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Phoenix- Labor Day can signal the end of summer, but at Arizona State Parks, it’s just the beginning of your family adventures. Get away from the hectic fall schedule and travel to some parks and nearby communities this Labor Day weekend. Create moments to share while exploring the beautiful State of Arizona. Here are the top picks of some parks and nearby communities, events and fun things to do on the long weekend.
The Top 3 Parks to visit on Labor Day weekend:
1) Lyman Lake State Park (St. Johns) – Stay in a rustic camping cabin by the lake enjoy activities including water-skiing, fishing, swimming or boating. Nearby attractions include Apache County Historical Society Museum, Casa Malpais National Historic Park Landmark and Petrified Forest National Park.
2) Tonto Natural Bridge State Park (Payson) – The Park is surrounded by a forest of pine trees and visitors can stand on top of the bridge or hike down below to appreciate the geologic wonder. With average temperatures in the 80’s and beautiful views at every turn, the city of Payson is a “must-see” destination.
3) Kartchner Caverns State Park (Benson) – Visit this “live” cave that is host to a wide variety of unique minerals and formations and bring your RV to stay in the adjacent campground. Surrounding attractions in Tombstone, Sierra Vista, Bisbee as well as Benson.
The Top 3 events to attend in the State Parks:
1) Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park (Superior) – Join a volunteer on September 5 at 8:30 a.m. for a Dragonfly Walk to Ayer Lake and garden water features and learn about these beautiful, fascinating insects. Other scenic attractions in the area include Apache Trail, Lost Dutchman State Park, Queen Creek Canyon and Picketpost Mountain.
2) Catalina State Park (Tucson) – Jimmie and the Jitterbugs will be playing smooth oldies at the First Saturday Concert at 5 p.m. on September 5. Join us for the outside concert and then drive 23 miles to Oracle State Park and get free entry to Oracle after you visit Catalina on the same weekend. Hike in the Park or tour Oracle’s historic Kannally Ranch House.
3) Homolovi State Park (Winslow) – Join our rangers for tours of ancient Hopi sites, hikes and walks on September 5. Tent camp or RV in the adjacent campground for the entire weekend and enjoy surrounding attractions including Sunset and Meteor Craters, Walnut Canyon and Wupatki National Monuments and don’t forget to “Stand of the Corner” right in the heart of the town.
The Top 3 things to do this weekend in the State Parks:
1) Alamo Lake State Park (Wenden) – Go fishing for Bass in this premier stocked location away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The lake is surrounded by mountainous terrain speckled with brush, wildflowers and cacti, a great treat for nature lovers.
2) Slide Rock State Park (Sedona) – Come and splash and slide down a slick natural water chute or wade and sun along the creek. The nearby Sedona area has many amenities including restaurants, hotels, campgrounds in the nearby Coconino National Forest or spend the day hiking at nearby Red Rock State Park.
3) Yuma Territorial Prison and Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Parks (Yuma) – On your way to San Diego? Stop by Historic Downtown Yuma to discover the rich history of the area that includes two State Parks and the main street area with historic buildings dating back to the 1500’s.
Interested in visiting our National Parks across the state, then head over to FindYourPark.com to learn about the Centennial events going on around the state and share your experiences with other visitors.
Make a camping or RV reservation at AZStateParks.com or call (520) 586-2283. For more information on each park and to create your adventure, visit AZStateParks.com.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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