Statewide Calendar
83 Scheduled Events
October 25, 26, 29, and 30, 2024 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!
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.
Sundays and Wednesdays 7:30 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 and Saturdays 8 a.m.
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Nov. 2, 3, 10, and 17, 2024 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!
November 2, 2024 9:30 a.m.
Petroglyph Tour at Homolovi
Homolovi State Park
Join a Park Ranger on a hike to discover Homolovi's petroglyphs. This will require participants to have their own vehicle.
Nov. 2, 2024 Varies by date
Star Party at Kartchner Caverns!
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Want to learn more about the stars and planets? Do you have any little ones curious about the cosmos? Then head to Kartchner Caverns, an International Dark Sky Park, for a star party!
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.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 4 p.m.
Music in the Mountains Concert Series: Midnight Auto
Catalina State Park
Join us for an evening of classic rock and roll with Midnight Auto!
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.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 Solar viewing - noon, Stargazing - 5 p.m.
Alamo Lake Star Party
Alamo Lake State Park
Alamo Lake offers some of the best conditions for stargazing. Join the solar observations from noon to 4 p.m., and following a 5 p.m. presentation, view the night sky through professional telescopes.
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, Nov. 2, 2024 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Historic Brewing Company Cleanup Event
Oracle State Park
Join us for a cleanup event at Oracle State Park! Let's roll up our sleeves and give back to the park. Afterward, we'll celebrate our hard work on the ranch house patio and cheers with a refreshing specialty beer specially made by Historic Brewing Company to spotlight Oracle State Park. Registration required.
Saturday, November 2, 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!
October 27 | November 3 and 9, 2024 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.
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!
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.
First and third Mondays 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.
November 5-6, 2024
Kids on the Colorado River
Lake Havasu State Park
Kids on the Colorado River is designed to revitalize local community student knowledge about a variety of Colorado River topics that have been missing from their education for decades.
October 25 | November 8, 2024 12 p.m.
Hopi Pottery Talk
Homolovi State Park
Join Park Ranger and Hopi Potter Gwen Setalla for a discussion of methods and techniques of traditional Hopi pottery. She will explain how traditional pottery is made and talk about how to recognize authentic made pottery.
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!
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 Ranger Noah on a short hike in our park that is suitable for all ages!
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.
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 9 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate 50 Years of Discovery
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Celebrate with us as 2024 marks 50 years since Kartchner Caverns was discovered, and 25 years since the park was opened!
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.
November 10, 2024 3 p.m.
Riordan Mansion Special Tour: Stickley Room by Room
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
In celebration of Gustav Stickley’s birthday, join us for a tour focused on the Stickley furniture and the Arts and Crafts Style. Reservations required.
Nov. 10 | Dec. 15, 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.
Second and fourth Mondays 8-9:30 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.
Monday, November 11, 2024 12:15 p.m.
Riordan Mansion Lunchtime Lecture: African Americans in the Arizona Lumber Industry
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
U.S. Forest Service Archaeologist Margaret Hangan will present on a fascinating aspect of Arizona history – the diaspora of skilled African American workers from the lumber towns of the South to Arizona starting in the 1920s. Registration required.
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.
November 15-16, 2024
Annual Sand, Water & RV Expo
Lake Havasu State Park
The Sand, Water & RV Expo captures the spirit and passion of these complementary outdoor recreation activities, providing motivated consumers the opportunity to browse, compare, and shop for the latest and greatest.
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.
November 16, 2024 10- a.m. - 3 p.m.
Living History Presentations - Frontier Regulars: Post Trader
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Join Fort Verde State Historic Park for a living history presentation on Frontier Regulars: Weapons and Accoutrements of the Frontier Army.
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.
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!
Saturday, November 16, 2024 11:00 a.m.
Flag Disposal Ceremony
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Fort Verde State Historic Park and American Legion Post #135 will be hosting the annual flag disposal ceremony.
Saturday, November 16, 2024 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Oak Creek Collaborative Cleanup
Slide Rock State Park
Join us for a collaborative clean-up event. Keeping Oak Creek clean takes all of us!
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.
Sundays, Nov. 17 | Dec. 22 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.
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!
Sunday, Oct. 27 | Saturday, Nov. 23 | Saturday, Dec. 14 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!
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!
Sundays, Oct. 27 | Nov. 24 | 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.
Saturday, November 30, 2024 6-8 p.m.
Star Party at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park
Join us at Oracle State Park for a Star Party to enjoy interpretation of night sky objects and telescope viewing at this International Dark Sky Park.
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.
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 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.
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.
December 7, 2024 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ornament-making Workshop
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Bring the kids to the park to make their own Victorian holiday ornament, also known as a “tussy mussy.”
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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 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!
December 21 | Jan. 18 | Feb. 15 | March 29 10:00 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 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.
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. - 2 p.m.
First Day Hike at Picacho Peak
Picacho Peak State Park
Start 2025 with a guided hike on New Year's Day! Registration required.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.