{"id":316,"date":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=316"},"modified":"2021-07-06T20:13:27","modified_gmt":"2021-07-06T20:13:27","slug":"parks-nature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Phoenix3\/FirstAmericanTitle\/?page_id=316","title":{"rendered":"Parks &#038; Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>SPORTS &amp; RECREATION \/ PARKS AND NATURE<br \/>\n<\/strong><br \/>\nFrom the world\u2019s largest metropolitan park to thousands of acres of regional parks and sparkling recreational lakes, the area surrounding Metropolitan Phoenix is nature\u2019s own playground. While communities offer exceptional parkland filled with sports facilities and amenities, governments on every level have preserved vast acres of pristine desert and mountain landscapes that encourage every type of outdoor activity and adventure.<\/p>\n<p><strong><br \/>\nSTATE &amp; FEDERAL PARKLAND<br \/>\n<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>National Parks &amp; Monuments<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Canyon de Chelly<br \/>\n<\/strong>Chinle 928-674-4002<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/cach\/index.htm\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/cach\/index.htm<\/a><br \/>\nVarnished canyon walls rival the beauty of the Grand Canyon, towering over ancient petroglyphs and Native American history.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Casa Grande Ruins<br \/>\n<\/strong>Coolidge 520-723-3172<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/cagr\/index.htm\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/cagr\/index.htm<\/a><br \/>\nHohokam architecture at its finest in a 650-year-old, four-story structure amid village sites and irrigation canals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Chiricahuas<br \/>\n<\/strong>Willcox 520-824-3560<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/chir\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/chir<\/a><br \/>\n\u201cWonderland of Rocks\u201d features fantastic formations carved by nature from volcanic rock on land once controlled by the Apache Nation under Chief Cochise.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fort Bowie Historic Site<br \/>\n<\/strong>Willcox 520-847-2500<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/fobo\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/fobo<\/a><br \/>\nConstructed to protect early settlers against famous Apache chiefs, including Cochise and Geronimo, the area preserves the fort and Butterfield Overland Mail Route.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Grand Canyon<br \/>\n<\/strong>Grand Canyon 928-638-7888<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/grca\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/grca<\/a><br \/>\nIncomprehensible in its majesty, the canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and one of the most visited locations on the planet.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lake Powell &amp; Glen Canyon National Recreation Area<br \/>\n<\/strong>Page 928-608-6200<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/glca\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/glca<\/a><br \/>\nBoaters, anglers, nature lovers, and campers are all drawn to the unrivaled beauty of aquamarine waters beneath the splendor of chiseled canyon walls.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Montezuma Castle National Monument<br \/>\n<\/strong>Camp Verde 928-567-3322<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/moca\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/moca<\/a><br \/>\nIntact five-story cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua Indians in 1250 was named for Montezuma by Spanish explorers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Organ Pipe National Monument<br \/>\n<\/strong>Ajo 520-387-6849<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/orpi\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/orpi<\/a><br \/>\nPima County claims this extraordinary collection of native wildlife and plants of the Sonoran Desert, including the rare organ pipe cactus.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Petrified Forest National Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>Petrified Forest 928-524-6228<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/pefo\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/pefo<\/a><br \/>\nPresenting the world\u2019s largest display of petrified wood, the forest also preserves the Puerco Indian ruins.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pipe Spring National Monument<br \/>\n<\/strong>Fredonia 928-643-7105<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/pisp\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/pisp<\/a><br \/>\nLiving history ranch near Utah is the site of a historic Mormon fort built in the 1870s.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Saguaro National Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>Tucson 520-733-5153<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/sagu\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/sagu<\/a><br \/>\nMore than 54,000 acres in two districts showcase stands of saguaro cacti.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sunset Crater National Monument<br \/>\n<\/strong>Flagstaff 928-526-0502<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/sucr\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/sucr<\/a><br \/>\nThis awe-inspiring, rose-colored cinder cone lies among the San Francisco Peaks, thought to be formed around 1066 A.D.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tumacacori<br \/>\n<\/strong>Tumacacori 520-398-2341<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/tuma\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/tuma<\/a><br \/>\nRuins of a partially complete church and museum mark the site of a former Pima village that became a Spanish mission in the late 1600s.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tuzigoot National Monument<br \/>\n<\/strong>Clarkdale 928-634-5564<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/tuzi\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/tuzi<\/a><br \/>\nLocated in one of Arizona\u2019s most beautiful canyons, this hilltop fortress-village of Indian ruins features educational exhibits in its visitor\u2019s center.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Walnut Canyon National Monument<br \/>\n<\/strong>Flagstaff 928-526-3367<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/waca\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/waca<\/a><br \/>\nCenturies ago, the Sinagua Indians built<br \/>\nsmall cliff dwellings within this panoramic horseshoe-shaped canyon.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wupatki National Monument<br \/>\n<\/strong>Flagstaff 928-679-2365<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/wupa\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/wupa<\/a><br \/>\nNorth of Flagstaff on U.S. Highway 89 are more than 800 structures that constitute one of the world\u2019s greatest collections of Native American Indian dwellings.<\/p>\n<p><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Arizona State Parks<\/strong><br \/>\nResidents of the metropolitan area enjoy quick and easy access to many of Arizona\u2019s state parks. For complete details on parks, locations, facilities, activities, regulations, and fees, contact:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Arizona State Park Headquarters<br \/>\n<\/strong>Phoenix 602-542-4174<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/\">https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Catalina State Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>Tucson 520-628-5798<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/\">https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nOpportunities for hiking and horseback riding combine with panoramic Catalina Mountain vistas and spring wildflowers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area<br \/>\n<\/strong>Show Low 928-537-3680<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/\">https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nFishing, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and boating are popular pastimes in this alpine setting east of Phoenix.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fort Verde State Historic Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>Camp Verde 928-567-3275<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/\">https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nFrontier fort showcases daily life among the soldiers in country haven of Camp Verde.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jerome State Historic Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>Jerome 928-634-5381<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/\">https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nThe area\u2019s mining history is enhanced by tourist attractions in a former ghost town.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kartchner Caverns State Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>Benson 520-586-CAVE<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/\">https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nWorld-class attraction rivals the finest show caves, remaining as fragile and colorful as they were 50,000 years ago.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lost Dutchman State Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>Apache Junction 480-982-4485<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/\">https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nHiking trails command magnificent views at the edge of the Superstition Mountain Wilderness Area.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Red Rock State Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>Sedona 928-282-6907<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/\">https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nThis panoramic nature preserve, along with its environmental education center, includes Scenic Red Rock Crossing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Slide Rock State Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>Sedona 928-282-3034<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/\">https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nBreathtaking Oak Creek Canyon features smooth sandstone water chutes with deep swimming pools and picnic areas.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tonto Natural Bridge State Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>Payson 928-476-4202<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/\">https:\/\/azstateparks.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nJust a short drive east from the Valley of the Sun in \u201cRim Country,\u201d the world\u2019s largest natural travertine bridge measures 183 feet high and 400 feet wide.<\/p>\n<p><strong><br \/>\nREGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS<br \/>\n<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Major Metropolitan Parks<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cave Creek Recreation Area<br \/>\n<\/strong>37019 N. Lava Lane<br \/>\nCave Creek 623-465-0431<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/\">https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/<\/a><br \/>\nCovering 2,922 acres, the park nestles in the southwest corner of an area that was the scene of mining exploration for 120 years.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dreamy Draw &amp; Piestewa Peak<br \/>\n<\/strong>2421 E. Northern Avenue<br \/>\nPhoenix 602-262-7901<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks\">https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks<\/a><br \/>\nOpportunities for hiking, horseback riding, dirt biking, volleyball, nature study, or picnicking combine with a summit trail to Piestewa Peak\u2014one of the city\u2019s best-known landmarks.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Encanto Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>2605 N. 15th Avenue<br \/>\nPhoenix 602-261-8993<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks\">https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks<\/a><br \/>\nAttractions at this centrally located park include family amusements, a fitness course, a golf course, sports facilities, picnic areas, a playground, and a swimming pool. Special events add to the four-season fun.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Estrella Mountain Regional Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>14805 West Vineyard Avenue<br \/>\nGoodyear 623-932-3811<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/\">https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/<\/a><br \/>\nAttractions in this southwestern county park include picnic areas, sports fields, a golf course, and rodeo arena.<\/p>\n<p><strong>McDowell Mountain Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>15612 East Palisades Drive<br \/>\nFountain Hills 480-471-0173<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/\">https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/<\/a><br \/>\nMore than 21,000 acres of Sonoran desert provide a wealth of hiking and biking trails with exceptional mountain and valley views. Picnic ramadas are also available.<\/p>\n<p><strong>North Mountain Area<br \/>\n<\/strong>10600 N. Seventh Street<br \/>\nPhoenix 602-495-5458<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks\">https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks<\/a><br \/>\nThis close-in desert mountain park bridges Central Phoenix with the Paradise Valley area in North Phoenix. Attractions include a paved mountain trail to the top of the mountain as well as sports courts, hiking and horseback riding trails, a playground, and a selection of picnic facilities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Papago Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>Galvin Parkway &amp; Van Buren<br \/>\nPhoenix 602-495-5458<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks\">https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks<\/a><br \/>\nThe unique geological formation of \u201cHole In Rock\u201d towers above 1,200 acres of desert hills and mountains. The park is brimming over with attractions that include a golf course, the Phoenix Zoo, fishing lagoons, and hiking trails.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area<br \/>\n<\/strong>2439 S. Central Avenue<br \/>\nPhoenix 602-262-6863<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks\">https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks<\/a><br \/>\nRestoration of a rich riparian habitat offers five miles of trail system and four staging areas.<\/p>\n<p><strong>San Tan Mountain Regional Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>Phillips Road<br \/>\nPinal County 602-506-2930<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/\">https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/<\/a><br \/>\nActually located in adjacent Pinal County, this vast expanse of parkland covers more than 10, 200 acres south of Hunt Highway.<\/p>\n<p><strong>South Mountain Park\/Preserve<br \/>\n<\/strong>10919 S. Central Avenue<br \/>\nPhoenix 602-495-5458<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks\">https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks<\/a><br \/>\nThe world\u2019s largest municipal park covers 16,500 acres with an amazing variety of plants, trees, and wildlife.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Usery Mountain Regional Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>3939 N. Usery Pass Road<br \/>\nMesa 480-984-0032<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/\">https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/<\/a><br \/>\nMore than 3,600 acres encourage hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.<\/p>\n<p><strong>White Tank Regional Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>13025 N. White Tank Mountain Road<br \/>\nWaddell 623-935-2505<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/\">https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/<\/a><br \/>\nNearly 30,000 acres makes this beautiful desert mountain park the counties largest.<\/p>\n<p><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Desert in Bloom<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><br \/>\nThe Arboretum at ASU<br \/>\n<\/strong>Arizona State University<br \/>\n826 E. Apache Boulevard<br \/>\nTempe 480-965-6500<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.azarboretum.org\/\">www.azarboretum.org<\/a><br \/>\nEncompassing the entire university campus, the arboretum is open for public viewing seven days a week from dawn to dusk.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Boyce Thompson Arboretum<br \/>\n<\/strong>37615 U.S. Hwy 60<br \/>\nSuperior 520-689-2811<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.btarboretum.org\/\">https:\/\/www.btarboretum.org\/<\/a><br \/>\nAlong Highway 60 lies Arizona\u2019s oldest and largest botanical garden. Fall foliage at the arboretum is considered to be some of the most colorful in Arizona.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Desert Botanical Garden<br \/>\n<\/strong>1201 N. Galvin Parkway<br \/>\nPhoenix 480-941-1225<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/dbg.org\/\">https:\/\/dbg.org\/<\/a><br \/>\nBoasting one of the largest collections of desert plants in the world, \u201cThe Garden\u201d serves as an important national research and education center. Musical entertainment and many other special events fill the year\u2019s calendar with exciting dates.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mesa Community College Rose Garden<br \/>\n<\/strong>1833 W. Southern Avenue<br \/>\nMesa 480-461-7000<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesacc.edu\/community\/rose-garden\">https:\/\/www.mesacc.edu\/community\/rose-garden<\/a><br \/>\nMore than 5,000 brilliant blooms make this Arizona\u2019s premier rose garden and one of the largest in the Southwest.<\/p>\n<p><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Arizona Lakes<\/strong><br \/>\nArizona claims more than 65 natural and man-made lakes, the largest group being the six reservoirs in Tonto National Forest. These bodies of water\u2014Apache Lake, Bartlett Reservoir, Canyon Lake, Horseshoe Reservoir, Roosevelt Lake, and Saguaro Lakes\u2014as well as the Verde and Salt Rivers are easily accessible to Phoenix area water-sport enthusiasts. Other water attractions close to home include Lake Pleasant and Tempe Town Lake. The vast water playground of Lake Mead lies just inside the Nevada border, while Lake Powell in northern Arizona and the southwestern Lake Havasu are additional points of pride.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lake Havasu<br \/>\n<\/strong>928-855-4115<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.havasuchamber.com\/\">https:\/\/www.havasuchamber.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Lake Mead<br \/>\n<\/strong>702-293-8990<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/lake\">https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/lake<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Lake Pleasant<br \/>\n<\/strong>1-928-501-1710<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/\">https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Lake Powell<br \/>\n<\/strong>888-454-8825<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lakepowell.com\/\">https:\/\/www.lakepowell.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tempe Town Lake<br \/>\n<\/strong>480-350-8625<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tempe.gov\/government\/community-services\/tempe-town-lake\">https:\/\/www.tempe.gov\/government\/community-services\/tempe-town-lake<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tonto National Forest Lakes<br \/>\n<\/strong>928-467-3200<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/tonto\">https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/tonto<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Day Trips &amp; Getaways<\/strong><br \/>\nFew states can claim the sheer diversity of topography and natural environments that have made Arizona such a popular tourist destination for worldwide visitors. From the wonder of the Grand Canyon to exquisite formations in the Kartchner Caverns or the towering beauty of the White Mountains, every direction you travel from the Valley of the Sun offers spectacular sights and fresh new experiences. For more information on Arizona treasures, contact the state office of tourism:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Arizona Office of Tourism<br \/>\n<\/strong>866-275-5816<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/tourism.az.gov\/\">https:\/\/tourism.az.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>North of Phoenix<br \/>\n<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Camp Verde<br \/>\n<\/strong>928-554-0000<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.campverde.az.gov\/\">https:\/\/www.campverde.az.gov\/<\/a><br \/>\nSteeped in history and rural atmosphere, Camp Verde offers everything from Anasazi Indian ruins to the original Fort Verde.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flagstaff<br \/>\n<\/strong>800-842-7293<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flagstaffarizona.org\/\">https:\/\/www.flagstaffarizona.org\/<\/a><br \/>\nHome to Northern Arizona University, this alpine community at the foothills of the San Francisco Peaks offers four-season sports activity and first-rate attractions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Prescott<br \/>\n<\/strong>800-266-7534<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.prescott-az.gov\/\">https:\/\/www.prescott-az.gov\/<\/a><br \/>\nThe first Territorial Capital for Arizona is rich in historic attractions, amusements, four-season recreation, and the natural beauty of Prescott National Forest.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sedona &amp; Oak Creek Canyon<br \/>\n<\/strong>800-266-7336<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/visitsedona.com\/\">https:\/\/visitsedona.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nRed rock splendor, resorts and boutiques, fine art galleries and artist studios, and the breathtaking beauty of Oak Creek Canyon are just a few of the attractions that draw millions of visitors each year. Warm summer months are ideal for enjoying a cool dip in the creek at Slide Rock State Park.<\/p>\n<p><strong><br \/>\nEast of Phoenix<br \/>\n<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Payson &amp; Rim Country<br \/>\n<\/strong>800-672-9766<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rimcountrychamber.com\/\">https:\/\/www.rimcountrychamber.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nThe town of Payson anchors the attractions and communities that dot the Mogollon Rim region of Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, a natural playground filled with sparkling lakes and panoramic hiking trails.<\/p>\n<p><strong>White Mountains<br \/>\n<\/strong>928-367-4290<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinetoplakesidechamber.com\/\">https:\/\/www.pinetoplakesidechamber.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nIncredibly beautiful rim and alpine country offers some of the finest outdoor adventures in Arizona, including skiing, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and pure relaxation under the shade of tall pines.<\/p>\n<p><strong>South of Phoenix<\/p>\n<p>Bisbee<br \/>\n<\/strong>520-432-5421<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/bisbeearizona.com\/\">https:\/\/bisbeearizona.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nNestled in scenic, 5,300-foot mountains in southeastern Arizona, the historic mining town of Bisbee offers many sites and tours, charming boutiques, fine arts, and other tourist attractions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Colossal Cave Mountain Park<br \/>\n<\/strong>520-647-PARK<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/colossalcave.com\/\">https:\/\/colossalcave.com\/<\/a><br \/>\nDeep under the Rincon Mountains outside Tucson, these caverns invite exploration by adventurers in the comfort of a year-round 72-degree environment. Hike and picnic in the surrounding mountain park.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kitt Peak National Observatory<br \/>\n<\/strong>520-318-8000<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.noao.edu\/kpno\/\">https:\/\/www.noao.edu\/kpno\/<\/a><br \/>\nFeaturing the world\u2019s largest collection of optical telescopes operated under some of the finest night skies in the world, Kitt Peak is just 56 miles southwest of Tucson.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mission San Xavier Del Bac<br \/>\n<\/strong>520-294-2624<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sanxaviermission.org\/\">https:\/\/www.sanxaviermission.org\/<\/a><br \/>\nThe finest example of mission architecture in the nation is famous as \u201cThe White Dove of the Desert.\u201d One of the most photographed sites in Arizona, this active mission offers a gift shop and invites visitors to stop by the exquisitely embellished chapel.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mount Lemmon &amp; Ski Valley<br \/>\n<\/strong>520-576-1321<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.go-arizona.com\/Mount-Lemmon-Ski-Valley\/\">https:\/\/www.go-arizona.com\/Mount-Lemmon-Ski-Valley\/<\/a><br \/>\nWith alpine temperatures that are generally 30 degrees cooler than those in neighboring Tucson, this Catalina Mountain attraction in the Coronado National Forest offers trails, five biological life zones, camp sites and picnic grounds, and a trout lake.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sabino Canyon<br \/>\n<\/strong>Catalina Foothills<br \/>\nTucson 520-749-2861<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/recarea\/coronado\/recarea\/?recid=75425\">https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/recarea\/coronado\/recarea\/?recid=75425<\/a><br \/>\nJust northeast of Tucson, visitors can picnic amid cottonwood and sycamore trees by a quiet stream or hike and bike the lush terrain in this area closed to automobiles.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tombstone &amp; the OK Corral<br \/>\n<\/strong>520-457-3456<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.tombstoneaz.com\/\">www.tombstoneaz.com<\/a><br \/>\nOnce larger than San Francisco, \u201cThe Town that Wouldn\u2019t Die\u201d was notorious for wild saloons, wicked gambling houses, Boot Hill graveyard, and the Earp-Clayton shootout.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mexico Tourism<\/strong><br \/>\nArizona\u2019s location as one of the states that borders Mexico has further encouraged the development of popular tourist attractions in neighboring Sonora, Mexico. The sleepy small village of Puerto Penasco or \u201cRocky Point\u201d has long served as one of the Southwest\u2019s most popular vacation destinations. Dubbed \u201cArizona\u2019s Beach,\u201d this beautiful stretch of pristine beaches and great shrimp delicacies is only 66 miles from the Arizona\/Mexico border. The area enjoys an idyllic, serene location on the Sonora coast near the top of the Sea of Cortes on the lovely Gulf of California. Restaurants, night spots, hotels, beach campsites, bungalows, and vacation homes dot today\u2019s beachfront. Popular activities include fishing, winter whale-watching, quad-riding, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and sky-diving.<\/p>\n<p>Directly south of Metropolitan Phoenix past Tucson and Pima County lies Santa Cruz County, home to Nogales, Arizona. Many are familiar with this destination for its easy access to the charming curio shops across the border in Nogales, Mexico. Most visitors prefer to park in Arizona and walk across the border into Mexico for a day\u2019s shopping and bartering or the delight of authentic Mexican cuisine. Americans can travel in the \u201cborder zone\u201d up to 12 miles into Mexico without having a tourist permit or a vehicle permit. More information on these Mexican vacation sites can be obtained from:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rocky Point Tourism<br \/>\n<\/strong>638-388-0444<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/cometorockypoint.com\/puertopenasco\/\">https:\/\/cometorockypoint.com\/puertopenasco\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce<br \/>\n<\/strong>Nogales, AZ 520-287-3685<br \/>\nCustoms Info 520-885-0694<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenogaleschamber.org\/\">https:\/\/www.thenogaleschamber.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Intercultural Center for Study of Deserts &amp; Oceans<br \/>\n<\/strong>Puerto Pe\u00f1asco, Sonora<br \/>\nTucson, AZ 520-320-5473<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/cedo.org\/\">https:\/\/cedo.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Know &amp; Enjoy Mexico<br \/>\n<\/strong>Online Tourism Information<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.knowmexico.com\/\">www.knowmexico.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><strong>Parks &amp; Recreation Contacts<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>City of Chandler<br \/>\n<\/strong>480-782-2727<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.chandleraz.gov\/\">https:\/\/www.chandleraz.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>City of Gilbert<br \/>\n<\/strong>480-503-6871<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gilbertaz.gov\/\">https:\/\/www.gilbertaz.gov\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>City of Glendale<br \/>\n<\/strong>623-930-2820<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.glendaleaz.com\/\">https:\/\/www.glendaleaz.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>City of Mesa<br \/>\n<\/strong>480-644-2198<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesaaz.gov\/things-to-do\/parks-recreation-commercial-facilities\">https:\/\/www.mesaaz.gov\/things-to-do\/parks-recreation-commercial-facilities<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>City of Peoria<br \/>\n<\/strong>623-773-7137<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.peoriaaz.gov\/government\/departments\/parks-recreation-and-community-facilities\/recreation-programs\">https:\/\/www.peoriaaz.gov\/government\/departments\/parks-recreation-and-community-facilities\/recreation-programs<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>City of Phoenix<br \/>\n<\/strong>602-262-6862<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks\">https:\/\/www.phoenix.gov\/parks<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>City of Scottsdale<br \/>\n<\/strong>480-312-7957<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.scottsdaleaz.gov\/Parks\/\">http:\/\/www.scottsdaleaz.gov\/Parks\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>City of Tempe<br \/>\n<\/strong>480-350-5200<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tempe.gov\/government\/community-services\/parks\">https:\/\/www.tempe.gov\/government\/community-services\/parks<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Maricopa County<br \/>\n<\/strong>602-506-2930<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/\">https:\/\/www.maricopacountyparks.net\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SPORTS &amp; RECREATION \/ PARKS AND NATURE From the world\u2019s largest metropolitan park to thousands of acres of regional parks and sparkling recreational lakes, the area surrounding Metropolitan Phoenix is nature\u2019s own playground. While communities offer exceptional parkland filled with sports facilities and amenities, governments on every level have preserved vast acres of pristine desert [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Phoenix3\/FirstAmericanTitle\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Phoenix3\/FirstAmericanTitle\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Phoenix3\/FirstAmericanTitle\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Phoenix3\/FirstAmericanTitle\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Phoenix3\/FirstAmericanTitle\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=316"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Phoenix3\/FirstAmericanTitle\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":747,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Phoenix3\/FirstAmericanTitle\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions\/747"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/Phoenix3\/FirstAmericanTitle\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}