Arizona State Parks and Trails are open for responsible outdoor recreation

 

 

Arizona State Parks and Trails are open for responsible outdoor recreation.

As of May 15, 2020: Arizona State Parks and Trails, Recreation Parks, and Campgrounds are open. Many historic parks are still closed. Cave tours at Kartchner Caverns are closed through June 1. All events have been postponed through June 1. Parking may be limited and there are capacity limits at each park to encourage social distancing. No same-day overnight reservations.

Arizona State Parks and Trails is monitoring the situation around COVID-19 and the impact of coronavirus for our state parks. We are taking the recommended precautions presented by the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to provide a safe experience for our visitors as they responsibly enjoy campsites, cabins, and hiking trails throughout Arizona’s state parks. Arizona’s state parks are included in the list of essential services provided by Governor Ducey.

AZP is taking the necessary precautions for our visitors, volunteers and staff as recommended by the CDC and Arizona Department of Health Services. They are asking that visitors help follow these guidelines by not gathering in groups, maintaining social distance of six feet, using a different park or trail if it is crowded, using hand sanitizer, and packing out all trash. AZP will continue to provide open spaces, hiking trails, campgrounds, and outdoor destinations for people to enjoy as long as we are able.

Closed Facilities:

Alamo Lake State Park – camping loops D&E
Colorado River State Historic Park
Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area – restrooms, showers and tent camping closed through May 20
Fort Verde State Historic Park
Jerome State Historic Park
Kartchner Caverns cave tours
McFarland State Historic Park
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park – trails to the bridge and Goodfellow Lodge
Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park

Day-use Visitors:

At this time, all recreational state parks and trails are open to the public. Most historic parks are closed. Contact centers and gift shops may be open with physical distancing requirements. Spend time in the great outdoors and fresh air by exploring hiking trails, but please do so responsibly. We will be limiting the number of people entering the park to help maintain social distancing guidelines. Expect temporary closures at busy parks and reduced parking spaces.

Campgrounds and Cabins:

Campgrounds and cabins are open. Rangers will make contact outside when you arrive. We are following Arizona Department of Health and CDC guidelines for all cleaning procedures at campsites, cabins, restrooms, and public spaces. RV campers may be asked to use RV facilities.

Kartchner Caverns Cave Tours:

Kartchner Caverns State Park will begin running limited cavern tours, by reservation only, on June 1, 2020.  No same day or walk-up tickets will be available.  Masks or a face covering that covers both the mouth and nose will be required to enter the cave, for your safety as well as the safety of our staff and other visitors. If you are not comfortable with this requirement, please consider delaying your visit.  We are asking that visitors bring their own mask/face covering.  Tour capacity will be limited to six visitors per tour.  Cavern tours will be temporarily restricted to ages 8 and over.  If you are not feeling well, are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please delay your visit, or call us to reschedule for a later date.  There will be no Helmet & Headlamp, Photo Tours, or ASL tours until further notice.

Park Events and Family Campout:

Park-sponsored events are cancelled or postponed until after June 1. Family Campout will resume its season in Fall 2020. If you have questions about a specific event, please contact that park directly.

 

For more information on the State Parks of Arizona:

https://azstateparks.com/