July is Park and Recreation Month, so what a better time to share some of our favorite state parks to visit in Arizona. Our state is a fantastic place to get outside and enjoy the wonders of nature, regardless of the activity you choose. Arizona is not only home to 22 National Parks and Monuments in the National Park Service, we also have one of the best managed state park systems in the United States. The Arizona State Parks & Trails system was awarded the Gold Medal in 2017 for being the best-managed state park system in the nation from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association.

Arizona State Parks, trails, and natural areas are located throughout the state on more than 64,000 acres of pristine Arizona wilderness, near lakes, deserts, forests, and natural wonders. The agency manages the State Trails Program, outdoor-related grants program, statewide outdoor recreation planning, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of Outdoor Recreation, and the Off-Highway Vehicle Program. There are more than 30 sites, including camping parks, historic parks, memorial state parks, and day-use recreation parks.

Here are a few of our favorites parks to visit in different parts of the state.

Red Rock State Park – Sedona

One of the most beautiful state park areas to visit in the Arizona is Red Rock State Park. This 286 acre nature preserve and environmental education center sits in the heart of Red Rock country and offers gorgeous forest and creekside hiking trails with amazing views of the giant red rock formations that define Sedona. The park also has a fantastic visitors center, educational facilities and libraries, and many fascinating environmental classes and programs.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park – Payson

 

Tonto Natural Bridge is a hidden gem of geological wonder located near Payson on the Mogollon Rim. This small state park lets you hike down trails, stairs, and bridges to a stream fed by natural springs. The stream flows directly through the giant wonder of the only known travertine natural bridge in North America. It’s a great spot for picnics, short hikes, and wildlife watching, with an historic lodge and visitors center. The park is a great day trip from Phoenix and a perfect excuse to visit Rim Country.

 

 

Ladybug Tip! 🐞

When you plan your visit to one of Arizona’s State Parks, be sure to look through the AZ State Parks website for current weather conditions, wildfire alerts, and other important information before you go. And check out the Schedule of Events page to see what’s happening daily at each park. The park rangers post everything from daily hikes and nature walks to concerts, stargazing, and guest speakers, so you can plan some extra fun sightseeing and educational activities while you visit! 

 

Catalina State Park – Tucson

If you’re looking for fantastic natural views of Sonoran Desert mountains, you must pay a visit to Catalina State Park in Tucson. Nestled in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains just north of Tucson, this park provides 5,500 acres of fantastic hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, through canyons, streams, and desert in the Coronado National Forest. A favorite spot for bird and wildlife watching, the park offers beautiful views of mountains, desert flora, and wildlife.

Kartchner Caverns State Park – Benson 

Kartchner Caverns is a world-class Arizona destination that features magical caves and beautiful desert vistas. A well-kept secret for decades, the park opened in 1999 and provides facilities for camping, hiking, and of course touring the pristine and previously untouched caverns. A visit to Kartchner Caverns is worth the trip south to Benson, but be sure to book your cave tour tickets in advance because tours book up very quickly.

Plan Your Visit to Arizona State Parks

Arizona State Parks not only provide a way for residents and visitors to visit spectacular locations and historic sites, they also have a profound impact on our state’s economy. According to a study performed in June 2026, the Arizona State Parks and Trails agency supported $555 million in statewide economic activity. The published study says that “Arizona State Parks and Trails receives no taxpayer funding for the operation of its more than 30 parks, but supports $18 million in state tax revenues and another $14 million in county and local taxes. Additionally, more than $273 million in gross state product and $151 million in labor income is supported, along with nearly 3,000 jobs statewide.” 

Time to lace up your hiking shoes, grab your fishing pole, pack your camping gear, and head to one of the state parks located throughout the state! Here is a list of all parks, so take your pick:

We are blessed to live in a state that is full of natural wonders and a world-class state park system that lets you experience these locations first hand. Take time to visit all of our state parks and enjoy the beauty of Arizona up close. And be sure to visit ladybugsblog.com for more ideas and information about places to visit and explore everywhere in our great state.

This article was published in the December 2019 issue of the Deer Valley Times, North Tatum Times, North 32nd News, the Scottsdale Standard, the Scottsdale North News, and the Upper Westsider.

 

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1 Comment

  1. I am sitting here in my office looking out the window at a blizzard taking place here in Kansas. All it takes is a glance at these amazing pictures to bring summer back! This is my go-to!
    Rackel

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