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The Tonto National Forest will begin the orderly closure of the following developed recreation sites as early as Monday, March 23, to protect public health and safety and align with state and local measures already in place to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. The developed recreation site closures will remain in effect until further notice. The Forest Service thanks all visitors and partners for their cooperation. Please report any instances of vandalism to facilities to the local ranger district... Full story
With approximately 10,000 surface acres of water, Lake Pleasant Regional Park is known as one of the most scenic water recreation areas in the valley. Each weekend, thousands of residents visit the park to camp, boat, fish, and hike. Recently, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department began limiting capacity in the regional park system to allow for physical-distancing. However, the repetitive closures on the weekends at the lake became time-intensive for staff as they closely... Full story
OLYMPIA -- The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) announced today they will reopen state-managed lands on Tuesday, May 5, for local day-use only recreation. The reopening will apply to state-managed parks, wildlife areas, recreation land, and boat launches. However, it may take several days for gates to be unlocked and sites to be serviced at remote areas due to limited staff capacity. Some parks may not open... Full story
There are two big outdoor events in Arizona this month, plus two fantastic new holsters I wanted to tell you about. Also, dove seasons, quail season, and waterfowl seasons may all be over, but that doesn't mean you can't still do some great bird hunting. Read on for details! Alien Gear Grip Tuck Holster This holster is different from the other Alien Gear holsters in a couple of ways – it's designed to fit an entire class of firearms instead of a single model like their hard polymer holsters, a... Full story
The International Sportsmen's Expo, always an Arizona favorite, returns to Scottsdale's West World March 13-15, 2020. WestWorld of Scottsdale is the ideal location for the Sportsmen, Boat & RV Expo. Hundreds of exhibiting companies offer adventure destinations, gear and services. Free activities and learning opportunities make for a fun day out for the entire family. Plus the giant RV Pavilion, hosted by Good Sam Media & Events, with on-site RV camping is available. Hours Friday: 10 a.m. - 7... Full story
Thousands of lanterns return to illuminate skies above Lake Pleasant. Soon after sundown, on Saturday, April 4th, friends, family and thousands of event goers will come together to share personal thoughts, wishes and goals as they set free lanterns on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant. A long-standing tradition, the lighting of (biodegradable) lanterns is a way of marking milestones, offering up wishes and goals, while celebrating in a festive, picturesque atmosphere. Drawing more than 10... Full story
One of the best things about enjoying the outdoors is that you can do it no matter what your age or activity level is, and it doesn't matter if you live in town or out in the country. When I was a kid, I was lucky enough to live near a big desert area in town, and my dad regularly took us out camping and hunting, but even if I were just hanging around the house, I could lie on my belly in the grass and watch the bugs and the birds in our backyard. So, whether you're looking for a gift for a... Full story
In many parts of our country, summer warmth has turned into crisp, cool fall weather. However, in the Southwest, we have an extended season of time to spend in and on the water and to enjoy many other outdoor activities. It's a wonderful transition season with temperatures neither too hot nor too cold, and there are so many adventures for us still in October: boating, hiking, RVing, camping, off-roading, fishing, and more. If we want a touch of fall, we can head north to the awesome colors of au... Full story
Comment period on revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement for motorized travel ends Tuesday, Oct. 29. The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) have released a revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for ASNFs Public Motorized Travel Management Plan. The purpose of the plan is to comply with the federal Travel Management Rule by providing a system of roads, trails, and areas designated for motor vehicle use while protecting biological, physical, and cultural resources. Alte... Full story
Lake Pleasant Will Again Host Annual Run Pleasant Harbor and Evofit will host the annual Dam Cancer Run/Walk at Lake Pleasant on Oct. 12, featuring a 5K, 10K, Obstacle Run and 5K Walk. All running events traverse the New Waddell Dam. Closed to the public throughout the year, this event provides runners a unique opportunity and vantage point of Lake Pleasant, 440 feet above the New Waddell Dam's foundation. In addition to the various running events, participants will receive swag bags and will... Full story
Finally cool weather is ahead and along with that are some great autumn events. Now is the transition time to fall and winter outdoor activities, including all that is available on local deserts, mountains, rivers and lakes. And, for women especially, the how to get the most out of the myriad of outdoor activities in the Southwest, is what "Becoming an Outdoors Woman" is all about. It's coming up soon - Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Sept. 6-8 - at Friendly Pines Camp near Prescott. Sponsored by the... Full story
Off-Road Vehicles, Boats, RVs, Travel Trailers and Special Attractions Set To Kick-Off Fall Outdoor Recreation Season, November 16-17, 2019 in Lake Havasu. With cooler Arizona temperatures on the way in a couple of months, recreation enthusiasts begin the seasonal transitionto fall and winter outdoor activities like camping, fishing, travel and off-roading. This means Southwest residents and vacationing visitors alike are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to enjoy everything that local... Full story
Off-road vehicles, boats, RVs, travel trailers and special Attractions set to kick-off fall outdoor recreation season, November 16-17 at Lake Havasu. With cooler Arizona temperatures on the way in a couple of months, recreation enthusiasts begin the seasonal transition to fall and winter outdoor activities like camping, fishing, travel and off-roading. This means Southwest residents and vacationing visitors alike are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to enjoy everything that local deserts,... Website
Almost thirty-five years ago, John and I and our American Brittany, Katie, went to Haigler Creek for the weekend. We camped in the woods right next to the creek and never saw anyone else the whole time we were there. Recently, John and I and our French Brittany, Mochi, went back to Haigler Creek just for a ride to get out of the heat. It makes for a great day trip, especially if you take the dirt roads down through Young afterwards and head north from there. Through Young The main road north... Full story
These Are Recommended As Summer Temps Continue Into Fall - By Nick Walter For AZGFD Sun sweats, triple-digit fidgets, dog days - they seem to make most outdoors lovers crave cool times in the high country. Some of the best family camping and fishing options include waters with stocked or self-sustaining fish, quality camping amenities, and striking scenery. Those factors were used by AZGFD fishing report editors and regional staff to determine this list. Be sure to check the latest fire... Full story
Apache Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Arizona, and because the road is not paved, Apache rarely gets crowded, even in summer. Fishing can be awesome here, with largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, trout, yellow bass, catfish, carp, sunfish and crappies all represented. From the main marina west to Horse Mesa Dam the shoreline is mostly steep and rocky. Several good-sized coves cut into the shoreline, though, and provide plenty of good shallow-water fishing at this end, too. Right... Full story
Sun sweats, triple-digit fidgets, dog days -- they seem to make most outdoors lovers crave cool times in the high country. Some of the best family camping and fishing options include waters with stocked or self-sustaining fish, quality camping amenities, and striking scenery. Those factors were used by AZGFD fishing report editors and regional staff to determine this list. Be sure to check the latest fire restrictions. It's a good idea to reserve a campground in advance if possible, but if... Full story
This Is A Seriously Fun Trip Living in Phoenix means that it is too darn hot to ride around in the desert in the summer, at least for me – and I'm a native. So when the temperatures get into the hundreds, we take to the hills like a lot of folks in Arizona. A couple of weeks ago we took what we call a "truck trip" – that means a road trip that doesn't require the side by side, so if it involves dirt roads, they are usually pretty tame. This trip was one I really enjoyed because we saw a lot of c... Full story
You Can Rent A Ramada For Small Or Large Groups Ramadas in city parks can be reserved for small or large groups, for an entire day or less. A reservation ensures your group of exclusive use of the ramada, and allows staff advance notice so that we can prepare for your group’s arrival. (We offer a 25 percent discount to City of Prescott residents.) • Ceremonial Pad Large Ramadas: Half Day (four hours or less) $150 Full Day (open to close) $300 • Medium Ramadas: Half Day (four hours or less)... Full story
There isn't much hunting going on this month, and it's a bit warm to go out shooting (unless you pay for an indoor range), but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be training. This is a great time for dry-fire practice, mental conditioning, close-quarters combat training, indoor-range time, classes, and research on legal matters. This is also a good time to check your concealed-carry permit to see if it needs to be renewed soon. Dry-Fire Practice Dry-fire practice is simply practicing with an... Full story
Having an electrical outlet capable of monitoring and shutting itself off makes for one less thing to worry about while camping. Areas such as the galley, bathroom or outdoor kitchen can be made much safer by utilizing ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles. The GFCI Duplex Receptacle from Hubbell is UL-listed and designed to protect people from line-to-ground electrical shock hazards. Hubbell Marine's GFCI Duplex Receptacle complies with 2015 UL 943 by automatically monitoring circuit fun... Full story
The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department initiated its annual fire ban at the first of May. “Given the abundance of rain we’ve received this year, we’ve had an outstanding wildflower season. Unfortunately, as the blooms and brush die off and dry out, the parks are left with dangerous levels of fuel loads on the ground that can ignite a wildfire with just a small spark. As a land manager, we believe the decision to implement sooner rather than later is the responsible thing to do to... Full story
Thanks to Dallas Shewmaker of LowerGear Outdoors for the enticing cover photo and for reminding us that it is time to go camping. He mentions that Arizona has a wide range of year-round camping opportunities that provide a respite from the often-chaotic hustle of the city. He quotes John Muir with this summary of the main benefit of being outdoors: "Wash your spirit clean". As we soon move from spring into summer, there are many opportunities ahead to escape and explore, many with families.... Full story
Beginners' Guide To Camping In Arizona Among the many benefits of living or visiting Arizona is the wide range of year-round camping opportunities. From pine trees and mountain streams, to the raw beauty of the Sonoran desert, you can enjoy time away from the hustle of the city. John Muir said it best: "Keep close to Nature's hear t... and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." Not bad advice, and easy to follow within a... Full story
AZGFD Warns Of Possible Rabies Exposure As Temperatures Warm Spring has sprung, temperatures are trending upward and people and pets are on the move outdoors - that means potential exposure to rabies will be on the increase. The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds the public to protect themselves and their pets by keeping a safe distance from wildlife, especially animals that may be behaving abnormally, such as those that appear overly aggressive and/or lacking a fear of humans. "The... Full story