Arizona State Parks

10/24/2026

This week is International , an annual celebration of bats and the important role they play in nature! 🦇 Come along with us this week as we learn about Arizona's native bats and bust some myths about these amazing mammals.

10/24/2026

10/23/2026

The sun has come out but this week's weather events can still be felt in different areas around the state. Be sure to know before you go and check park alerts online before heading out for an adventure. Even though state parks are open, some may have areas or trails within the park that are restricted due to flooding, like Pine Creek running under Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, the swim area in Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park, and certain pueblo sites at Homolovi State Park. Find up-to-date information at AZStateParks.com.

10/21/2026

It's National Reptile Day! Give it up for the snakes, lizards, and turtles. 👏 There are more than 100 species of native reptiles in Arizona. What's your favorite?

Reptiles are important for the balance of our natural ecosystems. As both predators and prey, they help control insect and rodent populations and are prey for birds and mammals, balancing the food chain. As we celebrate them today, remember to admire wildlife from a safe distance, and always respect their natural habitats.

📸 Photos: chuckwalla by IG/, Mojave green rattlesnake by IG/, desert tortoise by IG/.wild.photo

10/21/2026

Heads' up, campers! Raccoons aren't picky about what they eat, but they ARE resourceful. When you're camping, remember to close dumpster lids after you and to secure food and garbage at night and anytime your campsite is unattended. Otherwise, you might unintentionally attract critters searching for a midnight meal.
Thank you for sharing this footage and PSA, Lyman Lake State Park! 🦝

10/20/2026

The view from between the ears is pretty good! 🐴 Did you know that many state parks feature scenic multi-use trails?
When choosing your next adventure, check our park maps (available for every park right on our website AZStateParks.com) to find the B for mountain bikes and E for equestrian use on the trails!
📍 Catalina State Park, IG/

10/18/2026

Last May, a local park in Tucson broke ground on a big improvement project, and this week, celebrated its grand reopening! Jacobs Park was one of many across the state to receive a grant administered by our agency toward the renovation and improvement of its 48-acres.

The project was funded in part by the Outdoor Legacy Partnership program, established by Congress in 2014 under the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The park was redeveloped with upgraded tennis, pickleball, and futsal courts, picnic areas, and more. The park's enhancement also included shade trees, improved stormwater infrastructure, and desert landscaping.

Do you have an outdoor recreation need in your community? Learn about the grant funding available like Jacobs Park received that could help it come to life at azstateparks.com/grants.

10/18/2026

Jerome State Historic Park turned 61 this week! 🎉 The doors of the Douglas Mansion were opened as Arizona's fifth state park.

Some restoration was done prior to opening its doors. Phoenix Architect, Bennie M. Gonzales oversaw the first phase of remodeling and restoration. The Museum was designated as the “Douglas Memorial Mining Museum.” Three rooms on the first floor were remodeled for museum display purposes. Sculptor Phillip Sanderson worked with Gonzales on many of the dioramas, photos, and wall murals. Discover the stories of Jerome in its boomtown mining days and the legacy preserved here that continues to inspire visitors from around the world.

10/17/2026

That southern Arizona wind yesterday was whipping! In windy weather, here's our outdoor recreation tips. 👇 What would you add?

🌬️ Avoid wide-open and exposed ridges and instead opt for areas surrounded by vegetation or canyons and washes that offer natural windbreaks.
🔥 Skip the campfire. It only takes one spark to get out of control and ignite a fast moving wildfire.
⛺️ Stake down the footprint of your tent securely, with the smallest profile facing into the wind and the door facing downwind. Make sure the guy lines are taut to give stability and support to the tent poles in fierce winds. Never set up under dead trees or branches.
🚐 If you're in an RV, don't drive in high winds, bring in the slides and awnings, hook up your tow hitch, fill the water tanks to add extra weight, close your vents, and bring all outdoor items in.
😷 Bring a bandana or a neck gator you can pull up around your face if dust kicks up and add a wind shell on the top of your hiking layers.