Americas State Park’s – The First Day Hikes Program

 The First Day Hikes Program
Come on Arizona, lets’ hike!

This  is a call out to all of our Arizona residents and visitors, grab those hiking boots and start the new year off with a guided Arizona State Park hike. On January 1st, 2012, for the very 1st time, all 50 of America’s State Parks are participating in a nationwide event ”First Day Hikes” to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage year-round recreation! For first time visitors in the Sedona-Verde Valley who may night have been here long enough to know, Red Rock State Park, Dead Horse Ranch State Park are the guided hikes you will want to look into taking.

The AZ State Parks listed below will be offering guided hikes on January 1, 2012

• Alamo Lake State Park: 10 am. Meet at Ranger Station/Store. Moderate hike for ages 10 and up. No dogs allowed. 3/4 mile. Bring water, appropriate boots, seasonal clothing, sunscreen, and binoculars.
• Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park: 11 am. Plants, animals, and history hike. Meet at Visitor Center. All ages. Leashed dogs allowed. Dress in layers, bring water bottle, hat, binoculars and camera.
• Buckskin Mountain State Park: 10 am. Meet at Buckskin Center. Moderate difficulty. Any age. No pets, except for service dogs. Length of trail 1.5 miles. Bring hiking shoes and water.
• Catalina State Park: 9 am. Meet at picnic area ramada. No dogs. Take a bird hike over mostly flat terrain. Will last 2 to 2.5 hours. Usually see 20-30 bird species. Bring water, snacks, binoculars, and bird books.
• Cattail Cove State Park: 10 am. Camp Hosts Bill & Betty Noble will lead a 3 mile hike. Park features include a view of the California Water Project’s “soda straws”. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring water. A camera and walking stick are recommended.
• Dead Horse Ranch State Park: 9 am. Meet at West Lagoon parking lot. It will last approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours and cover 2 to 3 miles. Hikers will meander along the Verde River riparian area as well as the 3 lagoons that are on the park. Dress in warm layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Participants may also want to bring binoculars and a camera; the day might be good for wildlife photo ops. Ranger Margie will be leading the hike.
• Lake Havasu State Park: 10 am. Meet at trailhead near large main launch ramp. Enjoy an interpretive and viewing hike led by Assistant Park Manager Myke Steighler. 1-2 miles. Bring water, supportive shoes, hat, and binoculars.
• Kartchner Caverns State Park: 10:30 am. Hike led by Michael Woods, Park Ranger I and Archaeologist, and will include a history of past mining operations on adjacent national forest land. The hike will follow the Guindani Trail and will be about an 1.5 hours long. Hikers will be transported to the trailhead by a park multi-passenger vehicle. Water and restrooms are available at the trailhead. No dogs allowed. Limited to 25 participants. Contact Art at (520) 586-4115 to reserve your space. $6 day use entrance fee applies.
• Lost Dutchman State Park: 9 am. Meet at Saguaro day-use area. Join us for a ranger led hike on Treasure Loop Trail. Learn about desert flora and fauna and the history of Superstition Mountains and the Lost Dutchman Mine. This is a moderate hike with an elevation gain of 500 feet, 2.5 miles round trip, 2 hours. Carry water, dress in warm layers and wear sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots. In case of rain, hike will be cancelled.
• Red Rock State Park: 10 am and 2 pm. Meet at Visitor Center. No dogs allowed. Enjoy a 1-1.5 hour interpretive naturalist-led hike. Bring water, good shoes, hat, and dress appropriately.
• Roper Lake State Park: 10 am. Meet at gatehouse. Minimum age 7. Length of hike 2.25 miles. Bring sturdy shoes, binoculars, water, layered clothing, and camera.
• Tonto Natural Bridge State Park: 11 am. Meet atfo bridge parking area. Moderate hike .6 miles of the Gowan Trail observation deck. Minimum age 7 years old. Bring water, winter gear. Hike will continue for those want to go through the bridge and return via Anna Mae Trail. Note: Weather conditions in Jan. may be extreme. Hike may be canceled due to snow, ice, high creek flow, etc. Check the park website for current info.

For more information please visit Arizona State Parks

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