Outdoors Still Has Options,
But Know Before You Go
It is only wise during this unprecedented time to check venues before heading out to see if there are restrictions or closures.
Prescott’s Trails & Natural Parklands Trails Saw Increased Usage During Shutdown
The great outdoors is a part of Arizona’s lifestyle. During the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, Prescott’s trails remained open offering an escape from boredom and helping to relieve stress. Most of the parking lots at the trailheads were full and hikers were out en masse. Counters at the trailheads of the two most popular trail systems, Constellation and Peavine, showed a significant increase in usage for that time of year. The numbers increased substantially and rivaled those of the busiest trail season.
Because volunteers in the park were put on hold, so was the scheduled work. During this time, Chris Hosking seized the opportunity and partnered with the forest service to do work on a trail extension near Williams Peak. Work that was previously planned will resume once the Over the Hill Gang volunteers are released to return to work.
Raptors On The Rails : Saturday, Aug. 8
During the summer months, the eagle may ride the train 1-5 pm
OR may visit depot from 11 am-12:45 pm- Admission: Free to see Eagle 12:30-1:00 p.m. at depot. Train tickets $54-$74 Coach, $99 First Class
Verde Canyon Railroad’s friends from Liberty Wildlife share the majesty of a rescued bald eagle with visitors to the depot and on-board the train on select dates throughout the year. This wild-life rescue facility shares a close-up glimpse of a beautiful Arizona Bald Eagle from Liberty Wildlife’s educational program. Raptors On the Rails events are subject to change based on volunteer availability and weather conditions.
Verde Canyon Railroad
300 N Broadway
Clarkdale, Arizona 86324
(800) 293-7245
Perseid Meteor Shower At Lowell Observatory: Tuesday, Aug. 11
Join Lowell Observatory at 9 p.m. AZ/PT on Tuesday, Aug. 11 for a live stream of the Perseid meteor shower, hosted by astronomer Dr. Nick Moskovitz and research assistant Megan Gialluca. Every year in early August, the Earth passes through the debris left by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which creates the Perseid meteor shower. We’ll use the All-Sky Camera at the Lowell Discovery Telescope to hunt for meteors together. After that, you’ll be ready.
Sedona Star Party: Friday, Aug. 21
Hours: 7-9:30 p.m.
This free community event gives you the chance to view the Summer Milky Way, Jupiter, Saturn and Mars, and more! The astronomers of the Verde Valley will provide telescopes for free viewing and laser-guided constellation tours. As the last of the Winter constellations dip into the western horizon, the rich stream of stars in the Summer Milky Way are rising high in the sky. The constellations of Cygnus the Swan, Vulpecula the Fox, Aquila the Eagle, Sagittarius the Archer and Scorpius the Scorpion are just a few of the star rich areas that hide open clusters, planetary nebula, globular clusters and emission nebula only visible in the many telescopes that will be set up for everyone to view thru.
The planets Jupiter, Saturn and Mars will also be visible. Local astronomers are ready to guide you across nature’s celestial majesty at the Sedona Star Party. A partnership of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, the City of Sedona Parks & Recreation, Keep Sedona Beautiful and the Astronomers of Verde Valley, the Star Party is a free viewing event on the Lower Softball Field at the Posse Ground Park in West Sedona. The Star Party will have an educational component with a 30-minute presentation at 7:00 p.m. from the Astronomers of Verde Valley on a large LED screen. Telescopes to view the constellations and planets will be available from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. A laser-guided constellations tour will be reoccurring throughout the evening.
An event for all ages, be sure to bring lawn chairs and blankets to relax and really enjoy the dazzling stars. The first 200 attendees will be treated to a free glow bracelet. No dogs allowed (thank you). Special thanks to Keep Sedona Beautiful for helping Sedona get the incredible title and recognition as an official Dark Sky Community in 2014. This accreditation has made city code and light compliance standards so star gazing can take place, any time of year. Mark your calendar, bring a blanket, and join us for this fun, free community event!
Posse Grounds Park
525 Posse Ground Rd.
Sedona, Arizona 8633
Gaspin’ in the Aspen Summer Woods Run: Saturday, Aug. 22
- Hours:8:00 a.m. for 15k and 5k, 9:30 a.m. for Kid’s Fun Run
- Admission: $5-$70
* Where: Arizona Nordic Village (formerly Flagstaff Nordic Center) (Hwy 180, Mile Marker 232)
* What: 15k / 5k / 1k Kid’s Fun Run
100% Off Road Trail Run at 8,000+ ft of elevation! The Finale of the Flagstaff Summer Running Series The first race of the Flagstaff Mountain Trail Racing SeriesAwards for top three Overall and Masters (40+) winnersThe Gaspin’ in the Aspen is one of 6 races in the Flagstaff Summer Running Series.
Arizona Nordic Village
16848 U.S. 180
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
Wildflower Walks At The Arboretum
Presented by The Arboretum at Flagstaff at The Arboretum at Flagstaff, Flagstaff, Ariz.
Explore the colorful varieties of native Northern Arizona wildflowers. Social distancing requirements have brought changes to our WALKS and CLASSES, as follows:
- Registration 24 hours in advance is required — no walk-ins will be accepted.
- Class size is limited.
- Masks are required to participate.
Join our knowledgeable Arboretum staff on a morning walk through the gardens and explore the colorful varieties of native Northern Arizona wildflowers. Please bring water, a camera and comfortable walking shoes.
