Arizona State Parks & Trails

Arizona State Parks & Trails: State Parks, Historic Sites, and Trails in Arizona

Arizona State Parks & Trails is the agency that manages a network of state parks, natural areas, and historic sites in Arizona. Its offerings combine outdoor spaces, historical heritage, and recreational activities, with lodging options including campgrounds, cabins, and RV areas.

Parks and Natural Areas

The system comprises about thirty parks and natural areas distributed throughout the state. These include Alamo Lake State Park, Buckskin Mtn State Park, Catalina State Park, Cattail Cove State Park, Dankworth Pond State Park, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, Granite Mtn Hotshots Memorial State Park, Homolovi State Park, Kartchner Caverns State Park, Lake Havasu State Park, Lost Dutchman State Park, Lyman Lake State Park, Oracle State Park, Patagonia Lake State Park, Picacho Peak State Park, Red Rock State Park, River Island State Park, Rockin' River Ranch State Park, Roper Lake State Park, San Rafael State Natural Area, Slide Rock State Park, Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, and Verde River Greenway State Natural Area.

Historical Heritage

The network includes several historic sites: Colorado River State Historic Park, Fort Verde State Historic Park, Jerome State Historic Park, McFarland State Historic Park, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park, Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, and Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park. These spaces preserve and share Arizona's history through tours, exhibits, and interpretive activities.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The agency maintains hiking trails, mountain bike routes, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails. Trail information is organized into categories such as premier trails, recent trails, and mountain trails. Additionally, programs and events are offered, including star parties, family campouts, guided hikes, geology tours, and educational activities about wildlife and plants.

Lodging and Reservations

Campgrounds, cabins, RV and caravan areas, as well as tours, including those of Kartchner Caverns, can be reserved. Reservation management is done through the website, which also allows purchasing gift cards and annual passes.

Programs, Events, and Participation

The programming includes events such as the Slide Rock State Park photo contest, family campouts at Kartchner Caverns or Lake Havasu, and birding and wildlife observation activities. Volunteer opportunities and environmental education programs are also offered. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) manages grants, such as the Route 66 revitalization program, whose applications open on October 1, 2026, with workshops scheduled in Winslow, Williams, and Kingman from October 13 to 15.

Practical Information

The website provides resources on fire restrictions, frequently asked questions, strategic plans, and publications. Information about the Office of Outdoor Recreation and opportunities to donate to the parks can also be found.