Arizona residents can get free admission to more than 30 state parks and natural areas for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Arizona State Parks and Trails is waiving its entrance fees on Monday, Jan. 20.
Parks, however, will still be charging for camping, concessions and tours, including at Kartchner Caverns and Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park.
Visitors must show an Arizona ID to take advantage of the fee-free day.
“While entry fees are a critical part of operating Arizona’s state parks to staff them, and keep them clean, preserved, safe, and beautiful, it’s also so important that we welcome all Arizonans to explore the nature and history right in our own state,” said Arizona State Parks and Trails executive director Bob Broscheid. “That’s why we’re proud to offer another year of this free admission day for Arizonans to enjoy the amazing outdoor recreation and historical discovery opportunities that our state parks have to offer.”
The night sky over Kartchner Caverns State Park.
Also this month, park officials are launching a year-long survey initiative, during which visitors will be selected at random to answer questions about who they are and what they want from their state parks.
As part of 5-Year planning process, Arizona State Parks and Trails has partnered with the University of Arizona Agricultural and Resource Economics Department and the Arizona Conservation Corps to collect anonymous data to assess guest experiences and set priorities for improving park services, amenities and overall visitor satisfaction.
Those who participate in the survey will receive a free day-use pass for a future park visit and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card that can be used for camping and tour reservations and park gift shop merchandise.
Arizona residents will get free admission to more than 30 state parks, including Catalina State Park, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday.
State parks do not receive taxpayer funding in Arizona. All maintenance and operations, including staff salaries, is paid for with fee revenue from visitors.
Arizona State Parks and Trails oversees more than 64,000 acres of land and 1,100 structures, including historic buildings. The agency also manages several prehistoric sites.
A complete list of state parks and their amenities can be found at: AZStateParks.com/Find-A-Park.
