Agua Fria National Monument
Approximately 40 miles north of downtown Phoenix, Arizona
40 miles north of central Phoenix, is the 71,000-acre Agua Fria National Monument.
This Arizona National Monument encompasses two mesas and the canyon of the Agua Fria River. (See…we told you it was like an ice-cold beverage.)
Plants, wildlife, and even a slumbering volcano make up this diverse region. The monument ranges from 2,150 feet above sea level along the Agua Fria Canyon to about 4,600 feet in the northern hills. Agua Fria is much more than just a desert and river. It’s actually one of the most significant systems of prehistoric sites in the American Southwest. Thus the national monument status.
In addition to the rich record of human history, the monument contains outstanding biological resources. The area is the home to coyotes, bobcats, antelope, mule deer, javelina, a variety of small mammals, and songbirds. Eagles and other raptors may also be seen in the monument. Native fish such as the longfin dace, the Gila mountain sucker, the Gila chub, and the speckled dace, exist in the Agua Fria River and its tributaries.
Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum
Massive meteorite hole just off Historic Route 66? Yes, Please!
50,000 years ago Earth got shot! Right in the middle of the Arizona desert. Scorching in at 26,000 miles per hour, a 150 foot iron-nickel projectile struck with the force of 20 million tons of TNT. Yep, it happened. Following the explosion this meteor left a massive hole for us to gawk at. So, come visit and be inspired by the fact that you came 50,000 years too late for the initial meteor shower which would have ended with the whole lot of us seeing some serious stars.
The result of this meteorite collision was a colossal crater. In fact, the initial crater was around 700 feet deep and more than 4,000 feet across. Today the depth of the crater stands at 550 feet deep. That is to say it is deep enough for the top of the Washington Monument to be at eye if you were standing on the rim. Meteor Crater National Landmark is widely considered the best-preserved meteor impact site on planet Earth.
At a mere 6 miles off of Historic Route 66, this is a must-see stop on your Arizona road trip. Be prepared to spend some time exploring. Museums, exhibits, and films help you get educated on everything from the meteor itself, to the history of using it as training grounds for Apollo astronauts. Most importantly, there is a piece of the meteor on display. Therefore, the kids can even say they got to touch a real meteor. Bet their friends at school haven’t done that.
Hours, Location, and Facilities
More details for planning your visit
Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm (Open until 12:00pm on Thanksgiving & Closed Christmas Day)
Tickets: can be purchased online or on-site; group discounts available
Pets: not allowed inside, but a generous Pet Ramada is available outside the Administration area.
Distance from:
Winslow – 25 miles
Flagstaff – 40 miles
Petrified Forest National Park – 80 miles
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Wupatki National Monument
Rich cultures of the past once thrived in this seemingly inhospitable climate.
Just a short drive Northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona lies a rugged land atop the vast Colorado Plateau. Here you can find what remains of an ancient Puebloan people. Wupatki National Monument protects numerous ancient dwellings of peoples who have long since moved on. Perhaps the main highlight of the Wupatki National Monument is the self-guided tour of the Wupatki Pueblo. As the largest dwelling in the region, it provides a great example of what life might have been like for someone living in such a village.
Be sure to check out the visitor center before you head out on your self-guided tour…and don’t miss out on the blowhole and ball court not too far from the main pueblo structure.
Wupatki National Monument houses several other archeological sites which include: Lomaki Pueblo, Citadel and Nalakihu pueblos, and Wukoki Pueblo. Be sure to spend some time enjoying the nuances of these unique structures. And, as always, visit with care to ensure future visitors are able to equally enjoy these fragile resources.
Hours, Location, and Facilities
More details for planning your visit
Visitor Center: open daily (except Dec 25th); specific hours vary by season
Trails are open during daylight hours
Fees: *Please note Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments are connected by a 35-mile loop road and both monuments are covered by one fee.
- Private Vehicle: $25 for 7-days
- Bicyclist/Pedestrian: $15 for 7-days
- Motorcycle: $20 for 7-days
Other accommodations: No lodging, gas stations, or restaurants are located in either of the monuments. The closest major services are located in Flagstaff.
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Patagonia Lake State Park
Tucked away in the rolling hills of southeastern Arizona is a hidden treasure
Explore the area around Patagonia Lake
Patagonia Lake State Park was established in 1975. The park offers a campground, beach, picnic area with ramadas, tables and grills, a creek trail, boat ramps, and a marina.
The nearby Lakeside Market offers boat rentals and supplies. The campground overlooks the lake where anglers catch crappie, bass, bluegill, catfish, and trout. The park is popular for water skiing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and hiking. And the tracks of the New Mexico/Arizona railroad lie beneath the lake and remnants of the old historic line may be found at the Nature Conservancy in Patagonia.
Facility Information
Visitor Center/Entrance Station
The Visitor Center is located within Patagonia Lake State Park.
The park has an automatic entrance gate that closes at 10 p.m. and no entry is allowed until it opens again at 4 a.m. All camping, day use and annual permits can be purchased at the Ranger Station. A small lobby is available with various brochures describing surrounding areas and destinations. Maps are also sold here.
Park Store and Marina
The market is operated by the park concessionaire and is located in the boat trailer parking lot. They sell fishing licenses, firewood, grocery items, ice cream, soda, beer and wine and other camping supplies. You can contact the Market at (520) 287-5545. Boat rentals are available at the Patagonia Lake Marina, please contact the marina at (520) 287-2804 for reservations and information. Hours vary by season.
Picnic Areas/Shelters
Numerous picnic tables and ramadas are located at the beach and day use areas.
Group: Day Use Areas
A group day use area capable of seating 60 people under a ramada is available with a$5.00 non-refundable fee plus a $25 facility use fee. Visitors then pay park entry fees per vehicle. There are no group camping areas available.
Camping & RV Sites
Site reservations are available by calling the Reservation Center at 877-MY-PARKS. You can call seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. You may also reserve campsites online.
105 developed campsites with a picnic table, a fire-ring/grill, and parking for two vehicles. Select sites also have a ramada. Sites have 20/30 amp and 50 amp voltage. Sites tend to fill up in the evening from May until November. Campsite lengths vary but most can accommodate any size RV. Quiet hours (no generators, music, or loud voices) are from 9 p.m. – 8 a.m. There are also two non-electric campsites available. They have a picnic table, fire-ring/grill and parking for 2 vehicles with ramada for shade. These two sites are 22 ft. long for camper/trailers.
There will be an additional per night fee for second vehicles. The fee will be paid upon arrival at the park. The fee does not apply to vehicles towed behind a primary vehicle when the primary vehicle remains at the site and the towed vehicle is used for transportation.
For cancellation policy see Reservation Policies: Terms & Conditions
Boat-in Camping Sites
12 boat-in campsites are available. Sites have a picnic table, fire-ring and are accessible by boat only. Some sites have portable restrooms. Quiet hours (no generators, music, or loud voices) are from from 9 p.m. – 8 a.m. You may reserve boat-in sites online.
For cancellation policy see Reservation Policies: Terms & Conditions
Dump Station
A dump station is centrally located on the park for all overnight campers at no additional charge.
Showers
Two restroom/shower buildings are available. Showers are available to all overnight campers at no additional cost.
Restrooms
Two restrooms with shower/flush toilet facilities and three restrooms with flush toilet facilities. All restrooms are handicap accessible.
Wildlife Viewing
An abundance of birds and animals can be seen around the park. Download the bird list to learn more. Also, check out the wildlife viewing opportunities found within the park.
Park Rules
Please familiarize yourself with the park rules and help us preserve this irreplaceable resource.
- Littering is unlawful
- No glass containers or pets are allowed on the beach.
- Keep pets on a 6 ft. leash and do not leave unattended. Pick up after your pets.
- Campfires must be attended and are allowed only in approved fire rings. Wood gathering is not permitted.
- Generators are not permitted.
- All vehicles must remain on paved surfaces.
- Quiet hours are 9 p.m. until 8 a.m.
- Day-use hours are from 4 a.m. until 10 p.m.
- Park entrance gate opens at 4 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m.
- Damaging or removing the natural rocks, vegetation or public property is prohibited.
- Personal Watercraft (jet skis) and above-water-exhausted boats (jet boats) are prohibited on the lake.
- “No Wake Zone” speed on east half of lake. All boat traffic is counterclockwise.
- Waterskiing and towing not allowed on weekends and holidays May 1st through September 30th.
- Boaters should familiarize themselves with all Arizona watercraft rules and regulations.
- Camping only permitted in designated sites with a maximum of six adults and no more than 12 people per site.
- Check out time is 12 noon. Check-in time is at 2 p.m.
- Contact ranger residence, or call 911 for after-hour emergencies.
State Parks Amenities
The main boat ramp will be closed on January 2 until further notice.
During the closure, the Cholla ramp will be available.
Find more Arizona State Parks
Patagonia Lake State Park
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Alamo Lake State Park
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Slide Rock State Park
An unexpected turn btween Flagstaff and Sedona
Slide Rock State Park
Between Flagstaff and Sedona, take an unexpected turn into Slide Rock State Park.
Slide into an amazing summer trip in Arizona with a visit to Slide Rock State Park. With plenty of parking, pull your vehicle into the parking lot and it’s just a short walk to get to the fun. Situated on a 43-acre historic apple orchard, Slide Rock State Park offers fun that everyone in the family will enjoy. Slide Rock State Park offers incredible views and tons of family fun with natural rock slides that are smooth and fun to slide on at Slide Rock. Oak Creek has several areas that are kid-friendly without fast-moving water where they can enjoy the natural waterpark. With roughly ½ mile to play and let the kids run wild. Have fun and be safe!
The best time of year to visit is the summer months when the air temperature is warm and the water will cool you off. However, for those looking for a breathtaking experience, don’t hesitate to visit in the off-season months like September & October which offer fewer crowds but the water temperature might be a little shocking. Yes, it does get cold in Northern Arizona so plan accordingly.
Slide Rock State Park also offers hiking without having to get wet. In addition to great hiking and incredible views, be sure to take advantage of the apple picking which is sure to make memories for the entire family.
Word to the wise- The rocks in the water are slippery! Be extra cautious playing in and around the water. If you have kids? Make sure you watch them closely. Slide Rock State Park is an amazing place to visit but there is no lifeguards present. Swim cautiously and at your own risk.
Arizona National Parks
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Flagstaff
Slide Rock State Park
Kartchner Caverns
Hours, Location, and Facilities
More details for planning your visit
Visitor Center: open daily (except Dec 25th); specific hours vary by season
Trails are open during daylight hours
Fees:
- Private Vehicle: $10
- Bicyclist/Pedestrian: $5
- Motorcycle: $5
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The Wave
Making all sporting events jealous of the participation in the Wave
Surfing in the desert. Arizona’s only Wave is made of stone, but it’s still gnarly bro.
Mother nature is usually pretty cagey about her creative process. She wants us to believe all the earth’s features are just coincidental products of natural processes.
But she tipped her hand when she made the Wave, just across the Arizona border from Utah. It’s a little too down-the-middle, beauty-wise, with its baroque bands of red, pink, yellow and white Navajo sandstone arcing precipitously up, down and around ancient stone chutes. A little over-designed if she’s trying to maintain an air of indifference.
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