Alamo Lake State Park
An oasis for anglers and nature lovers, Alamo Lake offers classic Sonoran Desert scenery and the promise of uncrowded views. Principally a flood control reservoir, the park is located on the Bill Williams River about 30 miles before it enters the Colorado River. Driving directions: From Wickenburg, take Hwy 60 west to Wenden. Turn north on the Alamo Lake access road and drive 38 miles to the park.
Buckskin Mountain State Park
This state park scenically located between the Buckskin Mountains and the Colorado River attracts both nature lovers and water enthusiasts. The river draws pleasure boaters, water skiers, and swimmers to this 400-foot-elevation recreation area. Driving directions: Buckskin Mountain State Park and its associated River Island Unit are approximately 11 miles north of Parker off State Route 95.
Cattail Cove State Park
Water recreation has been raised to an art form at Cattail Cove, and is practiced by the devoted all year long. An exceptional park, Cattail Cove has modern lakeside camping facilities. A unique feature of this park is that you can travel to over 140 boat-access-only campsites along the shore of Lake Havasu between Cattail Cove and Windsor Beach. Driving directions: The park is accessible off State Route 95, 15 miles south of Lake Havasu City.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based and backcountry recreation. The recreation area stretches hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, encompassing Lake Powell, scenic vistas and geologic wonders. Driving directions: Glen Canyon Dam and the Wahweap Marina are located near Page, Arizona on Hwy 89.
Fool Hollow Lake State Park
Year-round fishing and boating opportunities make Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area a very popular place. Fool Hollow is located within National Forest Lands on the Lakeside Ranger District near the City of Show Low, Arizona. Show Low Creek flows into the 149-acre lake, providing a natural feeding ground for a variety of wildlife and a very diverse fishery. Driving directions: The park is located two miles north of US 60 off Hwy 260 in Show Low.
Lake Havasu State Park
There are two distinct units at this water lovers' paradise - Windsor Beach and Cattail Cove. Windsor Beach is a wonderfully developed area in Lake Havasu City just north of the famed London Bridge. Windsor Beach is popular for day use, camping, and launching all varieties of watercraft. Driving directions: The park is located on the shores of Lake Havasu City off State Route 95.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers a wealth of things to do year-round. With 1.5 million acres, it is twice the size of Rhode Island. Its huge lakes cater to boaters, swimmers, sunbathers, and fishermen while its desert rewards hikers, wildlife photographers, and roadside sightseers. Driving directions: The Lake Mead area can be accessed from Interstate 15 in Nevada; and from U.S. Highways 93 and 95 in Nevada and Arizona.
Lyman Lake State Park
The welcoming committee at Lyman Lake is comprised of a small herd of buffalo that grazes beside the access road. The lake's 6,000 foot elevation and 1,500-acre surface area (there is no size restriction on boats) make it a favorite destination for water sports and fishing. Driving directions: The lake is one mile off U.S. Route 191, about 11 miles south of St. Johns or 18 miles north of Springerville.
Patagonia Lake State Park
At two-and-a-half miles long and 250 surface acres, Patagonia Lake is popular for a variety of recreational activities, including water skiing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking. Camping ranges from undeveloped spots to sites with water and electric hookups. Driving directions: From Tucson, take I-10 east to Hwy 83 and continue south to Sonoita. Take Hwy 82 south through the Coronado National Forest to the park, a few miles southwest of Patagonia.
Roper Lake State Park
Located at the foot of Mount Graham, Roper Lake is a haven for fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking and swimming. Pitch a tent on the lake's shore, and enjoy a dip in a hot tub - a rock-lined pool created by park rangers and filled by natural hot springs. A level fishing pad is provided for wheel-chair access. The nearby Dankworth Ponds Unit features crappie as a popular catch. Driving directions: From Phoenix, take Hwy 60 east to Globe, then Hwy 70 to Safford. The park is located about four miles south of Safford off U.S. Route 191.
Arizona's Verde River
In a southwestern state where perennial flowing water is rare, the riparian oasis of the Verde River stands in stark contrast to the arid uplands through which it meanders. Indeed, Verde is the Spanish term for the color "green."
Many people visit the Verde for its outstanding recreational opportunities including boating, hunting, fishing, birding, hiking, picnicking and photography.
The Scenic River Area is 50% within the Coconino National Forest, 38% within the Prescott National Forest, and 12% within the Tonto National Forest. Climate in the region surrounding both the Scenic River Area and Wild River Area is characterized by hot summers, mild winters, moderate precipitation, and abundant sunshine.
While the Verde River can be floated practically any month of the year, its primary river-running season is parts of March and April.
This river is usually run in rafts and kayaks. It is possible to run it in a whitewater canoe; however, the number of wrecked canoes that have been left along it clearly show that this can be a high-risk trip in a flat-water canoe. During the late spring and early summer when the water is more manageable, the portion of the river above Beasley Flat (river mile 60) is popular with canoers.
No permit is required for private parties to run this river; however, with added freedom comes added responsibility. The parj servicee asks that you conduct your trip so that virtually NO TRACE is left of your presence along this unique river. Remember that no more than 15 persons are allowed per group within the Wild River Area.
If you plan to do some river-running on this river, the park service suggests you request a free copy of the Verde River Recreation Opportunity Guide which has been written especially for that activity on this river.
The guide provides detailed directions to River Access Points and shows locations of rapids. Copies may be requested at local Forest Service Offices or from the Forest Supervisor's Office of the Tonto National Forest.
An oasis for anglers and nature lovers, Alamo Lake offers classic Sonoran Desert scenery and the promise of uncrowded views. Principally a flood control reservoir, the park is located on the Bill Williams River about 30 miles before it enters the Colorado River. Driving directions: From Wickenburg, take Hwy 60 west to Wenden. Turn north on the Alamo Lake access road and drive 38 miles to the park.
Buckskin Mountain State Park
This state park scenically located between the Buckskin Mountains and the Colorado River attracts both nature lovers and water enthusiasts. The river draws pleasure boaters, water skiers, and swimmers to this 400-foot-elevation recreation area. Driving directions: Buckskin Mountain State Park and its associated River Island Unit are approximately 11 miles north of Parker off State Route 95.
Cattail Cove State Park
Water recreation has been raised to an art form at Cattail Cove, and is practiced by the devoted all year long. An exceptional park, Cattail Cove has modern lakeside camping facilities. A unique feature of this park is that you can travel to over 140 boat-access-only campsites along the shore of Lake Havasu between Cattail Cove and Windsor Beach. Driving directions: The park is accessible off State Route 95, 15 miles south of Lake Havasu City.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based and backcountry recreation. The recreation area stretches hundreds of miles from Lees Ferry in Arizona to the Orange Cliffs of southern Utah, encompassing Lake Powell, scenic vistas and geologic wonders. Driving directions: Glen Canyon Dam and the Wahweap Marina are located near Page, Arizona on Hwy 89.
Fool Hollow Lake State Park
Year-round fishing and boating opportunities make Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area a very popular place. Fool Hollow is located within National Forest Lands on the Lakeside Ranger District near the City of Show Low, Arizona. Show Low Creek flows into the 149-acre lake, providing a natural feeding ground for a variety of wildlife and a very diverse fishery. Driving directions: The park is located two miles north of US 60 off Hwy 260 in Show Low.
Lake Havasu State Park
There are two distinct units at this water lovers' paradise - Windsor Beach and Cattail Cove. Windsor Beach is a wonderfully developed area in Lake Havasu City just north of the famed London Bridge. Windsor Beach is popular for day use, camping, and launching all varieties of watercraft. Driving directions: The park is located on the shores of Lake Havasu City off State Route 95.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers a wealth of things to do year-round. With 1.5 million acres, it is twice the size of Rhode Island. Its huge lakes cater to boaters, swimmers, sunbathers, and fishermen while its desert rewards hikers, wildlife photographers, and roadside sightseers. Driving directions: The Lake Mead area can be accessed from Interstate 15 in Nevada; and from U.S. Highways 93 and 95 in Nevada and Arizona.
Lyman Lake State Park
The welcoming committee at Lyman Lake is comprised of a small herd of buffalo that grazes beside the access road. The lake's 6,000 foot elevation and 1,500-acre surface area (there is no size restriction on boats) make it a favorite destination for water sports and fishing. Driving directions: The lake is one mile off U.S. Route 191, about 11 miles south of St. Johns or 18 miles north of Springerville.
Patagonia Lake State Park
At two-and-a-half miles long and 250 surface acres, Patagonia Lake is popular for a variety of recreational activities, including water skiing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking. Camping ranges from undeveloped spots to sites with water and electric hookups. Driving directions: From Tucson, take I-10 east to Hwy 83 and continue south to Sonoita. Take Hwy 82 south through the Coronado National Forest to the park, a few miles southwest of Patagonia.
Roper Lake State Park
Located at the foot of Mount Graham, Roper Lake is a haven for fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking and swimming. Pitch a tent on the lake's shore, and enjoy a dip in a hot tub - a rock-lined pool created by park rangers and filled by natural hot springs. A level fishing pad is provided for wheel-chair access. The nearby Dankworth Ponds Unit features crappie as a popular catch. Driving directions: From Phoenix, take Hwy 60 east to Globe, then Hwy 70 to Safford. The park is located about four miles south of Safford off U.S. Route 191.
Arizona's Verde River
In a southwestern state where perennial flowing water is rare, the riparian oasis of the Verde River stands in stark contrast to the arid uplands through which it meanders. Indeed, Verde is the Spanish term for the color "green."
Many people visit the Verde for its outstanding recreational opportunities including boating, hunting, fishing, birding, hiking, picnicking and photography.
The Scenic River Area is 50% within the Coconino National Forest, 38% within the Prescott National Forest, and 12% within the Tonto National Forest. Climate in the region surrounding both the Scenic River Area and Wild River Area is characterized by hot summers, mild winters, moderate precipitation, and abundant sunshine.
While the Verde River can be floated practically any month of the year, its primary river-running season is parts of March and April.
This river is usually run in rafts and kayaks. It is possible to run it in a whitewater canoe; however, the number of wrecked canoes that have been left along it clearly show that this can be a high-risk trip in a flat-water canoe. During the late spring and early summer when the water is more manageable, the portion of the river above Beasley Flat (river mile 60) is popular with canoers.
No permit is required for private parties to run this river; however, with added freedom comes added responsibility. The parj servicee asks that you conduct your trip so that virtually NO TRACE is left of your presence along this unique river. Remember that no more than 15 persons are allowed per group within the Wild River Area.
If you plan to do some river-running on this river, the park service suggests you request a free copy of the Verde River Recreation Opportunity Guide which has been written especially for that activity on this river.
The guide provides detailed directions to River Access Points and shows locations of rapids. Copies may be requested at local Forest Service Offices or from the Forest Supervisor's Office of the Tonto National Forest.
Hiking Arizona's 'big green'
State and national forests in Arizona offer boundless opportunities for hiking, backpacking and camping. Click below to learn more.
National parks | State parks | Historic parks | Mogollon Rim | Lake Powell
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Whoville minus the Grinch
Prescott is the kind of town you'd expect Santa to hit up first on Christmas Eve. • Boasting the world's largest gingerbread village, a 70-foot-plus Christmas tree in the town square, and a slew of long-held Christmas traditions, how could St. Nick not bestow a little extra attention on Arizona's self-proclaimed Christmas City? • Prescott (pronounced "Pres-kitt") is nestled in the pine-filled Bradshaw Mountains of Northern Arizona about 215 miles from Tucson. It begs visitors to abandon their cars, pull on a sweater and partake in the holiday cheer that fills the streets of the historic, Old West downtown. • "It's everybody's hometown, and it's a very friendly town," said Mayor Jack Wilson. "I think that's what our distinction is." • So if you'd rather see some pine trees instead of cacti for a change, and if you want an excuse to trade in your flip-flops and T-shirts for winter boots and chunky sweaters, then a getaway to Prescott is just a few hours away. • And if you're lucky, it just might snow. ...
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