Fantastic Destinations For RVers!

Arizona State Parks Family Friendly Events Into 2008

December

1-31 — Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Holiday Tours
Festively decorated with wreaths, garlands, greenery and a towering fir tree
trimmed with old-fashioned ornaments. Guided tours include glimpses of
folklore and traditions of Christmas, both past and present. Reservations
recommended. Closed Christmas Day. 928.779.4395

1 — Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The Very Hard Way: Bert Loper and the Colorado River
Brad Dimock has been a boatman on the Colorado River for more than three
decades and tells the river's tales as only someone who has stood around a
thousand campfires can. His newest work, The Very Hard Way, is the
definitive work on Bert Loper and the world of river running in which he
lived and died. By the time Loper died at his oars in a Grand Canyon rapid
at eighty, he had covered more river, run more boats, and known more
rivermen than anyone. 7pm. Free. Reservations recommended. 928.779.4395

1 — Oracle State Park
4th Annual Holiday Gift Fair
The Fair will take place from 5-8pm in the Gift Shop and living room of the
Kannally Ranch House. Local artists will sell their crafts, books and edible
gifts and Oracle musicians will add to the holiday spirit! 520.896.2425

2 — Red Rock State Park
Sedona Through Time
Wayne Ranney, a geologist and educator, will present with emphasis on House
Mountain, the Sedona volcano about which he wrote his Master's thesis. He
became interested in earth history in 1975 while working at Phantom Ranch.
Since then his life has revolved around the canyons, rivers and red rock
stratigraphy found in the Southwest. He is an adjunct professor at Yavapai
College and leads field trips throughout the SW. Reservations recommended,
seating limited. 2pm in the theatre. 928.282.6907

8 — Oracle State Park
Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop
Make a decorative wreath using natural plant material gathered at the park.
1-4pm at the Kannally Ranch House. Cost of the workshop is $10 including the
park entrance fee. Space is limited, reservation required. 520.896.2425

8 — Yuma Territorial Prison
An Evening Encounter
Speak to Yuma Prison inmates on a nighttime tour. Jilted Mae Woodman, 1st
Inmate William Hall, Buckskin Frank Leslie, Pearl Hart & Phin Clanton.
928.783.4771

11 — Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Christmas Music during the Riordan Years
Erik Larson, Volunteer & Music Historian, Riordan Mansion State Park, will
present this Brown Bag Lunch Lecture at 12:15pm. Free. 928.779.4395

15 — Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Annual Christmas Party, Crafts, and Music - ASP 50th Anniversary Event
Santa will be giving out candy and Mrs. Claus will read Christmas stories
from 9-11am.  There will be crafts, Christmas music, and hot cider and cake
will be served. Listen to musical performances throughout the day. Free.
9am-4pm. 928.779.4395

15  — Lake Havasu State Park
US Angler's Choice Bass Tourney
40 boats weigh-in starts at 3pm. Visit www.usanglerschoice.com or call
928.855.2784.

15-Jan. 5 — Fort Verde State Historic Park
Victorian Christmas
Fort Verde dresses up all homes with Victorian decorations of the late
1800s. Living history presentations. Contact Fort Verde staff for
information on Victorian Ornament-making and wreath-making workshops.
Additional fee applies for wreath-making workshop. 928.567.3275

20-21 — Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
Annual Lighting Luminarios
Music and good cheer to ring in the holidays. Refreshments provided by
Tombstone Restoration. 520.457.3311

On-Going

Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park     (520) 689-2811

• Weekend Bird Walks -  11/3, 11/11, 11/17 at 8:30am. The Arboretum is among select sites in Arizona certified by the Audubon Society under the Important Bird Area (IBA) program. Birders of all skill levels, from novice to expert, are invited. Autumn guided bird-walks to learn about native bird species and their habitat.
• Edible & Medicinal Plants Tour - 11/10, 11/25, 12/8 at 1:30pm. Did you know creosote leaves have healing properties? Join this one-hour walk up the Curandero Trail to learn about edible and medicinal Sonoran Desert plants.
• Plants-of-the-Bible Guided Tour -  11/4, 11/17, 12/2, 12/15 at 1:30pm. Learn about botany, history and scripture on a walk alongside Arizona State Parks volunteer Bible scholars. This leisurely two-hour guided tour proceeds slowly along paths which are accessible to wheelchairs and walkers.

Homolovi Ruins State Park     (928) 289-4106

Most programs are free, although there is an entrance fee to Homolovi Ruins
State Park. Cultural Workshops – Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Workshops are designed to include both lecture and hands-on activities. Registration required.

Jerome State Historic Park     (928) 634-5381

Programs are scheduled throughout the year.  Please call for the current
schedule.

Kartchner Caverns State Park     (520) 586-4121

Join staff and special guests as they reveal surprises about above ground
treasures of the park. Monthly, a variety of topics is explored such as
bats, snakes, mining, map and compass, worms, and javelinas. Contact park to
learn more about these guided walks, activities, and shows, or to request a
copy of the "above ground" interpretive program schedule.

Oracle State Park     (520) 896-2425

• Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: Guided tours of the historic Kannally
  Ranch House, with start times at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a 45-minute duration. The tour is free with park entrance fee.
• Guided Interpretive Walks - Guided interpretive walks are scheduled each
  Saturday or Sunday for the drop-in public. Trail walks are led by local volunteer specialists or park rangers. Topics vary each week and may include bird identification, geology, reptiles, or plants of Oracle State Park. Walks are free with park admission and last one to two hours. Walks usually begin at 8:30am at the ranch house but call to confirm start time and meeting location.

Red Rock State Park     (928) 282-6907

• Daily showing of "The Natural Wonders of Sedona-Timeless Beauty" movie that reveals why Arizona's Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon were voted "the most Beautiful Place in America" by USA Weekend. Presented upon request.
• Geology Hike - 11/11, 12/9. Volunteer-guided hike throughout
  the park, discussing geology of the area. Includes Eagle's Nest Trail. 2 p.m.
  at the visitor center.
• Guided Nature Walk - Daily at 10 a.m. Naturalist-led hike lasting 1.5 to two hours , which will introduce you to the riparian ecosystem of Oak Creek. Plants, wildlife, geology, history and other features of the park are
  discussed.
• Guided Bird Walk – Wed. and Sat., at 8 a.m., and in Dec. at 9 a.m. Naturalist-led hike for beginners as well as the advanced bird enthusiasts. Bring binoculars.
• Special Programs - Daily at 2 p.m. Guest speaker or a ranger/naturalist-led
  activity of approximately one hour. Programs may include a nature-hike, a special presentation or an educational/nature video. This program may be an indoor or outdoor activity.
  
  Sonoita Creek State Natural Area     (520) 287-2791
  
• Into Jan. — Wed., Sat., and Sun. at 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Avian Adventure Pontoon Boat Tour - One-hour bird tour of the east end of Patagonia Lake. Help us locate and identify resident and migratory birds of the Sonoita Creek area.
• Moonlight Hike - 11/24 and 12/23 at 4:15, 1/22 at 5 p.m. Time
  varies. Experience the wonderful view of the Sonoita Creek riparian ribbon with the colors of an Arizona sunset and a glowing moon serving as the backdrop. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and a flashlight and perhaps a walking stick.  Trail is moderately difficult with a 350-foot elevation gain. Sponsored by the Friends of Sonoita Creek. Call ahead for time.
• Boating Safety Class - 12/1 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn about boat
  registration requirements, Arizona and Federal boating laws, equipment
  requirements, navigation rules, trailering your boat, aids to navigation (buoys) and other useful information. This is a state and federally approved Boating Safety Class! Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate and  ID card. Sponsored by AZ Game and Fish Dept. Call to register.
• Into Jan.-Wed., Sat., and Sun. at 11:30 a.m. Lake Discovery Pontoon Boat Tour – One-hour exploration of the west end of Patagonia Lake. Discover the vegetation, history, and beauty of Sonoita Creek and Patagonia Lake as we explore Ash Canyon, the dam, and Deep Cove.
• Into Jan. — Wed. at varying times. Twilight Pontoon Boat Tour - Enjoy the evening sights and sounds of Patagonia Lake's wildlife as we explore Patagonia Lake.
•  Into Jan. — Mon., Sat., Sun., at 9 a.m. Bird Walk of Sonoita Creek - Meet at the Sonoita Creek Trailhead, located within Patagonia Lake SP, to experience this two-hour birding adventure.  Wear comfortable shoes and bring binoculars, field guide, and water.
• Into Jan. — Sat. and Sun. at 10am. Junior Ranger Activity - Kids and adults are welcome to join us for an hour of discovery as we learn about nature, create fun nature crafts and learn how to become a Junior Ranger. Meet at Visitor Center.
• Into Jan. – Thurs. at 7 p.m. Evening Program - Learn about Sonoita Creek and the Patagonia Area through a variety of programs. Introduction to Bird
  Watching, trains, ghost towns of the Patagonia area, medicinal plants and
  their uses, natural history of Sonoita Creek, new research at SCSNA,
  importance of riparian areas, introduction to butterflies, bats, raccoons
  and more. Held at the Visitor Center.
• 11/16, 12/14, 1/18 at 8 a.m. Five-mile bird hike - Bird several
  different habitats and see a variety of species with a guide. Hike begins in
  desert uplands and reaches Sonoita Creek. Bring sturdy shoes, binoculars,
  water and snacks. Hike is approximately five miles and four hours long. Meet at Visitor Center.
• 11/3, 12/8 at 8:30 a.m. Hike to Coal Mine Spring - See the beautiful Coal
  Mine Spring area where the endangered Gila Topminnows thrive and view
  amazing vistas along the way. Approx. 11 miles round-trip of moderate
  difficulty. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and lunch. Meet at
  the Visitor Center.
  
  Tubac Presidio State Historic Park     (520) 398-2252

Sun from 1-4 p.m., into March. Los Tubaquenos - A living history group who interpret the lives of the citizens of Tubac from 1752 -1776. Come  see, taste and listen as the Tubaquenos tell you of their hardships and joys
living on the Spanish frontier.