Herngt ‘Aki,’ which means ‘Rattlesnake House,’ is an expansive 341 acres of hilly grassland goodness in Live Oak Canyon between Redlands and Calimesa in the East Valley of San Bernardino County.

White Tank Mountain Regional Park, at the west end of the Salt River Valley & Phoenix metropolitan area, offers an amazing variety of activities. From learning about First Nations history with a walk through ‘Petroglyph Plaza’ to exploring the backcountry in this mostly wild park, there is a world of opportunities to be had in this +25,000 acre setting.

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!

Arizona has wetlands? Yes! The almost 700 acre Tres Rios wetlands sits at the southwest edge of Phoenix, and offers the opportunity to observe hundreds of species of birds, year round!

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 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!

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

COMMENT by DECEMBER 30!

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