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Arizona: A Guide to the State & National Parks
Arizona: A Guide to the State & National Parks
Arizona: A Guide to the State & National Parks
Ebook79 pages43 minutes

Arizona: A Guide to the State & National Parks

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Details of all the state and national parks in Arizona, including the Grand Canyon & Petrified Forest National Parks. This describes them all, from the vast national parks to little-visited wilderness preserves. Facilities, hiking trails, fees, campground
LanguageEnglish
Release dateOct 30, 2009
ISBN9781588438331
Arizona: A Guide to the State & National Parks

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    Book preview

    Arizona - Barbara Sinotte

    Arizona: A Guide to the State & National Parks 

    Barbara Sinotte

    Hunter Publishing, Inc.

    A Word About Hiking...

    Checklist for a Day Hike

    Hiking Safety

    Arizona

    State Parks

    Alamo Lake State Park

    Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum

    Buckskin Mountain State Park

    Catalina State Park

    Cattail Cove State Park

    Dead Horse Ranch State Park

    Fort Verde State Historic Park

    Homolovi Ruins State Park

    Jerome State Historic Park

    Lake Havasu State Park

    Lost Dutchman State Park

    Lyman Lake State Park

    McFarland State Historic Park

    Patagonia Lake State Park

    Picacho Peak State Park

    Red Rock State Park

    Riordan State Historic Park

    Roper Lake State Park

    Slide Rock State Park

    Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park

    Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

    Tubac Presidio State Historic Park

    Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park & Yuma Quartermaster Depot

    National Parks

    Grand Canyon

    Petrified Forest National Park

    A Word About Hiking...

    Hiking is by far the most popular activity in state and national parks. Most of the hiking involves following clearly marked trails. Off-trail travel (commonly referred to as bushwhacking) is practiced by the more adventurous hikers - especially in the clearer, less-populated areas of the parks.

    Trails in many state parks have been rated according to distance and degree of difficulty. If you are not sure which trails are appropriate for you and your family, talk to a park ranger. If you do not exercise regularly, start on beginner trails and increase your distances gradually. Trail maps are usually available either at the trailhead or at the ranger station.

    While trail markings vary widely, there are a few common indicators that everyone should be familiar with. Periodic paint blazes on trees or rocks are clearly the most popular method of marking a trail. Plastic markers are often nailed to trees or metal signs are mounted on their own wooden posts. Where there are no trees, trails may be marked with piles of rocks.

    If you want to go bushwhacking, be careful. Make your first attempts in open areas with limited undergrowth, such as a desert area where the terrain is a little easier to tackle. Bushwhacking through areas of dense vegetation is for the more experienced hiker and should only be attempted with map, water and compass in hand.

    Whether you are bushwhacking or following designated trails, set a pace that will make the experience enjoyable for you. You are not in a race and can better take in the surroundings if you are walking at a comfortable speed. Remember that going too fast can ruin all the fun and burn you out. Stumbling or tripping is a clear sign that you need to slow down.

    Take frequent rest stops. Don't wait for fatigue to tell you it's time to slow down. A 10- to 15-minute stop every hour or so is a good idea to begin with. After a while you will know what is best for you.

    Don't speed over the rough areas of a trail. Watch out for tree roots and old logs that may be damp and slippery. If you are uncertain as to your footing it is wise to crouch; lowering your center of gravity will reduce the likelihood of falling. Steep trails have caused more than one hiker to lose their balance and take a tumble. Descending tends to be more hazardous than ascending and requires a little more attention. Hold on to small trees or rocks to balance yourself. When in doubt, sitting and easing your way down on your rear might just be the way to go. It is important to choose a trail that is comfortable for everyone. Younger children should be introduced to hiking with short walks. It is more fun and educational if they can be involved in planning the

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