Oracle State Park Center for Environmental Education

I went to Oracle State Park this past week on a 4^th graders field trip. I will be the first to admit that I’m not the outdoorsy-​get-​in-​touch-​with-​nature type of person but I loved it! It was so beautiful! There was a little bit of snow left from the storm that came through earlier in the week which made it even more exciting. The tours are led by volunteers and they are awesome. Our group was led by Dale, who used to be a park ranger but now graciously gives her time to educate people about the environment. She kept the kids (as well as the parents) so engaged with different activities along the hike — it was amazing! If you are looking for a group activity for school or girl/​boy scouts, etc… I highly highly recommend doing this! Or just go up for a beautiful hike on a Saturday, you won’t be sorry!

I like this place, great view of the mountains, cleaner air than Phoenix lol. The trails are good too I think, definitely will give your leg muscles a good workout. There is an entrance fee to get in on Saturdays (which is the only open day for the public) but its not much. As an educational center, it is open to groups (mon-​fri) who make a reservation with the ranger that works there. Also on Saturdays they do tours of the house which was built I believe sometime in the 1930s but don’t quote me on that one. More info on the state website. Worth checking out!!!