Tournament travelers can swap the scoreboard for saguaros, red rocks and star-filled skies
By Emma Svoboda
If your trip to Arizona is built around fields, courts or stadiums, don’t forget there’s another kind of arena waiting for you: the great outdoors. Within just a few hours of Phoenix, you can trade bleachers for canyons, stadium lights for starry skies and sideline chatter for the rustle of desert winds. From towering saguaros to hidden caverns and riverfront trails, these five state and national parks showcase the wild side of Arizona — and they’re all close enough to slip into any tournament weekend.
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Located in central Arizona, just less than two hours from Phoenix and 10 miles north of Payson, sits Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. Discovered in the 1870s and designated as a state park in 1991, it is believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The bridge stands 183 feet high over a 400-foot-long tunnel, spanning 150 feet at its widest point. Hike any of the three main trails, all of which can be done in an hour or less. For accessible views, there are several viewpoints near the parking lot. There is a picnic area and group use area as well. Learn more about the history of Tonto Natural Bridge through the exhibits. Take a tour of or stay overnight in the historic Goodfellow Lodge. While you’re in the area, stop in Payson, a historic community in the Mogollon Rim and in the largest Ponderosa pine forest in the world.
Saguaro National Park
About 2.5 hours from Phoenix, Saguaro National Park is home to the largest cacti in the U.S., some being as old as 200 years. The park’s east and west districts, separated by Tucson, are home to native plants and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert. It is the most biodiverse desert in the world, having peccaries and coyotes in the lower elevations and black bears in the higher elevations. The western portion of the park, the Tucson Mountain District, is part of the ancestral home of the Tohono O’odham people, who keep up the annual harvest of saguaro fruit in the summer. The eastern section, the Rincon Mountain District, has a sky island which is home to bears, coati, and cougars. Enjoy some time in Tucson as well, as it has much to offer. Designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, chefs embrace the region’s native ingredients boldly. Check out Arizona Desert Sonoran Museum, take a drive up Mount Lemmon, or visit San Xavier Del Bac Mission while you’re in the area.
Roughly two hours from Phoenix, travelers from all over the globe come to visit Arizona’s red rock formations. Its central location, just south of Sedona, makes it convenient for a quick road trip. This lesser traveled nature preserve offers a great view of the red rocks across the park’s 286 acres. The trail system spans 5 miles, consisting of clear markings and interconnected loops winding near Oak Creek, making it great for families. The park has a visitor center and museum with exhibits of local natural life, great for environmental education. The park offers a Junior Ranger program for kids 4-12 to learn about the natural history of the region. While visiting Red Rock State Park, stay in Cottonwood, Clarkdale, or Jerome to get a taste of Arizona’s wine country. For more historic attractions, check out the impressive Sinagua pueblo structures of Tuzigoot National Monument and Montezuma Castle National Monument.
Kartchner Caverns State Park
Kartchner Caverns, a massive limestone cavern 2.5 hours from Phoenix and only 50 minutes southeast of Tucson, was discovered in 1974 and kept a secret to preserve its ecosystem until it could be properly maintained as a state park. The park and trail system are ADA-accessible. Take a guided tour, going through airlocks and misting systems to protect the ecosystem of the cavern. The caverns have rare features pristinely kept, including soda straws, helictites, shields, and brushite moonmilk. The park is also an International Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazing. There are several above ground trails to hike as well, the Ocotillo Trail and Foothills Loop are a three-mile hike through the Coronado National Forest. If you’re up for a more challenging hike, trek along the four-mile Guindani Trail. There are air-conditioned cabins and RV spots available to reserve on the park grounds to stay and recharge after your adventure.
Buckskin Mountain State Park
Along the Colorado River, about three hours west of Phoenix, sits Buckskin Mountain State Park. The park was opened and dedicated in 1967 and has had numerous developments since. Mountains and wildlife line the river on both the Arizona and California sides for an incredible view along the Parker Strip, the 18 miles between Parker Dam and Headgate Dam. Choose from the activities Buckskin offers, like boating, fishing, wildlife spotting, hiking, and camping. There are several hiking trails to choose from, with fenced off abandoned mines along some and scenic views along all. While you’re there, check out Lake Havasu City and London Bridge, or explore Bill Williams River Wildlife Refuge.
