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Oracle State Park offers many different trails with varying distances to appeal to all hikers, bikers and horse riders. (John Hernandez photo)
Stunning views are complementary for enthusiasts using the trails at the Oracle State Park. (John Hernandez photo)
Oracle State Park, which schedules many guided tours and walks, educational workshops, and special events on weekends, October through April, is also open to the public on weekdays for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use.
In addition, the park welcomes weekday reservations for environmental education programs along inner trails and for the group use area. The Kannally ranch house may be reserved for weddings and other group gatherings.
The park, a 4,000-acre wildlife refuge, environmental education center, and day-use recreation park, operates seasonally due to state budget restrictions. It features picnic areas and 15 miles of interconnecting loop trails, including a four-mile section of the Arizona Trail, a national scenic trail that begins in Mexico and ends in Utah.
Reservations and information is available by calling the park office at (520)-896-2425. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park fees are $7 per vehicle, $3 per adult non-motorized entry, or display your Annual park pass.
Weekday Trail Access. Weekdays, use only the American Avenue entrance and parking to access the Arizona Trail through the park. Keep in mind that all inner trails to the Kannally ranch house are closed to the public during the week, except by reservation. Please use the American Avenue entrance self-pay station and record your attendance at the Information Kiosk there.
For Hikers: The Windy Ridge Trail and Bellota Trail are interpretive trails and used for environmental education school programs during the week. On weekends, these trails have the designation of footpath only; no dogs allowed. Dogs on leash are allowed on the Nature Trail and all multi-use trails in the park.
For Mountain Bikers: The Nature Trail is the only inner loop close to the Kannally ranch house that is open to bicycles. From the Nature Trail, access the Wildlife Corridor Trail or Manzanita Trail to get to the Arizona Trail and outer multi-use trails. The Mariposa Trail is also bicycle friendly.
For Equestrians: Preferred access is via the American Avenue entrance and parking lot. From there, equestrians can use the major washes, two-track Gas line Trail, Arizona Trail, Windmill Loop Trail, and Power-line Trail. Equestrians entering through the park main gate on Mt. Lemmon Rd. should immediately cut down to the Cherry Valley Wash Trail to access other horse-friendly paths. Please avoid the main park road and inner trail loops.
For a current list of upcoming weekend events, please visit www.AZStateParks.com/Parks/ORAC.
Like peering through a window, this view allows nature lovers to observe without being observed at the Oracle State Park. (John Hernandez photo)
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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