Lost Dutchman State Park is at the base of the Superstition Mountains, on AZ 88, the Apache Trail.  Named after the fabled lost gold mine, this park is located in the Sonoran Desert at an elevation of 2000 feet. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, nature trails, 70 regular campsites, picnic facilities, and special programs throughout the year.  Approximately 36 miles east of Phoenix.

Catalina State Park is at the base of the Catalina Mountains, on US 89.  This scenic desert park offers camping, hiking, picnicking, bicycling, horseback riding, plant and wildlife viewing, and an archaeological site, all just a few minutes from Tucson. The park encompasses 5,493 acres at elevations near 3,000 feet.  Approximately 80 miles south of Phoenix

Picacho eak State Parkon Interstate 10.  In 1846, the Mormon Battalion, on their way to California to fight in the war with Mexico, constructed a wagon road through Picacho Pass. The forty-niners traveled the same road on their way to California.

>The most significant Civil War battle in Arizona took place near Picacho Peak on April 15, 1862, The battle lasted for 1-1/2 hours, and three Union soldiers were killed. Every March, "The Civil War in the Southwest" comes alive again as over two hundred re-enactors converge on Picacho Peak on foot and horseback.

Visitors enjoy viewing exciting mock battles that took place in Arizona and New Mexico during the Civil War. Also on display at the March reenactment are recreated military camps and living history demonstrations.  Approximately 80 miles south of Phoenix.

Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum on US 60,. Encompassing 323 acres, the Arboretum is Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. It was the first purely botanical institution in the inter-mountain states.  Approximately 80 miles south of Phoenix.