Arizona State Parks & Trails

All parks in the system are classified under one of the three following categories:

Purpose: To provide present and future generations the opportunity to pursue their desired outdoor recreational activities.

These areas possess outstanding potential for active recreational use. They have as their primary purpose the provision of active and passive recreational opportunities for the visiting public and allow for access and development for recreational uses. Intensive and diverse recreational use of the park is the main developmental objective.

Purpose: To interpret, protect and enhance areas of historical, cultural or commemorative value that are intrinsic to Arizona’s heritage.

State Natural Area

Purpose: To preserve, protect and study significant scenic, geological, or ecological areas within Arizona for their functional and inherent values and for present and future generations.