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Hiking News - May 2010
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Monday, 31 May 2010Phoenix, AZ - Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of rural communities, thirteen of Arizona's State "camping" Parks in Arizona will be OPEN this summer and will provide many opportunities for Memorial Day 2010 campers. Ten historic and environmental parks will also be open. State Parks such as Lyman Lake near Springerville, Roper Lake in Safford and Alamo Lake State Park will probably have campg rounds that will not fill to capacity.
Day use parks such as Red Rock and Slide Rock in Sedona, Tonto Natural Bridge in Payson, Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Globe, Riordan Mansion in Flagstaff, Tubac Presidio, Tombstone (Wyatt Earp Days), Yuma Prison and Yuma Crossing will all be open for daytrippers looking for places to explore. Kartchner Caverns State Park will have some cave tours available, but you should always call in advance. (Only 5 State Parks are now closed.)
There are some fire restrictions around the State, so if you are planning to build a campfire anywhere, be sure to check for fire restrictions at AZfireinfo.com. Remember if you cause a fire under fire restrictions it may result in substantial fines and jail time. To keep your family and public lands safe while camping please follow these precautionary tips: Northern Arizona State Parks Campgrounds - Call ahead.
* Dead Horse Ranch State Park - (928) 634-5283 - Cottonwood - 150 campsites - fishing, boating (non-motorized), hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, guided trail rides, campfires in designated fire rings.
* Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area - (928) 537-3680 - 92 hookup sites, 31 campsites, great fishing and swimming. Fire restrictions during windy days. Call ahead regarding campfires.
* Lyman Lake State Park - (928) 337-4441 - 61 campsites & 4 yurts / 4 cabins, fishing, waterskiing . Campfires in cement fire rings and smoking in vehicles. No smoking while hiking.
Southern Arizona State Parks Campgrounds - Call ahead.
* Catalina State Park (520) 628-5798 - 125 campsites, hiking, corrals for horses. Charcoal and propane fires only, wood campfires not allowed.
* Kartchner Caverns State Park (520) 586-2283 - 60 campsites - cave tours. Propane only. Smoking in camp area or vehicle, no smoking while hiking.
* Lost Dutchman State Park (480) 982-4485 - 70 campsites, hiking into Superstitions. Charcoal and propane fires only, wood campfires not allowed, no smoking while hiking.
* Patagonia Lake State Park (520) 287-6965 - 107 campsites, boats to rent, fishing, beach. Campfires ok in designated grills, must provide own firewood, no gathering or cutting on park property. Smoking in camp areas only, no smoking while hiking.
* Picacho Peak State Park (520) 466-3183 - 85 campsites - fantastic walking trails. No restrictions at this time, no smoking while hiking.
* Roper Lake State Park (928) 428-6760 - 71 campsites - hot tub, fishing. Campfires and smoking restricted to developed areas only, no smoking while hiking.
Western Arizona State Parks Campgrounds - Call Ahead.
* Alamo Lake State Park (928) 669-2088 - 250 campsites, excellent bass fishing, waterskiing, swimming. Campfires and smoking in designed areas only.
* Buckskin Mountain State Park & River Island (928) 667-3231 - 126 campsites, water sports, cabanas, beach. Campfires in designated grills, no smoking while hiking.
* Cattail Cove State Park (928) 855-1223 - 61 campsites. No wood fires, charcoal for cooking within a campsite or on a grill on the beach. Smoking - campsites and beach only.
* Lake Havasu State Park (928) 855-2784 - 47 campsites - boat launches, great park areas and swimming beach. Campfires in fire-rings call for details, smoking in camp areas, no smoking while hiking.
For more information about the 23 State Parks that are open (2 Natural Areas passively managed and 5 parks closed) statewide hiking opportunities, off-highway vehicle trails, and other outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities in Arizona, call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit AZStateParks.com. Follow them on twitter.com/AZStateParks.
Friday, 28 May 2010Hiking in Lapland during the summer months is not just enjoyable for the locals but a real favourite for holidaymakers too. Yllas Lapland enjoys 24 hour light in June, where the days are endless and the wildlife very much alive. It isn’t unusual for the locals to finish work and head out into the hills for an evening walk. Finland has some of the purest air in the world and turns into a green an d very pleasant land in the summer months, a real stark contrast to the winter time. The Yllas terrain gives the hiker the opportunity to walk in the forests of Lapland in the shade and there are many organised tours which you can become involved in or you can simply head out on your own or as part of your family.
The Pallas Yllas National Park is a real treat for all hikers and you can obtain a map from most shops or activity centres in Yllas. There are lots of different trails you can take, some longer than others. The Aakenustunturi fell nature Trail is 17km long and has its own parking area at Totovaara Parking centre, this trail is one of the longer trais and walkers are told to expect the trail to take them most of the day. The trail is marked with cones and there are informative boards along the way informing you of the history and Geology of the area. The trail has some of the most wonderful sights that are simply breathtaking.
A shorter trail would be the Velopolku Circle trail which is 4km long. This trail has informative boards along the trail informing you of the history of Taiga forest, natural features of the north and south meet in Varkaanuru Ravine. In this herb rich forest you will find Alder and goat willow amongst some of the herbs growing. There is also a campfire site and plenty of places to stop and rest. There are many, many more trails and it is always a good idea to obtain a map and plan your journey before you set off. Yllas, Lapland is a beautiful and breathtaking country and a summer holiday will give you the chance to really appreciate it.
Source: www.prlog.org
Thursday, 27 May 2010Green’s the scene in the Hudson Valley with thousands of acres of state parks beginning to blossom as summer approaches. New York has had a long commitment to its parks system, and visitors will find unusual amenities that offer new experiences at these preserves and historic sites around the region.
The newest addition to the state park system is Walkway over the Hudson, the world’s l ongest pedestrian bridge. Extending from Poughkeepsie to Highland 212 feet above the Hudson River, hikers, bikers, and strollers enjoy magnificent views of the valley from the 1.25 mile span. When links to nearby trails are completed, visitors will be able to walk and pedal for more than 30 miles. Breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley can also be found along the trails of Rockland Lake State Park. After working out on the tennis courts or two golf courses, take a dip in the 10,000 square foot swimming pool. The three-mile, paved trail around the lake is perfect for walking, or rent a boat and watch all the action on shore.
The sound of cascading water soothes the soul with its misty scenery. One of the most famous sites is Kaaterskill Falls at North South Lake State Park in Haines Falls. At an elevation of 2,250 feet, it’s also the site of the former Catskill Mountain House. On a clear day, five states can be seen, and the park has the biggest and most popular campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve. Across the river, it’s an easy walk to Bash Bish Falls at Taconic State Park. There are plenty of activities for campers as well as day visitors at the oldest State Park in the Taconic Region. A pleasant afternoon can be spent biking or strolling along the newly developed Harlem Valley Rail Trail, and visiting the newly created Iron Works museum to learn about the industry at the former site of Copake Iron Works, established in 1845.
Several waterfalls can be found at Minnewaska State Park Preserve in New Paltz in the 21,000 acre preserve. Situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain Ridge, there are 35 Miles of carriage roads, 25 miles of foot paths, and 4 sky lakes. Minnewaska is one of America’s most popular rock climbing spots. Closer to Manhattan, the 10,000 square foot visitor center at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo displays the history of the old iron mines and surrounding environment in three-dimensional dioramas and exhibits. The 19,000-acre park is among the largest contiguous forests in the state and home to more species of birds and plants than anywhere else in New York. The extensive trail system links to a series of hiking paths that range over many states.
Clarence Fahnestock State Park in Carmel is home to the Taconic Outdoor Education Center, a high quality environmental programming venue. The 14,086 acre park boasts hiking trails, a beautiful beach, picnic areas, scenic campground and abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, and birding. Nearby Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Yorktown Heights is a great fishing spot for bass, perch, and pickerel. Hiking and picnicking are enhanced with playing fields, playground and swimming pool. In September each year, the park hosts the Lower Hudson Valley Native American Pow Wow produced by the Redhawk Native American Arts Council.
Rising a sharp 1,100 vertical feet from an ancient ocean floor, the Helderberg Escarpment at John Boyd Thacher State Park in Voorheesville is one of the richest fossil-bearing formations in the world. From the top of the escarpment there’s a spectacular view of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys, Adirondacks, and the Green Mountains. For some adventure, hike along Indian Ladder Trail, a famous old Native American trade route that follows the base of the escarpment, passing under Minelot Falls. Coming full circle and returning to the Hudson River, seven miles of waterfront line the shores of Schodack Island State Park at Schodack Landing. The boat launch makes easy work of putting a canoe or kayak into the river. A portion of the park shelters a Bird Conservation Area that is home to bald eagles, cerulean warblers and blue herons that nest in the cottonwood trees at this designated State Estuary.
From bridge walking to eagle watching, a wide variety of experiences await visitors to the state parks in the Hudson Valley. For adventurers, families, or those who just want to relax surrounded by nature, it’s a fun way to spend the day in the outdoors at little or no cost. Complete descriptions of the state parks can be found at www.nysparks.com.
Hudson Valley Tourism, Inc. is the 10-county region designated by I LOVE NEW YORK to promote tourism for the area. Counties include Albany, Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester. Regional information can be obtained from any of the county tourism offices, the Hudson Valley Tourism website, http://www.travelhudsonvalley.com, or by calling 845-615-3860.
Walkway Over the Hudson, Poughkeepsie and Highland. 845-454-9469, www.Walkway.org
Rockland Lake State Park, Valley Cottage. 845-268-3020, www.nysparks.com
North South Lake State Park, Haines Falls. 518-589-5089, www.dec-campgrounds.com
Taconic State Park, Copake Falls. 518-329-3993, www.nysparks.com/parks
Minnewaska State Park Preserve, New Paltz. 845 255-0752, www.nysparks.com
Sterling Forest State Park, Tuxedo. 845-351-5907, www.palisadesparksconservancy.org
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, Yorktown Heights. 914 245-4434, www.nysparks.com
Clarence Fahnestock State Park, Carmel. 845-225-7207, www.nysparks.com
Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park, Yorktown Heights. 914-245-4434, www.nysparks.com
John Boyd Thacher State Park, Voorheesville. 518-872-1237, www.nysparks.com
Schodack Island State Park, Schodack Landing. 518-732-0187, www.nysparks.com
Source: www.prlog.org
Wednesday, 26 May 2010Canada’s Rocky Mountain National Parks, in the province of Alberta, are comprised of Banff and Jasper and are linked by the magnificent Icefields Parkway. These two destinations offer ample opportunity for sightseeing, hiking, camping and backcountry backpacking (with appropriate permits).
There are amazing side trips to: ette in Jasper and Banff’s Upper Hot Springs)
** The latter is part of famous Columbia Icefield
If you’re flying you can turn this trip into an Alberta round-trip, by arriving/departing from either Calgary or Edmonton International Airports and renting a vehicle, cycling, taking the bus or, in the case of Edmonton, taking VIA Rail.
If you choose this route, you can see both major cities, of Alberta, both with excellent summer activities and festivals. Traveling between may also provide a chance to see the excellent folk music festivals, not to exclude the jazz, country and blues festivals in Alberta.
This route may also provide the chance to take activities associated with Alberta: Rodeos and Powwows!
Traveling the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, between the two cities, has many side-trips, if you plan your trip, as does the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway, between Edmonton and Jasper. Just west of Hinton, you can head north, into the wilds, to Willmore Wilderness Area & Grande Cache. The Trans-Canada Number One Highway, between Banff and Calgary, also provides the opportunity to visit Canmore and Kananaskis Country.
If you’re a skilled trip planner, you also use the central Alberta’s David Thompson Highway, between Saskatchewan Crossing on The Icefields Parkway and the QEII, north of Red Deer.
One important thing to remember! If you travel during the peak summer months (July and August) accommodations for hotels, cabins and campgrounds can be in short supply, particularly in the National Parks. You can book hotels by clicking here, or going to our main Ya’Gotta Travel page. For camping reservations, in the National Parks, or Alberta, go to our Ya’Gotta Camping in Western Canada page. Camping information for other western Canada provinces and northern territories, can also be found on that page.
To read the original article go to: yagotta.ca/articles/rockeymountainvacation.htm
Source: www.prlog.org
Tuesday, 25 May 2010Phoenix, AZ - The Arizona State Parks Board voted today to keep five more State Parks from closing on June 3 by directing Executive Director Renee Bahl to sign unique management and financial agreements with rural communities to keep each one open.
"The State Parks Board, a volunteer group of seven members, has voted in the last three months to negotiate with counties, cities and parks friends groups to fund a total of 23 State Parks to be open into the next fiscal year. The real key now is that we need every Arizonan to use their State Parks as often as possible," said Bahl. "We want the public to know that the Board and staff are focusing on keeping State Parks open because the fiscal impact and loss of jobs from closed parks would be devastating to these rural towns and we believe every Arizonan deserves a robust State Park system."
According to Parks Board Chairman, Reese Woodling, "We have been successful in finding solutions to keep State Parks open, but these are only short term measures. It is a miracle that these communities have raised the funds to keep these parks open so far this year. Arizonans should be proud that so many concerned individuals have stepped forward to lead the communities to cobble together these monies."
"Unfortunately we have lost $10 million dollars from the Heritage Fund to support State, County and City parks and our operating budget has dropped significantly. In two years, the total amount of sweeps and diversions from twelve fund sources that benefit Arizona conservation projects has been $71 million."
Here are some of the highlights of the community efforts: Bashas' Family of Stores (130) raised $20,000, Dasani Water raised $5,000 for recycling programs, Apache Junction businesses raised $26,000 (Lost Dutchman), Tubac Historical Society raised $35,000 (Tubac Presidio), Friends of Tonto raised $8,000 (Tonto Nat. Bridge), Wickenburg/Salome raised $30,000 (Alamo), Riordan Action Alliance raised $40,000 (Riordan Mansion), the City of Eloy has raised $20,000 (Picacho Peak), Benefactors of Red Rock State Park have raised $60,000, Friends of Oracle State Park have raised $50,000 and Yuma raised $70,000 (Territorial Prison). The Arizona Game and Fish Department helped Graham County rescue Roper Lake State Park and Apache County will keep Lyman Lake open this summer. Arizona Highways Magazine has already sold more than 100 magazine subscriptions to support State Parks and the increased tourism these subscriptions will generate will help increase park revenues.
Please call ahead to find out the latest information about the State Parks by calling (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit AZStateParks.com. Follow them on twitter.com/AZStateParks.
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