The more than 30 state parks and natural areas in Arizona now include their first new park since 2016: Rockin' River Ranch State Park, which opens Friday, February 9, in Camp Verde.
A grand opening ceremony featuring Governor Katie Hobbs is planned for 1 p.m. Thursday, February 8, Arizona State Parks and Trails said in a news release. That day will also be a fee-free day for the public to explore the park, which normally will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays and will charge an entry fee of $7 per vehicle.
Previously a guest ranch, the 209-acre park is located at the confluence of West Clear Creek and the Verde River. It now features nearly 4 miles of trails through its landscape, which includes a riparian zone along the river and a mesquite bosque. Numerous resident and migratory birds, along with native fish species, can be found within park boundaries, Arizona State Parks and Trails said.
“Thank you to all our amazing community partners and stakeholders who helped us reach this milestone,” said Bob Broscheid, executive director of Arizona State Parks and Trails. “Being able to share this beautiful space is something that our agency has been working toward for more than a decade, and we are excited to open the park and welcome visitors.”
To learn more about Rockin' River Ranch State Park, visit azstateparks.com/rockin-river.