COMPLIMENTARY $2.95 YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE PARKS ARIZONA STATE PARKS CABINS • CAMPGROUNDS • DARK SKIES • TRAILS • LAKES BEST CAVE IN THE USA • NATURAL WATER SLIDE • NATURAL BRIDGE AD SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK | SEDONA, AZ OFFICIAL PARTNERS WELCOME Welcome to the Grand Canyon State! Diverse landscapes, rich cultural history and outdoor recreation op- portunities make Arizona home to the most unparalleled parks in the Arizona State Parks country. For over half a century, our exceptional parks have been pre- served, enhanced and protected for the enjoyment of Arizonans and visitors across the country. These lands, lakes, rivers, historic build- ings and rich natural areas offer ample recreational and educational opportunities to individuals, families, businesses, and communities. Doug Ducey When you visit one of Arizona’s state parks you’ll find every- Governor thing from hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, and histori- cal lessons on Native American tribes and Spanish explorers. Our parks offer something for everyone, broadening our visi- tors’ appreciation for the outdoors and encouraging more active lifestyles. Arizona state parks provide many recreational opportunities and enjoyment, and are strong economic drivers as well. They secure funding for recreational and educational programs, drive increased lo- cal visitation and provide financial resources to recreational programs and partners throughout the state. Helping to drive the economy, en- Sue Black hance and protect local communities and cultures, Arizona’s state Executive Director parks are representations of pride throughout our state. We look forward to seeing you in the parks! Douglas A. Ducey Governor Arizona is an amazing place to visit and explore. See it through the special places we have saved for all to enjoy… your Arizona State Parks! Sue Black, Exectuive Director Arizona State Parks 2 ARIZONA STATE PARKS | CONTENTS Welcome 2 Editor’s Letter 6 American Park Network® publishes OhRanger.com, Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder™ and Plan Your Visit 8 Oh, Ranger!® guides —a collection of visitor guides for public lands all across America. Important Numbers 12 American Park Network is an official partner of the National Forest Foundation, National Parks History & Culture 14 Conservation Association, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, American Hiking Society and the Student Conservation Association. Preservation 17 Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Things To Do 20 MARK J. SAFERSTEIN Camping 28 Associate Publisher & Executive Editor Joel S. Saferstein Nature & Wildlife 32 Group Sales & Partnerships Director Alex Frenkel Centerfold Map EDITORIAL / PRODUCTION Managing Editor: Lauren Hermele Water & Heritage Corridor 35 Editors: Nell Alk, Martha Davidson, Kathy Dimont, Maria B. Geist, Matthew Leib, Andy M. Smith Sedona/Verde Loop 40 Proofreader: Ron LaCorte Graphic Designers: Mario Arce, Kevin Cooper, Copper Corridor 44 Denisse Cruz, Mike Dion, Yamileth Recinos, Gracia Rosales Peña, Nelly Velásquez Cultural Corridor 50 DIGITAL Technology Managers: Scott Falconer, Josh Eckstein High Country Loop 54 ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING Photography 60 (212) 581-3380 [email protected] Just for Kids 62 Business Development: Robb Hampton, Pat Keane, Mary Pat Kaleth Partnership Coordinator: Telsha Anderson Trails Less Traveled 64 American Park Network 41 East 11th Street, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10003 Special thanks to Arizona State Parks staff, @OhRanger rangers and volunteers for assistance. ©2016 APN MEDIA, LLC · All Rights Reserved (Cover: Cover: Slide Rock State Park, Sedona, AZ, courtesy of Arizona State Parks) GET THE APP! IT’S FREE! DOWNLOAD NOW For answers to all your questions, FOR MORE INFORMATION go to OhRanger.com Distribution requests [email protected] Oh, Ranger! Wi-Fi™ installation/sponsorship [email protected] EDITOR’S LETTER The time has come to inquire seriously what will happen when our forests are gone… –Theodore Roosevelt, May 1908 On August 25, 1916, Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act into law, establishing the National Park Service to “…conserve the scen- Mark, Joel & Alex — finding balance in nature. ery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment An outspoken environmental advocate, Roos- of the same in such manner and by such means evelt hosted a Conference for Conservation at the as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment White House. In his opening address he stated, of future generations.” Wilson established the “…the time has come to inquire seriously what United States as a global leader in conserva- will happen when our forests are gone, when the tion, while promoting two often conflicting but coal, the iron, the oil, and the gas are exhausted, similarly compelling pursuits — recreation and when the soils have still further impoverished and preservation. washed into the streams, polluting the rivers, de- Long before there was a National Park Ser- nuding the fields and obstructing navigation.” Roo- vice, Americans recognized the value of public sevelt believed conservation to be a national duty, lands. The first federally protected land, Arkan- posing critical questions not for the next genera- sas’ Hot Springs Reservation, was set aside by tion, but to be addressed immediately… in 1908! Andrew Jackson as a recreation area in 1832. As we enter the second century of our remark- Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant in able system of national parks and public lands, the 1864, protecting the land that would become questions Roosevelt raised are more urgent than Yosemite National Park. World-famous Yellow- ever. How do we reconcile our desire to enjoy stone — our first National Park — predated the our natural resources with our need to preserve formation of the National Park Service when them? The answers lie within each of us. Only by signed into law by Ulysses S. Grant in 1872. working together will we find the right balance, as While many administrations have contributed we collectively celebrate the 100th anniversary of to our tradition of preservation, perhaps it was America’s best idea — our national parks. Theodore Roosevelt who had the greatest impact. Considered to be the “conservation president,” Roosevelt set aside approximately 230 million acres of land and created the U.S. Forest Service. [email protected] GET CONNECTED AT YOUR FAVORITE PARKS! Parks are about enjoying nature, but what if you want to share a great picture or are awaiting an important email? If you’re looking to add connectivity to your park, or if you already have Wi-Fi and would like help adding content or generating sponsor revenues, please let us know at [email protected]. 6 ARIZONA STATE PARKS | PLAN YOUR VISIT The beauty of Arizona is unparalleled in its diversity of landscapes, from the lush So- SEASONAL HOURS noran Desert to the pine tree topped peaks. Arizona State Parks are open year-round. Waterways carve meandering canyons Some park museums and contact stations lined with riparian oases and scenic vistas hours may fluctuate seasonally. Before your open up to reveal spectacular views. trip, please visit AZStateParks.com or call There’s so much to see and do in the 877 MY-PARKS for current information. state. Whether you have a day or several weeks, Arizona’s state parks will intro- a chance to see and explore the state’s in- duce you to the state’s natural and cultural credibility diverse natural attractions and wonders. cultural exhibits. Campgrounds and cabins await your ar- Reserve a cabin, campsite or cave tour rival alongside lakes, rivers, and towering today at azstateparks.com and plan your mountains. Trails accommodate hikers, next adventure in Arizona! mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Find a swimming area, or a quiet cove to TRAVEL DISTANCES cast your line. Arizona’s state parks offer Many state parks are within driving distance of Arizona’s major cities, and make perfect day trip destinations. In fact, there are several state parks lo- cated within two hours of Phoenix, Flag- staff and Tucson. See the centerfold map for a mileage chart. OPERATING HOURS AND SEASONS Arizona state parks are open year- round. For specific park schedules, go to AZStateParks.com. Call 877 MY-PARKS for information and campground and cave tour reservations. ARIZONA STATE PARKS OUTDOOR RECREATION INFORMATION CENTER Get travel and parks information just off 1-17 at the Pinnacle Peak Road. 23751 N. 23rd Ave, Suite 190, Phoenix, AZ. ENTRANCE FEES Day use fees at the state parks range from $4 to $30, seasonally for adults. 8 ARIZONA STATE PARKS | PLAN YOUR VISIT PARK PASSES state park, at the Arizona State Parks office Arizona State Parks offers annual passes in Phoenix, or at AZStateParks.com. Passes for frequent park visitors. The Standard are good for one year from date of purchase Annual Pass costs $75 and allows day-use and cannot be applied to other park fees, like access at all Arizona state parks for the pass camping or guided tours. holder and up to three additional adults in the The Military Discount Program pro- same vehicle, except at Lake Havasu, Cattail vides a 50 percent day-use discount to: active Cove, Buckskin Mountain and River Island on duty, guard and reserve military; Arizona- weekends (Friday-Sunday) and state holidays resident retired military veterans (AZ Driver’s from April 1 to October 31. License address); and service disabled (10-90 The Premium Annual Pass at $200 is percent or 100 percent individual un-employ- geared toward boaters who want to launch ability) veterans (with proof of military service their boat on the Colorado River parks any and a verbal or written statement of Service day of the week. The Premium Annual Pass Connected Disability). allows the pass holder and up to three addi- A free day-use pass is available to all tional adults in the same vehicle day-use ac- 100 percent service disabled veterans cess to all Arizona state parks, anytime. (with VA-certified proof of 100 percent Annual park passes are available at any Service Connected Disability).