PHOENIX – Celebrate Independence Day with a trip to one of Arizona’s state parks. Since the holiday falls on a Monday this year, you can escape the heat with a cool day trip or long weekend getaway. Here are 10 activities you can enjoy this holiday weekend.

1. Show off your red, white, and blue displays in the “Stroll and Roll” 4th of July light parade at Lyman Lake State Park. Get away to the cool temps and expansive waters in the White Mountains. Then deck your bike, wagon, scooter, or stroller and star in the parade!
2. Go birding or enjoy a guided nature walk at Red Rock State Park in picturesque Sedona.
3. Kayak the lagoons at Dead Horse Ranch State Park or picnic and get your feet wet at the park's Verde River access (Verde River Greenway State Natural Area).
4. Boat, go fast with adrenaline-pumping watersports, or swim from a white sand beach along one of four Colorado River state parks.
5. Bring your camp chair and enjoy an evening concert set in front of the dramatic Santa Catalina mountains with the Music in the Mountains concert series at Catalina State Park.
6. Take a tour of Kartchner Caverns State Park underground and see spectacular cave formations like one of the world’s longest soda straw stalactites or the massive 58-foot tall column dubbed Kubla Khan.
7. Step back in time to admire century-old architecture and view exhibitions filled with early Arizona artifacts at a state historic park.
8. Take a scenic drive up Beeline Highway from Phoenix to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park to see classic Sonoran Desert landscapes transition slowly into high country. Hike the trails leading to the bottom of what’s believed to be the world’s largest natural travertine bridge.
9. See cultural sites of northern Arizona's ancient history at Homolovi State Park and view exhibits explaining the archeology of the ancient people of Homolovi and the continuing tradition of Hopi pottery, carving and other art forms.
10. Spend a relaxing day on fishing and then show off your big catch on the Brag Board at Roper Lake State Park.

For a fun day trip to any of these beautiful places, pack your cooler, round up your adventure crew, and head out of town for a memorable 4th of July weekend!

Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our parks and through our partners.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona state parks and natural areas, the trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Program and State Historic Preservation Office, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com.

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov