PHOENIX – Arizona State Parks and Trails will celebrate the first anniversary of Rockin’ River Ranch State Park on February 8, 2025. As Arizona’s 33rd state park and the first to open since 2016, the 209-acre park in Camp Verde offers a unique blend of history, nature, and recreation.

The park is open Friday-Sunday, and over the past year, more than 6,400 visitors have explored the park, marking a strong start for one of Arizona's newest outdoor destinations. Previously operated as a guest ranch with horse riding and boarding facilities, the park now offers nearly four miles of multi-use trails, allowing exploration of the pastures, a mesquite bosque, and the riparian zone along the Verde River. Resident and migratory birds and native wildlife are found in the park, and protected and native fish swim in the river.

Despite a cold and rainy grand opening day, Rockin’ River Ranch welcomed local officials, legislators, and stakeholders to commemorate its launch. Governor Katie Hobbs presented a plaque to environmental advocate Janice Miano of the Arizona Heritage Alliance, for whom the park’s 0.3-mile Miano Trail is named. 

Dale Larsen, the Chair of the Arizona State Parks Board remarked that day, “By creating wonderful public open spaces like this, we are preserving our lands for future generations, like all of you who are lucky enough to reside near this park. We are the stewards of Arizona’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources. We take our stewardship roles very seriously in the state of Arizona.”

To celebrate its first anniversary, Rockin’ River Ranch will host two ranger-led hikes on February 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. These guided tours will highlight the park’s scenic trails, rich history, and diverse wildlife, offering visitors a chance to connect with Arizona’s natural beauty.

The park is currently open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m. Directions, the park map, and entry fees are available at AZStateParks.com/Rockin-River to help visitors plan their trip.

Connecting people with the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories.

For information about the more than 30 Arizona state parks and natural areas, the trails and Off-Highway Vehicle programs 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.