Great Outdoors Month
June is National Great Outdoors Month and Arizona’s state parks are here for all of your adventuring and exploring needs! Whether you’re experienced outside or just starting your outdoor journey, everyone has the same opportunity to connect with nature and benefit from the array of physical and mental benefits of outdoor recreation.
Don’t put adventure on hold as summer settles in! You’ll find plenty of unforgettable outdoor experiences available throughout Arizona in spite of increasing temps. Cool off in the water at any of our lake or river parks, tour an air-conditioned state park museum, join a night-guided nature program, or seek out higher elevations to escape the heat this summer. Meaningful Great Outdoors Month experiences are available for anyone who would like a deeper connection to Arizona’s robust history and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Hang Out On the Water
Celebrate Great Outdoors Month by discovering the epic lake experiences found throughout Arizona’s State Parks. From wide-open waters perfect for boating sports like wakeboarding and water skiing to quiet coves made for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, these refreshing destinations offer an easy way to cool off while reconnecting with nature this summer. Whether you’re chasing a sunrise paddle, spending the afternoon fishing, or simply relaxing along the shoreline, Arizona’s top lake experiences create endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation all month long.
Bring your boat, kayak, or paddleboard and experience Arizona from the water, where desert landscapes meet sparkling lakes and winding rivers. New to paddling? Several parks offer kayak and paddleboard rentals, making it easy to try something new during Great Outdoors Month. From family lake days to peaceful solo escapes, Arizona State Parks invite you to get outside, explore hidden corners of the state, and make unforgettable memories on the water this summer. Some parks even have kayak or paddleboard rentals, so you can try something new!
Or in the Mountains...
You can also elebrate Great Outdoors Month by escaping the desert heat and discovering Arizona’s cooler side at higher elevations across the state. From the pine-covered landscapes of Payson to the scenic mountain communities along Highway 260 near Show Low, Arizona’s high-country destinations offer fresh air, peaceful surroundings, and a chance to reconnect with nature. Towering pines, quiet trails, and crisp mountain breezes create the perfect setting for slowing down and experiencing the calm and wonder found in Arizona’s forested landscapes.
In southern Arizona, the state’s remarkable Madrean Sky Islands rise high into the clouds, creating cool mountain escapes unlike anywhere else in the Southwest. These isolated mountain ranges are home to an incredible diversity of plants and wildlife, offering visitors the opportunity to explore unique ecosystems while enjoying milder temperatures and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re hiking high country trails, spotting birds and wildlife, or simply taking in the mountain views, Arizona State Parks provide countless ways to celebrate Great Outdoors Month in some of the state’s most refreshing destinations.
How to Get Started
There are a lot of variables when taking the dive into any outdoor experience and we’ve found that it’s best to plan your adventure before loading up the car and heading out. Take a look at this informative resource to help you plan your trip and prepare for potential problems before they arise. This awesome resource is for anyone that is interested in exploring Arizona’s beautiful places and in addition to the planning resource material, it includes four excellent adventure suggestions to help you get started. The rest is easy...Pick a park and start exploring!
Remember, Great Outdoors Month comes around every year, and Arizona State Parks and Trails accepts camping reservations up to a year in advance. Plan now for your dream camping vacation next June!
