When you’re looking to get outside and explore the beauty of the desert around Gilbert, Arizona, the surrounding state parks offer you the best opportunity. Learn more about some of the top state parks near Gilbert and what you can see and do while visiting them.
1. Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Located about an hour and 45 minutes north of Gilbert, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park preserves a stone arch believed to be the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. The park has several hiking trails that let you get an up-close look at its natural beauty. The Anna Mae Trail is about 500 feet long and takes you to the natural bridge. You can also head out on the 300-foot long Waterfall Trail to view a waterfall in the cave.
2. Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park
Travel about 49 minutes east of Gilbert to find Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. This is the largest and oldest botanical garden in the state and home to over 2,600 species of arid plants from all over the world. Popular exhibits in the arboretum include an aloe garden, cactus garden, herb garden, palm and eucalyptus groves, South American exhibit, and Australian exhibit. You can also hike one of the numerous desert trails in the park to learn more about the native plants and animals.
3. Picacho Peak State Park
The lovely Picacho Peak State Park is located just over an hour south of Gilbert. As you’re traveling down Interstate 10, you can’t miss the imposing Picacho Peak as it rises 3,374 feet above sea level. For some of the best views of the area and for an intense hike, check out the 2-mile Hunter Trail that goes to the top of the peak. For something a little easier, the 0.7-mile Calloway Trail leads to an overlook and the 0.5-mile Nature Trail is a smooth hike that includes interpretive signs.
4. Lost Dutchman State Park
Situated 30 minutes northeast of Gilbert, Lost Dutchman State Park is named after the fabled lost gold mine said to be located somewhere in the Sonoran Desert. While you probably won’t find any gold as you explore the park, you will find some incredible natural scenery. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park. The 0.25-mile Native Plant Trail is a paved trail that showcases a variety of desert plants. For a challenge, the 4-mile round-trip Siphon Draw Trail offers one of the most scenic hikes in the park.
5. McFarland State Historic Park
While plenty of state parks around Gilbert offer you the chance to explore some of the natural beauty of the area, McFarland State Historic Park lets you learn more about its history. Located less than an hour southeast of Gilbert, this small historic park preserves a courthouse, jail, and other buildings from the Arizona Territory period.
Whether you’re looking to learn some history about the area or discover its natural beauty, you can find all that and more when you check out these top state parks near Gilbert.
“Mogollon Oasis” via Flickr by Scottb211. Used with permission via CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
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