John Stanley
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 9 2008 1:24 pm
It's the perfect time to get out with family or friends to enjoy a meal alfresco.
We've suggested a few great places to picnic right here in the Valley. But if you'd like a change of scenery, consider one of these spots, each within an easy two-hour drive of downtown Phoenix. Skies are usually clear, the temperature is generally moderate and our deserts are still ablaze with wildflowers.
Bon appetit!
Lost Dutchman State Park
The western flanks of the Superstition Mountains are an imposing fortress of jagged cliffs, deeply shadowed canyons and eerie hoodoos. For a great view of the terrain, head to the picnic areas of Lost Dutchman State Park, which has grills, restrooms, water and a small visitor center. And, of course, access to several tremendously scenic trails.
Details: 6109 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction. Open sunrise-10 p.m. daily. From central Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east to U.S. 60 (Superstition Freeway) and proceed east about 25 miles to Exit 196. Go north on Idaho Road for 2.2 miles, then turn northeast onto Arizona 88 (Apache Trail) and proceed 4.8 miles to the park entrance, which is just past mile marker 201. $6 per vehicle. 480-982-4485 or pr.state.az.us/parks/ parkhtml/dutchman.html.
Lynx Lake
On sunny days, this high-country lake sparkles like a liquid sapphire.
It's a terrific place for picnickers, as well as boaters, anglers, hikers and birders. You'll find picnic tables and grills in both the Southshore and Northshore day-use areas.
Details: Both day-use areas are open 6 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. From central Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north about 60 miles to Cordes Junction, then take Arizona 69 west about 30 miles. Between mile markers 293 and 294, turn south on Walker Road and proceed about 2 miles to the turnoff to the Northshore area. The turnoff to the Southshore area is not quite a mile farther. $2 per vehicle. 928-443-8000 or fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/fishing/fishing_lynx.htm.
Oracle State Park
Environmental education is the name of the game at this park, which sprawls across 4,000 acres north of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Along with several short hiking trails and lots of places to picnic, the park features the historical Kannally Ranch House, which you can tour on weekends.
Details: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. From central Phoenix, take Interstate 10 east to U.S. 60, then proceed east about 40 miles. At Florence Junction, turn south on Arizona 79 and continue about 58 miles to Oracle Junction. Turn east (left) onto Arizona 77, go about 8 miles, then turn right at the Oracle turnoff and follow American Avenue about 2.5 miles to Mt. Lemmon Road. Turn right and proceed about a mile to the park entrance. $6 per vehicle. 520-896-2425 or azstateparks.com/parks/parkhtml/ oracle.html.
Green Valley Park
Payson's pastoral park is a fine place to have a picnic or take a stroll or simply hang out and enjoy the views. The 40-acre park holds the Rim Country Museum and a re-creation of Zane Grey's cabin, as well as a playground, a large amphitheater and several ramadas. Wide, interconnected pathways loop around the park's three lakes.
Details: The park is always open. The Rim Country Museum and Zane Grey's Cabin are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every day except Tuesdays. 700 Green Valley Parkway, Payson. From central Phoenix, take Loop 202 east, then follow Arizona 87 (the Beeline Highway) north about 80 miles to Payson. Turn west (left) on Main Street and proceed about a mile to the park. Free to visit the park; museum admission is $5, $4 for seniors, $3 for ages 12-17, free for age 11 and younger. 928-474-3483.
Call of the Canyon
The West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon, with its imposing cliffs, gurgling water and lush vegetation, is one of the loveliest spots in Arizona. A sandy trail leads into a thicket of pine, fir, sycamores, maples and oaks along the creek. You'll find six picnic tables at the day-use area near the trailhead. The name comes from the Zane Grey novel Call of the Canyon, which he wrote at a lodge that once stood in the area.
Details: Open 8 a.m.-dusk. From central Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north about 95 miles to Exit 298. Follow Arizona 179 northwest about 15 miles into Sedona. (Allow a little extra time for construction.) At the "Y", take Arizona 89A north for 10.3 miles, then turn west (left) into the Call of the Canyon day-use area. $8 per vehicle. 928-282-4119 or fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/westfork-tr.shtml
