Walk at Sonoita Creek and Patagonia Lake
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
Join us for a ranger led hike to learn about the diverse avian wildlife at Patagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek.
Fridays, Nov. 22, 29 | Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Music at the Mountain Karaoke Jam
Lost Dutchman State Park
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!
Friday's 6 P.M.
Friday by the Fire
Cattail Cove State Park
Mingle with rangers, volunteers and other park guests by the flickering firelight.
November 22, 2024 10 a.m.
Guided bird walk at Rockin River Ranch
Rockin' River Ranch State Park
Join us to explore Arizona's newest state park, taking a walk through the mesquite bosque and along the rich riparian area. This park is a great conservation corridor for birds and other wildlife.
Fridays 10:15 a.m. | 11:30 a.m.
Discover the Lake Boat Tour
Patagonia Lake State Park
Discover the beauty of Patagonia Lake on a pontoon boat tour! Registration required.
Twice Monthly (October - April) See times in schedule
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.
Saturdays, Nov. 23, Dec. 14 and Jan. 18 Varies by Date
Geology Tour at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
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.
Monthly (October - March) 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-Sunday 9 a.m. | 10:15 a.m. | 11:30 a.m.
Discovery/Bird Watching Boat Tours at Patagonia
Patagonia Lake State Park
Experience a boat tour around Patagonia Lake! Discover the history, vegetation, and overwhelming beauty of the surrounding area.
Monthly, April-November 6 p.m. (Arizona time)
Star Party 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!
Saturdays, Oct. 19-April 26, 2025 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Catalina State Park Nature Program
Catalina State Park
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.
November 24, 2024 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
All About Raptors
Catalina State Park
Discover how the ancient art of falconry has benefited modern raptor conservation efforts, offers a sustainable option for nuisance bird management, and how falconers are helping rehabilitate sick, injured, and orphaned wild raptors.
Nov. 9 | Nov. 24, 2024 1-2 p.m.
Docent-guided House Tour
Oracle State Park
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!
Sundays, Nov. 24 and Dec. 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.
Nov. 9, 24 | Dec. 7, 22 | Jan. 4, 19 | Feb. 1, 16 | March 1, 16 10 a.m.
Junior Ranger Guided Hike
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 all ages!
Mondays (November - February) 9 a.m. | 1 p.m.
Guided Hike at Patagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek
Sonoita Creek State Natural Area
Join us for a guided hike at Patagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area.
Monday's 8:00 A.M.
Morning Refresh Hike
Cattail Cove State Park
Join us for a volunteer-led hike along the beautiful coastline of the Colorado River!
Monday's 1:00 p.m.
Foot Soak
Cattail Cove State Park
Enjoy a relaxing, rejuvenating foot soak after a great day of hiking around the park!
Second and fourth Mondays 9-10:30 a.m. (December) | 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Romero Site Interpretive Hike
Catalina State Park
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.
Friday's 8:00 a.m.
Kayak along the Colorado
Cattail Cove State Park
Enjoy a delightful morning kayak trip along the scenic shores of the Colorado River.
Mondays (November - February) 9 a.m. | 1 p.m.
Guided Hike at Patagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek
Patagonia Lake State Park
Join us for a guided hike at Patagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek State Natural Area.
Nov 2 | Nov 16 | Nov 30 | Dec 14 | Jan 11 | Jan 25 | Feb 8 | Feb 22 | Mar 8 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 10 a.m. *Time change on 11/16/24 & 2/22/25 - 3 p.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 Ranger Ethan in a 30 minute short loop as we identify the many types of cacti you can find at the park.
Saturday, November 30, 2024 5-8 p.m.
Star Party & Holiday Toy Drive at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
Join us for an unforgettable evening at Oracle State Park filled with stargazing, food vendors, and a holiday toy drive!
Various Saturdays (November - March) 10 a.m.
Guided Hike 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.
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.
December 1, 2024 | February 9, 2025 10 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!
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.
First and third Mondays 10-11 a.m. (December) | 9 - 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.
December 2, 2024 - January 7, 2025 Normal park hours
Victorian Christmas at Fort Verde State Historic Park
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Celebrate the holidays with Fort Verde State Historic Park when we decorate the fort with Victorian-style holiday decorations.
First and Third Friday 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.
December 7, 2024 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ornament-making Workshop
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Get in the holiday spirit and join us for a day of Victorian ornament making!
December 7-8 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Pow Wow at Lake Havasu
Lake Havasu State Park
Join us for a Pow Wow to commemorate Native American Heritage Month with special guests.
Saturday, December 7 6-8 p.m.
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.
December 7, 14, 21, 2024 5-8 p.m.
Candlelight Tours
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Join us as we host candlelight tours through Fort Verde State Park's historic homes along Officer's Row.
Saturday, December 7, 2024 3-5 p.m.
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: KT Klassics
Catalina State Park
Join KT Klassics with Catalina State Park's Music in the Mountains Concert Series! KT Klassics plays your favorite classic rock covers.
First Saturday (October-April) 10 a.m. (Times may vary)
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, December 7, 2024 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Buffel Slayers
Catalina State Park
Help eradicate buffelgrass from the park and Save Our Saguaros! Be prepared to work hard!
Nov. 10 | Dec. 8, 2024 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.
Dec 8 | Jan 5 | Feb 2 | Mar 2 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.
Monday, December 9, 2024 12:15 p.m.
Riordan Mansion Lunchtime Lecture: The Grand Canyon — Past and Present
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Learn from Kevin Schindler of Lowell Observatory how his repeat photography project expanded and grew into a book documenting how the Canyon and its natural and human-made features have changed – and in some cases remained startlingly the same – over the past century plus.
Tuesdays, Monthly (November - May) Times vary
Guided Bird Walk at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
Join us at Lost Dutchman State Park for a guided walk with experienced birder Vera on the trails searching for our feathered friends.
Saturday, December 14, 2023 4 p.m.
Boat Parade of Lights Viewing at Lake Havasu State Park
Lake Havasu State Park
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.
Saturday, December 14 2:30-5:00 p.m.
Santa & Songs at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
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!
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Victorian Christmas at Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Celebrate the holidays with Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. The Courthouse will be styled in Victorian decorations and offer festive activities for all ages.
Sundays, Nov. 17 | Dec. 15 1 p.m.
Archaeology Walk 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.
December 15, 2024 | February 23, 2025 10 a.m.
Walk Among the Dinosaurs at Picacho Peak (Jurassic World Alive)
Picacho Peak State Park
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.
Friday, December 20 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ernest Talks Series: Dark Skies over Arizona
McFarland State Historic Park
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
December 20, 21, 22, and 23, 2024 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. 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.
December 20, 21, 22, and 23, 2024 4:30-6 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 $2.00 park admission. Event is weather permitting.
Friday, December 20, 2024 4-6 p.m.
Strolling With Santa
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
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.
Dec. 21 | Jan. 19 | Feb. 15 | Mar. 29 Varies by Date
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 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.
Saturday, December 21, 2024 1:00 p.m.
Santa at the Park!
Patagonia Lake State Park
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!
Saturday, December 21, 2024 3-5 p.m.
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Janice Deardoff
Catalina State Park
Join us for our monthly concert series at the base of the Catalina Mountains with Janice Deardoff!
Saturday, December 21, 2024 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Winter Solstice Night Hike
Catalina State Park
Celebrate the Winter Solstice and the longest night of the year with a guided night hike around the Nature Trail Loop.
Monthly (October - March) 8 -10 a.m.
Geology Tour at Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho Peak State Park
Join us for a geology experience at Picacho Peak State Park! Learn about the volcanic origins of the peak and surrounding parkland. Registration required!
Nov. 16 | Dec. 28 | Jan. 18 | Feb. 22 | March 29 | April 19 10 a.m. - 2 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.
November 10, December 29, March 30 10:00 a.m.
Touch Table Talk at Picacho
Picacho Peak State Park
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.
December 29, January 30, February 27, March 30 Time varies
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.
January 1, 2025 10 a.m.
First Day Hike at Kartchner Caverns!
Kartchner Caverns State Park
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!
January 1, 2025 10 a.m.
First Day Hike at Rockin' River
Rockin' River Ranch State Park
Join us for a special event - the FIRST First Day Hike ever!
January 1, 2025 10 a.m.
First Day Hike at Lyman Lake
Lyman Lake State Park
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.
January 1, 2025 8 a.m.
First Day Hike at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
Step off the year on the right foot with our First Day Hike, welcome to all! Registration required.
January 1, 2025 10 a.m.
First Day Hike at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
Start off the new year with a Guided Hike at Oracle State Park!
January 1, 2025 10 a.m.
First Day Hike at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Start 2025 with a choice of two guided hikes on New Year's Day! Registration required.
January 1, 2025 10 a.m.
First Day Hike at Lake Havasu State Park
Lake Havasu State Park
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.
January 1, 2025 9 a.m. | 10 a.m.
First Day Hikes at Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park
Kick off 2024 amid the red rocks of Sedona! Join us for the guided nature walk and learn more about the area.
January 1, 2025 1 p.m.
First Day Hike at Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park
Start the New Year with a nature walk led by a Slide Rock State Park ranger.
January 1, 2025 9 a.m. | 9:30 a.m. | 11 a.m.
First Day Hikes at Patagonia Lake State Park
Patagonia Lake State Park
Boat tours and hikes ring in the New Year at Patagonia Lake State Park! Pick your adventure and enjoy a day outside!
January 1, 2025 10 a.m.
First Day Hike at Homolovi
Homolovi State Park
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.
January 1, 2025 2:00 p.m.
First Day Hike at Riordan Mansion
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
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.
January 1, 2025 10 a.m.
First Day Hike at Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
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.
Jan. 4 | Mar. 1 | May 17 | Oct. 18, 2025 Varies by Date
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, January 4, 2025 3-5 p.m.
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Chris Arpad
Catalina State Park
Join Chris Arpad for an evening of steel drums in Catalina State Park!
January 9-12, 2024
Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair
Lake Havasu State Park
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!
Monthly (October - March) Varies by Date
Full Moon Hike at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
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!
November 3, January 12, March 9 10-11 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!
January 16-19, 2025 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Buses by the Bridge
Lake Havasu State Park
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.
Friday, January 17 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ernest Talks Series: History and Mystery of the Gila River
McFarland State Historic Park
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.
Saturday, January 18, 2025 3-5 p.m.
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Robert Wright
Catalina State Park
Join us for our monthly concert series at the base of the Catalina Mountains with Robert Wright!
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.
Oct. 26, 2024 | Jan. 25, 2025 | April 18, 2025 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!
November 17, January 26, March 23 10 a.m.
PokePeak (A PokemonGo Hike)
Picacho Peak State Park
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.
January - April 2025
Alamo Lake Fishing Tournaments
Alamo Lake State Park
Check out the upcoming fishing tournaments heading to Alamo Lake State Park!
February 23 | March 9 10 a.m.
Wildflower Walk With a Ranger at Picacho Peak State Park
Picacho Peak State Park
Join our flower-loving park rangers at Picacho Peak State Park and learn about the many wildflowers that bloom in the Sonoran Desert.
Friday, February 28 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ernest Talks Series: The Vanishing Trading Posts
McFarland State Historic Park
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?
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 7-8 p.m.
Nighttime Owl Prowl at Lost Dutchman
Lost Dutchman State Park
Join Vera, Arizona State Park volunteers and experienced birder, on a journey to discover and learn about the owls of the Sonoran Desert.
Friday, March 21 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ernest Talks Series: Arizona Colonists, Pioneers, and Immigrants – A multicultural history
McFarland State Historic Park
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.
Friday, April 4 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Ernest Talks Series: Cochise, Geronimo, and the Apache Wars
McFarland State Historic Park
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.
Saturday, April 19, 2025 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Earth Day Celebration at Red Rock
Red Rock State Park
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.
May 17, 2025 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mariachi Festival
Patagonia Lake State Park
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.