Connect with us

Arizona

These 6 Outdoor State Parks in Arizona Are Still Open and Perfect for Social Distancing

Published

on

There are a lot of beautiful outdoor state parks in Arizona you can visit if you want to immerse yourself in nature, or take on challenging hikes. The interesting thing about it is you get to be exposed in diverse (yet equally mesmerizing) landscapes that will make you want to stay forever. Oh, only if it’s possible. There are difficult days ahead due to the threat of COVID-19. If you look at the bright side, you can still visit some parks that are perfect for social distancing.

Check out These Open Outdoor State Parks in Arizona:

1. Lake Havasu State Park

Lake Havasu State Park Outdoor State Parks in Arizona

Source: Instagram

The Lake Havasu State Park is a beautiful place to spend the day just relaxing by the beaches, and enjoying a sweet picnic with your family. Or, if you prefer a much peaceful activity, you can walk along the shoreline, taking in the magnificent sights of nature, as you contemplate on life. Relaxing in the hammock sounds good, too. It’s also photo-worthy! 

Note: Tent camping in the cabin loop is not allowed. For now, the visitor center is closed, leaving the walk-up window/drive-through service available. No boat mooring.

Entrance Fees: $15 per vehicle (1-4 adults) from Monday to Thursday; $20 from Friday to Sunday, and holidays; $3 per bicycle (individual)

Location: 699 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu, Arizona

2. Dankworth Pond State Park

If you are currently into fishing, you might want to pay one of the good outdoor state parks in Arizona a visit. The Dankworth Pond State Park is just down the road from the Roper Lake State Park because it is a sub-unit of the latter. While fairly smaller, visitors and guests will surely be surprised by the area’s wildlife and fishing opportunities. Start a spotting game with your family and see how many raccoons or desert mule deers you can find. You can try and catch a rainbow trout and bass, and enjoy a really delicious dinner! As they say, good things come to those who bait!

This is a wonderful choice if you want to see the desert come alive around you.

Entrance Fees: $10 per vehicle (1-4 adults); $3 per bicycle (individual)

Location: 8600 US-191, Safford, Arizona

3. Homolovi State Park

Did you know that Homolovi is the Hopi term for “Place of the Little Hills?” And that term is actually the traditional name for Winslow, Arizona? Well, now you know.

The Homolovi State Park is famous for preserving over 300 Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites. Today, it serves as a research hub for the late migration period of the Hopi from the 1200s to the late 1300s. But aside from that, it also provides every guest the opportunity to take on various hiking trails, and enjoy their visitor center and museum. The place also has a campground as well as several picnic tables throughout the park.

If I were you, I’d walk around and do a little wildlife viewing activity, At 4,000 acres, I’m sure there’s a lot to find.

Entrance Fees: $7 per vehicle (1-4 adults); $3 per bicycle (individual)

Location: Winslow, Arizona

4. Picacho Peak State Park

Picacho Peak State Park Arizona

Source: Instagram

One of the best outdoor state parks in Arizona is, without a doubt, the Picacho Peak State Park. So if you’re somewhere along the I-10, you definitely should stop here first. You can also look around and appreciate the area’s desert landscape. Conquer a hike to see a majestic sea of wildflowers, There are various hiking trails that offer both challenging and scenic hikes. Of course, if you do decide to hike, make sure you have enough food and water, and you’re wearing good hiking shoes.

Note: There are additional measures taken to reduce crowding. Street parking and group picnic areas are currently not available. Since the park is also experiencing a water shortage, there will be no filling allowed at the park.

Entrance Fees: $7 per vehicle (1-4 adults); $3 per bicycle (individual)

Location: Eloy, Arizona

5. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park Payson AZ

Source: Instagram

The Tonto Natural Bridge attracts many tourists because it is the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. It is a wonderful work of nature, carving it out over the course of eons, and leaving it towering at about 183 feet. Walk along the paved pathways on top and strike a pose capturing nature, and the sky above. Or you can simply admire the healthy plant life that surrounds the park.

Note: The state park implemented a strict social distancing guideline, so all trails are to be closed until further notice, the same with the Goodfellow Lodge. On the other hand, guests may head to the paved path and viewpoints.

Entrance Fees: $7 for adults 14 and up; $4 for kids aged 7 to 13 years old; FREE for babies up to 6-year old kids

Location: Payson, Arizona

6. Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park Arizona

Source: Instagram

If you’re from Sedona, then you probably know that one of the most famous outdoor state parks in Arizona is none other than Red Rock State Park. It is a 286-acre nature preserve that offers stunning scenery that is a mix of the green meadows and the dreamy red rock hills.

You and your family might enjoy a short breeze walk while observing the wildlife and plants around. Or you can do a little hike and just see where the trail leads you.

Note: Limited parking available. The Blackhawk and Sentinel Crossings are also closed until further notice.

Entrance Fees: $7 for adults 14 and up; $4 for kids aged 7 to 13 years old; FREE for babies up to 6-year old kids

Location: 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd., Sedona, Arizona

Visitor Reminders:

Certainly, there are a lot of beautiful outdoor state parks in Arizona just waiting to be explored. However, we would like to remind everyone to check the most recent updates on any potential hazards before visiting any destination.

  • If you do visit, make sure to respect the environment and practice responsible outdoor recreation.
  • As an additional safety measure, please practice social distancing to avoid the risk of getting COVID-19.

So, do you plan on going out and visiting any one of these outdoor state parks in Arizona? Should your outdoor plan fail, you can always take a look at these beautiful images of Arizona that will help take your mind off of the coronavirus.

A writer big on nature, travel, and dogs. If you can't find Errot with her furry pal, then she's probably out exploring.

Trending