THINGS TO DO AROUND ARIZONA
Introduction to Geocaching
Did you ever wonder about geocaching? It’s a high-tech treasure hunt! Join park volunteer Tony for this introduction to geocaching. It includes a handson demonstration.
Details: 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. Catalina State Park, 11570 N. Oracle Road, Tucson. $7 per vehicle. azstateparks .com/catalina.
Geology Walk
Learn about the geology of Catalina State Park with an experienced geologist. You’ll find out how the Santa Catalina Mountains formed and what are some of the rocks in the park. The walk takes several hours.
Details: 9 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 29. Catalina State Park, 11570 N. Oracle Road, Tucson. $7 per vehicle. azstateparks .com/catalina.
First Day Hikes
Spend the first day of 2020 in an Arizona State Park and celebrate the New Year. First Day Hikes are a national effort to kick off the year on a healthy note. There are fun activities for all, including hikes, tours, boat rides and even s’mores! Wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water, a camera and your sense of adventure.
Details: Jan. 1. See schedule and locations at azstateparks.com/fdh.
Show Low Shines
The mountain town gets into the holiday spirit the way most people do — with a welcome excess of colorful lights. Show Low is adorned with lights and decorations from one end to the other. Downtown shops will glitter, as will displays set up in Show Low City Park. Highlighting it all is the dancing display at Show Low City Hall, where lights are synchronized to the music.
Details: Evenings through Jan. 2. Central Show Low. Free. 928-532-4140, www.showlowaz.gov/calendar.aspx.
Victorian Christmas at Fort Verde
Celebrate the holidays with Fort Verde State Historic Park, where the fort is decorated with Victorian-style holiday decorations.
Details: Through Sunday, Jan. 4. Fort Verde State Historic Park, 125 E Hollamon St., Camp Verde. $7, $4 for ages 713. azstateparks.com/fort-verde.
Holiday Tours at Riordan Mansion
The mansion is festively decorated in turn-of-the-century style with wreaths, garlands, greenery and a towering fir tree trimmed with old-fashioned ornaments. Guided tours include glimpses of folklore and traditions of Christmas past and present. Reservations are recommended.
Details: On the hour starting at 11 a.m. Thursdays-Mondays through Jan. 6. Last tour starts at 4 p.m. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, 409 W. Riordan Road, Flagstaff. $12, $6 for ages 7-13, free for age 6 and younger. azstate parks.com/riordan-mansion.
Second Saturdays: Sign Language Cave Tours
Arizona State Parks and Trails announces Sign Language Saturdays: Kartchner Caverns cave tours with a sign language interpreter to help make the experience rewarding for members of the deaf and hard of hearing community. Signed tours of the Rotunda/
Throne Room will take place on the second Saturday of each month.
Details: 12:20 p.m. Jan. 11. Kartchner Caverns State Park, 2980 State Route 90, Benson. Register at access@azstateparks.gov. $23, $13 for ages 7-13, $5 for age 6 and younger. azstateparks.com/ kartchner.