Celebrate Earth Day with Music, Hiking, and Stargazing at Oracle State Park

PHOENIX – Celebrate Earth Day with a full day of hikes, music, nature workshops, and stargazing at Oracle State Park on April 23,​ 2022. 

Arizona State Parks and Trails invites visitors of all ages to join the festivities at Oracle State Park, which is a 4,000-acre wildlife refuge, International Dark Sky Park and Center for Environmental Education in the northern foothills of the Catalina Mountains. 

Featured activities include an environmental trail tour, a nature photography workshop, and a pre-sunset hike suitable for all hiking skill levels and ages along the Nature Trail (a 1.2 mile loop).

Hikers will be delighted along the trail by the accompaniment of musical instruments including acoustic guitar, mandolin, drums, harmonica, Native American flute, cello, and violin. The music, which is sponsored by Friends of Oracle State Park, will continue into the evening's Star Party.

The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will have multiple telescopes on display for the public to view wonders of the night sky. Barring the presence of any clouds, Oracle State Park offers premiere stargazing conditions, as it is designated an International Dark Sky Park. The International Dark Sky Association granted this designation to Oracle State Park in 2014 for possessing an exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment. 

Stargazing will take place on the patio of the Kannally Ranch House, built in 1932. The house is a stunning example of the Mediterranean Revival Style with Moorish influences, patterned after Italianate villas of the 1920s. Guided tours of the ranch house will be offered by a park docent every 30 minutes from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m..

This event is free but the park admission fee of $7 per vehicle applies. Pastizzi, a savory pastry from Malta, will be available for purchase from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., in addition to complimentary s'mores and hot chocolate, courtesy of the Friends of Oracle State Park. Participants are asked to dress for the weather, wear good hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and bring their own camp chairs for seating, if desired. See the event website for a full schedule of the Earth Day event celebrations.

WHAT: Earth Day Musical Trail Event and Dark Sky Party

WHERE: Oracle State Park, 3820 Wildlife Drive, Oracle, Ariz. 85623

WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 23, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

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, trails, 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