Rattlesnakes are defensive around humans Despite what you might hear and read, snakebites are relatively uncommon so long as individuals stay vigilant and avoid situations that could provoke a snake. Rattlesnakes play vital roles in maintaining balanced ecosystems by controlling rodent populations and understanding the behavior of rattlesnakes is essential Read more…
Southern Arizona’s Saguaro National Park will honor the state tree and flower with two full days of festivities scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 10-11. The Saguaro and Palo Verde Blossom Festival, set in the park’s Rincon Mountain District on the eastern outskirts of Tucson, promises an array of activities Read more…
Summertime in Arizona is characterized by extreme heat that can make outdoor recreation experiences less enjoyable or even deadly. But with so many beautiful places to visit around the state, both Arizona locals and visitors will for sure be heading out into the wild to enjoy the unique landscape – Read more…
Before Phoenix Valley locals and visitors head north for their outdoor recreation to escape the Central Arizona heat, here are some State Park day trips (with park advisory information and pre-summer programming) to plan for ahead of the heat. Lost Dutchman State Park Named after the legendary lost gold mine, Read more…
Sprawling across 286 acres of pristine natural beauty, Red Rock State Park serves both as a nature preserve and an environmental education hub. Its picturesque landscape features winding trails that traverse through dense clusters of manzanita and juniper, leading visitors to the lush banks of Oak Creek. Encircled by native Read more…
Ten Maricopa County Parks and recreational areas will move to longer operational hours starting May 1, 2024. Trails will be open to recreationists from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily through October 31. These Valley parks will gain one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening: Hassayampa Read more…
Due to the number of heat-related incidents occurring on Phoenix hiking trails mid-year when temperatures are highest, the city of Phoenix announced that it will close trails and trailhead parking lots between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on days that the National Weather Service issues an Excessive Read more…
Beginning the week of March 4 and extending into April, White Spar Trailhead will be temporarily closed. The Prescott National Forest will enforce the closure to facilitate the safe and efficient mobilization of construction equipment and materials as construction of a new trailhead is underway. The Forest Service provides a Read more…
Travel and Leisure reports a new study that designates Sedona, Arizona as the country’s top “hidden gem”: Social media has revolutionized travel, making it easier than ever to uncover hidden gems worldwide and explore off-the-beaten-path locales. The term “hidden gem” may have become somewhat diluted, but a recent study by Read more…
The $7 day-use fee is waved at Maricopa County parks on Nov. 17, 2023 for National Take a Hike Day.