Remember
Do you remember the first time you did something that you do all the time now? Or the first time you tried something new? The first time you went on a hike through the mountains, enjoying the breeze and the smell of pine trees, or the first time you took a boat ride out on the lake and felt the water splashing your face and the adrenaline from the speed? Arizona State Parks and Trails is all about connecting people with the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories - memories you replay again and again. Memories you help other people to make - whether it's your kids, grandkids, or friends. No matter your age, Arizona's beautiful spaces and well-curated museums are there to help you create new memories and relive the experiences you never forget. There are so many benefits to getting outdoors and so many different ways to enjoy the state parks.
Childhood Memories
If you grew up in an outdoorsy family, you may not remember the first time you went on a hike, or had a picnic, or camped, but you probably remember the experiences and how they made you feel. The feeling of sleeping outdoors and staring up at the vast night sky, picking out constellations or under a full moon can be replicated when you camp in an Arizona state park - or you can learn more about the night sky by attending a Star Party.
Try sharing your experiences with friends or family, and gain the memory of watching the wonder on their faces as they experience things for the first time. Take your kids outside for their first camping experience, or try the Arizona Family Campout, where we provide all the equipment and activities so you can relax and learn something new. This unique program teaches families how to camp - and Arizona State Parks and Trails provides the tents, snacks, and activity equipment. You can ease into your first memories of sleeping under the stars with expert guidance and planned activities.
The joy of the outdoors is that you can always recapture the feeling by visiting again, by taking another hike, or getting out in your kayak. You can always build lifetime memories, at any age and any stage of life. Maybe your first time will be tomorrow, or next week.
Memories at Any Age
If you didn't start your life of outdoor recreation as a child, it's not too late. New experiences can happen at any time! Think of activities you've always wanted to try but never did, then explore our outdoor resources to learn more about them. If you've never been fishing before, Arizona's state parks have plenty of opportunities. Check out Roper Lake State Park in Safford, where motorized boats are prohibited and you'll have calm waters for shore fishing. Or visit Lake Havasu State Park, where prime bass fishing awaits and you'll have ample spots along the shoreline or out in a boat (which you can also rent if you don't own). If you've never been a fan of snakes or other reptiles, check out the programs at Catalina State Park, where you'll learn about the animals you may encounter in the parks, what their role is, and how beneficial they are to the ecosystem. If you already hike but have always wanted to know more about the plants and birds you see along the trail, you can check out birds of Arizona and plants in the desert to learn more. Helpful free apps like the Merlin Birding App and Seek by iNaturalist are great ways to learn on the go. If you're an experienced pro but just added a four-legged friend to your life, check out our dog-friendly parks so you can create furry memories for your pet.
It's not all about recreation, either. Arizona's state parks cover the history and culture of the whole state, and historic parks tell the story of those who came before and how it shaped Arizona into what it is today. Visit Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff to learn about how that mountain city was created and explore the history of Route 66. At the southern tip of the state, visit Tubac Presidio State Historic Park to learn about Spanish settlers, Mexican occupation, and the first mining community. Once you've learned there, it makes sense to visit Jerome State Historic Park in Douglas Mansion, where Jerome's 1900s mining history is on display. Creating memories around the history of Arizona is always a great way to spend a weekend.
Learning Safety
Memories can also help improve our skills and make our experiences more enjoyable outdoors. Remember your first sunburn (or the first sunburn you could prevent yourself)? It certainly helps you remember sun protection next time! Remember learning about fire safety and how to completely douse your fire, stir it, and douse again? All those tips and tricks Smoky Bear taught you are great examples of your memory keeping you and the parks around you safe. Remembering to keep wildlife at a safe distance and how to store your food when camping are other great examples. You can learn about wildlife you may see in the parks before you head out. You can also learn about fire safety and heat safety and then plan a short hike or quick camping trip.
On the Water
Arizona is known for the Sonoran Desert that sprawls across southern Arizona, its beautiful saguaro cactus and hot summers, but there are plenty of places in Arizona to enjoy water activities as well. If you're a resident or a visitor, you may not realize that you can kayak, swim, boat and fish throughout Arizona. Memories on the water are waiting to be made! From the vital 180-mile long Verde River that runs through Rockin' River Ranch State Park and Verde River Greenway State Natural Area to lakes with swimming or fishing, there are water adventures located throughout the state. The white sand beach in Patagonia Lake State Park is a perfect spot to enjoy swimming and lounging, but you can also kayak or paddleboard on the water. Lake Havasu City is well-known for boating and fishing, but Buckskin Mountain and River Island state parks are just south in Parker, Arizona and offer more great ways to enjoy the Colorado River.
Many parks offer kayak, paddleboard and even boat rentals, so you don't have to own the equipment to try something new. Remember to wear sunscreen and a life jacket when trying these new sports out on the water, but you'll quickly find it's a perfect way to relax and enjoy the day.
Arizona also offers amazing fishing at several parks throughout the state, and for several species of fish. Bass, trout and catfish can be caught at various times throughout the year, thanks to stocking from Arizona Game and Fish. And in June, Free Fishing Day is an opportunity to try fishing without having to purchase a license or buy the equipment. Check out our events to see which parks have fishing days coming up.
Wildlife Experiences
Do you remember the first time you saw an animal in the wild? Maybe it was a squirrel or a chipmunk, or maybe it was a deer. What was the first time you touched a snake and felt its smooth scales? What about the first time you recognized a bird call and identified the bird? Arizona State Parks and Trails wants you to relive that wonder when you visit the parks, and wants to help you learn about wildlife that you may see when you visit. There are programs throughout the year, at various parks across the state, that showcase our diverse and curious wildlife.
Birding is a hot topic right now, and there's no better place to have your first birding experience than in a park. Parks in southern Arizona are on migration paths for many birds, so fall and spring showcase diverse species that you can't see any other time. Patagonia Lake and Sonoita Creek are both hummingbird hotspots, and Catalina, Red Rock, Rockin' River Ranch, Patagonia Lake and Dead Horse Ranch state parks are designated as Important Birding Areas (IBA). Many parks, like Kartchner Caverns, Red Rock and Rockin' River Ranch state parks, have butterfly gardens that attract a variety of pollinators. Plus, every park has downloadable bird lists so you can keep track of what you see on your visit. Red Rock State Park offers daily guided nature walks and bird walks on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
