The only water-based park administered by Maricopa County is also its most popular – at Lake Pleasant Regional Park northwest of Phoenix, you can fish, water ski, even scuba dive in addition to hiking, camping, and stargazing in the park’s almost 25,000 acres!

Year-round endless adventure abounds on the 550,000 acre Red Rock District of the Coconino National Forest, regardless the season or your ability level. From effortless scenic drives to strenuous backpacks, and everything between, it’s no surprise that this is the busiest and most popular District on the Coconino National Forest.

The SIpsey on the Bankhead National Forest in northwest Alabama is a land of superlatives: it is the oldest, largest, and most popular of the state’s three designated wilderness areas. Also known as the ‘Land of 1,000 Waterfalls,’ this beautiful site is home to an incredible variety of flora & fauna, and offers an outstanding array of outdoor recreation opportunities.

What it lacks in acreage (and the creek for which it is named), Cave Creek Regional Park north of Phoenix more than makes up in recreational opportunities, from guided horseback rides to archery lessons, hiking to stargazing (telescope included)!

Spur Cross Ranch is the newest and only designated conservation area in the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation system. Despite its small size, the variety of habitat is host to a myriad wildlife, with expansive recreation opportunities that will make you forget this unit is only 2,154 acres!

Tucked between the its namesake creek and the hills of south Redlands, the 200-acre San Timoteo Nature Sanctuary offers open space and trails for humans and reliable water for local and migratory wildlife.

Michelle ‘SuperClassy’ Markel plans to walk 56+ miles in three days to benefit Redlands Conservancy and Support Public Lands.

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If you’re going to #OptOutside on Friday, why not go all in and commit to #BuyNothingDay