Arizona outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for the debut of the state's latest desert jewel, the Rockin' River Ranch State Park, slated to open its sprawling 209 acres to the public on Feb. 9. Perched in Camp Verde and about 90 miles of a scenic drive north of Phoenix, this piece of pristine land adds another notch to Arizona's impressive lineup of natural retreats.
The park, previously a guest ranch is now repurposed as an oasis for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Visitors can expect to fork over $7 per vehicle for the privilege of hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, as reported by 12news.com.
And while you're there, keep your eyes peeled for the likes of javelinas, deer, and even the stealthy bobcat, according to ktar.com.
"Thank you to all our amazing community partners and stakeholders who helped us reach this milestone," raved Bob Broscheid, Executive Director of Arizona State Parks and Trails, in a statement that brimmed with a decade's worth of anticipation. For those marking their calendars, note that the park is only accessible for outdoor leisure from Thursdays through Sundays, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., as per 12news.com.
Apart from the scenic trails and eye-catching vistas, the facilities are admittedly bare-bones with the park proffering just the basics – think restrooms, a contact station, and a modest gift shop. But don't expect to quench your thirst here, there are no drinking fountains, so remember to BYOW – that's 'bring your own water' for the uninitiated, as stated in ktar.com.
Rockin' River Ranch joins the exclusive club as only the 34th state park in Arizona, and the second in Camp Verde, settling comfortably alongside its historic cousin, Fort Verde State Historic Park, which opened to the public in 1970. This new addition symbolizes a significant achievement for an agency that's spent more than a decade curating what's bound to be another prized destination for nature buffs far and wide. Find more information and prepare for your visit at AZStateParks.com/Rockin-River, in accordance with 12news.com.
