Photo Credit: Arizona State Parks

ARIZONA STATE PARKS
Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partnerships. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518, or Monica Enriquez at (602) 542-6997 or email pio@azstateparks.gov

Phoenix, Arizona &mdash March 16, 2009 &mdash How do you find that perfect hike for the weekend? A trail that works for you as a long haul hiker or your family who are two mile turn-around hikers? You would go to the Arizona State Parks department's State Trails website. A website that is so intuitive it just won the 2008 American Trails Website Contest.

The Arizona‘s State Trail Coordinator, Annie McVay, wanted the trails to come alive, provide effective information delivery, support volunteers, and engage the public. With the help of the Parks‘ in-house web designer they created the new award-winning website at www.azstateparks.com/trails . “Our new trails site allows the public to learn about the 550 Trails in the Arizona Trails System and the most recognized, the 800–mile Arizona Trail. Visitors can also get information on historic Arizona trails, such as the Butterfield Trail or the Crook Trail. This is a partnership between the Federal and State land agencies to make Arizona‘s recreational resources more accessible,” says McVay.

“The site highlights hiking, biking and equestrian trails that are also featured in the Arizona State Trails Guides. The Share the Trail page educates trail users about trail etiquette to make hiking, biking and horseback riding safer for everyone. “Share the Trail is a great new resource for beginner trail users and a nice refresher for experienced users. On the Share the Trail page, visitors can download a topographic map of the Lime Kiln Trail, a 15–mile trail that connects Dead Horse Ranch State Park (Cottonwood) with Red Rock State Park (Sedona). That trail follows the alignment of the old Lime Kiln wagon trail.”

In addition to the many hiking trails featured on the site, visitors to www.azstateparks.com can explore the many recreational opportunities such as the off-highway trails and the 27 State Parks. Listen to a podcast, print out a park map, or plan to participate in the Junior Ranger activities.

The website contest is sponsored by American Trails (americantrails.org), a national, nonprofit organization that works on behalf of all trail interests, including hiking, bicycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, water trails, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, trail motorcycling, ATVs, snowmobiling and four-wheeling. American Trails members want to create and protect America‘s network of interconnected trails.

For more information about Arizona State Parks call 602.542.4174 or outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free 800.285.3703, or visit azstateparks.com.