Here’s where you can go to celebrate July 4th
Arizona’s lengthy run of dry, hot weather has caused fire restrictions and closures of public land around the state.
However, there are still plenty of options for those looking to escape the Phoenix heat for the Fourth of July.
State parks are open
All Arizona State Parks are open for day visits and camping. Lyman Lake State Park, north of Springerville in the White Mountains, boasts good fishing in addition to boating, hiking and camping. Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area near Show Low has canoe, kayak and standup-paddleboard rentals.
If you’re looking for a getaway that’s closer to Phoenix, try Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood. The Verde River runs through it, and visitors can fish, hike, camp, bike and ride horses.
Check azstateparks.com/reserve for campground and cabin availability.
Fourth of July activities
Dry conditions have forced some cit-
ies, notably Flagstaff, Prescott and Williams, to cancel their fireworks. But there are lots of other Fourth of July celebrations to enjoy.
❚ Check out the competition at the World’s Oldest Rodeo in Prescott. The rodeo and Frontier Days have been part of the city’s Independence Day weekend tradition since 1888. This year’s festivities run June 28-July 4 at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds and other locations around the city. In addition to the riding and roping action, there are rodeo dances, a rodeo parade and an art show at Courthouse Plaza.
❚ If you head to Flagstaff this weekend you’ll have several activities to choose from. The Museum of Northern Arizona is hosting the 85th annual Hopi Festival of Arts and Culture, the 12th annual Art in the Park festival is at Wheeler Park and the 17th annual Flagstaff Folk Festival is at the Coconino Center for the Arts. All three events start on Saturday, June 30.
❚ The Independence Day parade in Williams will roll down historic Route 66 at 6 p.m.
Forest closures, fire restrictions
Parts of the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Prescott and Tonto national forests have been closed since May.
Those closures include popular destinations such as the San Francisco Peaks north of Flagstaff, Fossil Creek near Strawberry and a large area of the Mogollon Rim south of State Route 87.
Closures also remain in place for state-owned and managed lands in Apache, Coconino, Gila and Navajo counties.
Most other public lands are open but are under Stage 2 fire restrictions. Those restrictions prohibit wood and charcoal fires, smoking outside of an enclosed vehicle or building, and using explosives and fireworks.
Check forest closures and fire restrictions at firerestrictions.us/az.