Sorted by date Results 26 - 50 of 485
John and I have been wanting to visit Childs for several years now, but the road was closed for a long time. Now that it's open again, we took a day and drove out there. It was a fun ride with a lot of cool stuff to see, and it's one you can do in a passenger car – but let me tell you, it's seriously washboard-y all the way to the split where one road goes to Fossil Creek access and one goes to Childs. Getting There Starting at Camp Verde, take the 260 east to the Fossil Springs road, which i... Full story
Instead of spending the winter months camped inside, explore some of Arizona's most beautiful spaces by visiting a state park and enjoying all the amazing wintertime activities available. Make memories and take pictures, and share your photos for a chance to win major prizes! Arizona State Parks and Trails encourages you to Opt Outside and submit photos between November 24, 2023, and January 15, 2024 at midnight. Each contestant may submit up to five entries and may be entered in multiple... Full story
The Isle Switch Aren't all kayaks portable? Well, yes, but not all of them fit into a backpack, pump and all, with the whole package weighing just 19 pounds! The Isle Switch is the ideal kayak/paddle board for fishermen, especially fishermen who travel or who like to fish small waters that are hard to get to. One of the features of this kayak is the flat deck – you sit on a chair that is raised from the deck and there is plenty of room and plenty of straps for your gear -- and they've e... Full story
Now that the weather is cooler, the fishing is starting to heat up! It's that time of year when cold water fishing really starts to take off, so make sure you have your gear in order. Whether you are new to fishing or are a seasoned angler, here are a few tips to make sure your gear is ready for the fall. If you are new to fishing and are looking for a rod and reel for cold water fishing, I would recommend a 7-foot, medium-power, fast-action spinning rod with a 2500-size spinning reel. This rod... Full story
Gift-giving season is upon us, and I don’t know about you, but with prices the way they are this year, I’m looking for every opportunity to save a few quid here and there! So this year’s gift list will include quite a few DIY gifts for your outdoor enthusiast, as well as very economical gifts they’ll love! Homemade Trail Mix One thing I learned early on when hiking with the granddaughters is that trail mix is the ultimate snack for the outdoors. We’d snack on it in the car as well as on the tr... Full story
Effective April 1, 2024, Grand Canyon National Park will increase the cost of overnight backcountry permits. Grand Canyon began charging for overnight backcountry permits in 1997 and last modified backcountry fees in 2022. The cost recovery charge for overnight backcountry permits will increase for all permits that begin on or after April 1, 2024. The charge of $10 per backcountry permit remains the same; the nightly per person fee will be increased from $12 per person to $15 per person or s... Full story
These Are My Favorite Indigenous People's Sites In Arizona. Because my dad was a Chippewa Indian and I'm a registered member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewas, I've always had an interest in the sites around the state that were built by the peoples who lived here long ago. And in fact, many of their descendants live here in Arizona to this day! John and I have visited a lot of the more famous sites with the girls, so I'll start out telling you about those, but I thought I'd also add some... Full story
John and I and Mochi took a fun ride up in the cool pines the other day – it wasn't a ride packed with things to see, but it did take us past Marshall Lake, Upper and Lower Lake Mary, Mormon Lake, and Stoneman Lake – all of which are currently chock full of water! You will need a high-clearance vehicle for this drive, and I'm thinking it could get iffy after a big rain. I'm an Arizona native, but this is the first time I've ever seen water in Stoneman Lake, and the first time I remember see... Full story
Although the heat continues to scorch the Desert Southwest, the good times ahead remind us of all the cool events Arizona has to offer. Soon, Lake Pleasant will revel in the sounds of western music at the September "Countryfest". Best Fest In The West - Come Celebrate Country At the same time, hunters will eagerly be hitting the countryside for the ever-popular dove-hunting season. And, as the cooler temperatures finally arrive, there are ideal times to visit some of the state's lakes (which... Full story
Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant will host the Pleasant Harbor Country Fest on Saturday, October 14, 2023, featuring country music from several popular local bands and LIVE bull riding. In addition, the event includes food trucks, a VIP experience, along with mechanical bull riding. The event runs from 2:00 p.m. –10:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $45.00 per person, and $15.00 per child (12 & under). A limited number of VIP tickets are available at $125.00.Tickets can be purchased o... Full story
A lot of our friends have trailers or RVs, but John and I like to throw our gear in (and on) the Jeep and just set up camp wherever we find a beautiful place to stop. But, just because we tent camp doesn't mean we're roughing it! I've been camping for decades now, and we've fine-tuned our gear to give use the most comfort for the least weight and space. With all the advancements in technology these days, it's easier than ever to take the comforts of home with you, even on a tent-camping trip.... Website
Hopefully you had a chance to enjoy a high-country camping or lake trip this summer to escape the record-breaking heat we experienced across the state! School is back in session and families are getting back into their routines, and most Arizonans are looking forward to cooler temps and fall weather. Try not to let your adventurous spirit get lost in the fray of your busy life this year. Remember to get outside this fall to remain connected with nature and enjoy the array of physical and mental... Full story
If you're looking for a cool getaway in Arizona that is a bit off the beaten path (and therefore not quite so packed with human beings), you should give the Pinaleno Mountains a try. There are lots of excellent hiking trails, a lake to fish in, and plenty of good campgrounds whether you favor a tent or an RV. The tallest peak is over 10,000 feet, and you may be familiar with the name – Mt. Graham: the mountain with the famous protected red squirrels. The Pinalenos are one of the "sky islands i... Full story
Director's Orders (list of waters with aquatic invasive species) updated to include Tonto Creek; Tonto Creek Hatchery closed to public. PAYSON, Ariz. - The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails, an aquatic invasive species (AIS), in upper Tonto Creek approximately 2.5 miles downstream of Tonto Creek Hatchery. AZGFD continues to conduct surveys in the area to determine the extent of infestation. Tonto Creek Hatchery will remain closed to the... Full story
Kingman, AZ - Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-09), issued the following statement in response to the Biden administration's announcement designating almost one million acres adjacent to the Grand Canyon as a national monument: "Circumventing Congressional authority and with the swipe of a pen, Joe Biden intends to lock up one million acres of public land and permanently prohibit mining of the richest and highest-grade uranium in the United States from deposits that are far outside the... Full story
Safety tips can prevent attracting bears and advise what to do in case of an encounter. Editor's Note: In light of the recent tragedy near Prescott, Ariz., we publish this reminder from AZGFD and send sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim. The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has started to receive its first confirmed reports of the year of bear sightings in Arizona. As temperatures rise, bears will come out of their dens searching for food. Black bears are typicall... Full story
We're "On The Road Again" The epic rains we had all winter were great for the wildflower bloom, but not so fantastic for off-roading! John and I avoid going on dirt roads when it's muddy – not because we think we'll get stuck, but because it trashes the roads. It seemed like every time we wanted to go out, it was either going to rain or had recently rained. Being an Arizona native, there is no way I'm going to complain that we had too much rain, but I have to confess that it did put a damper on... Full story
As always, keep food sources unavailable, be aware of your surroundings, and enjoy wildlife from a distance. Many people will be headed to Arizona's high country this weekend, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is reminding outdoor recreationists and residents to be aware of the chance encounter with bears or other native wildlife. The best way to enjoy wildlife is from a safe distance. Bears, in particular, are powerful animals that should always be considered unpredictable and... Full story
It's The Best Fireworks Show in Town! Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasantand the City of Peoria will host the annual Celebrate America fireworks show on Monday, July 3, 2023. Pleasant Harbor is home to this annual firework show, as well as food trucks, free kids' activities, including water slide, bounce house and live concert featuring, Rock Lobster. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with fireworks at 9:00 p.m. and activities running through 10:30 p.m. Presale parking admission through June 30th is... Full story
Pleasant Harbor Is Just Minutes Away Just forty-five minutes from downtown Phoenix, Pleasant Harbor, located on the southeastern shores of Lake Pleasant, serves as a one-stop recreation spot for lakeside fun. Pleasant Harbor, open 365 days a year and operating 24 hours a day, is the place to cool down as summer temperature rise. Do you want to rent a boat, show-off on water skis, wake board or lake surf? Jet Ski,kayak, paddle board or sail? Did we mention, Pleasant Harbor is home to the World's... Full story
The epic rains we had all winter were great for the wildflower bloom, but not so fantastic for off-roading! John and I avoid going on dirt roads when it's muddy – not because we think we'll get stuck, but because it trashes the roads. It seemed like every time we wanted to go out, it was either going to rain or had recently rained. 'Rain, Rain, Go Away' Being an Arizona native, there is no way I'm going to complain that we had too much rain, but I have to confess that it did put a damper on our... Full story
Great Outdoors Month helps remind us all of the physical and mental benefits of outdoor recreation and to inspire your interactions with Mother Nature. Seek adventure and you'll be rewarded with the positive effects of a connection with the natural world. Don't put adventure on hold as summer settles in! You'll find plenty of unforgettable outdoor experiences available throughout Arizona in spite of increasing temps. Cool off in the water at any of our lake or river parks, tour an... Full story
Summer Partner Gathering - Outdoor Skills Network (OSN) July 22-23, 2023 Arizona Nordic Village Flagstaff, AZ Meeting details: Onsite camping or lodging in town Saturday noon - 5pm: host lunch and dinner, followed by social Sunday 8-noon: host breakfast, meeting and depart RSVP HERE - https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/200789 Local Sportsmen's Group Grant Program (LSG) The annual grant should be opening on July 10, 2023. And will be open for 6 weeks. Once again, we have $75,000 available... Full story
Maricopa County's regional parks set May 1 as the start date for the annual fire ban (Maricopa County) – The Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department initiated its annual fire ban on Monday, May 1, 2023. The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department's annual fire ban went into effect the same day. The department's annual fire ban dates align with the county's Air Quality Department burn activity regulations. Under these regulations, outdoor recreational fires are prohibited w... Full story
Wondering what to get that hiker, climber, nomad, off-roader, camper, or just plain day dreamer for the holidays? I've got you covered! I've been saving great ideas all year long so I could share them with you this month. I'll give you ideas from stocking stuffers to splurges, so you're sure to find something fun and fitting in this list. Aspen Water Bottle Hey, even if you're not an outdoorsman, carrying a refillable water bottle is a great way to save a lot of money – bottled water prices a... Full story