Arizona
Rockin’ River Ranch now open: Here’s everything you can do at Arizona’s newest state park
I stood on the banks of the Verde River amid a grove of cottonwood trees. The river ran fat and sassy, fueled by a recent winter storm, and the water swept by in a gurgling whoosh, like a ghost train.
I was exploring Rockin’ River Ranch, Arizona’s brand new state park in Camp Verde. Suddenly, I realized I wasn’t alone.
A small shape wobbled out of the shadows into the sunlight. It flew past me, almost in slow motion, like a leaf caught in a breeze. Black wings were wrapped in a vivid yellow border. It was Feb. 16 and this was my first butterfly of 2024.
The mourning cloak butterfly (I looked it up later) doesn’t migrate. It is one of the few species that hibernates overwinter and is considered a herald of spring since it’s often one of the first butterflies to be seen. Mourning cloaks prefer sunny areas near running water. And I dare you to name a desert dweller that doesn’t.
The Verde River runs through Rockin’ River Ranch State Park
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park is a sunny area near running water. The former ranch sits at the confluence of West Clear Creek and the Verde River. It officially opened as a state park on Feb. 9, just a week before my visit, and still has that new park smell. Or maybe that’s just the loamy scent of lush woodlands with spring on the way.
The park stretches across 209 acres of pasture, floodplain and forest with the line of Black Hills rising in the west. Big sycamore, cottonwood, willow, ash and hackberry trees grow along the river. A mesquite bosque spreads out from the water and provides additional habitat for birds and wildlife. Nearly a mile of Verde River slices through Rockin’ River Ranch, a robust riparian corridor that curves beneath a wall of white gypsum cliffs.
What you won’t find are many of the amenities associated with other state parks. A small visitor center has a tiny gift shop, restrooms and that’s pretty much it. A few ranch buildings still stand but are not open to the public. This is a park that keeps things simple. You’re close to nature but you never feel like you’re roughing it.
This is a quiet corner of Arizona. On the day I visited, besides my butterfly amigo, it was just a few folks wandering the trails or having a picnic by the river. One couple saddled up horses, keeping the ranch spirit alive.
Birders will wear out their binoculars scanning for the dozens of species found at the park including meadowlark, summer tanager, northern shoveler and wood duck. A pair of bald eagles nest downstream and can be seen hunting here. The park also serves as a springtime rookery for a local population of great blue herons. Each spring, up to 10 herons raise their chicks high in the branches of a tree near the old ranch lodge.
During my February visit, Rockin’ River Ranch still wore the drab earth tones of winter. Trees were leafless and dried stalks and grasses dominated the pasture. But things were changing. New grass and plant shoots were carpeting the forest floor. A butterfly now patrolled the grounds. I stood by the river picturing how beautiful the park would be when everything greened up. And the splash of water would be a siren song for metro Phoenix residents.
Swimming is allowed at Rockin’ River Ranch State Park
Rockin’ River Ranch will offer an idyllic summer getaway. While Camp Verde is only be about 10 degrees cooler than Phoenix during the summer months, the park is blessed with something desert dwellers crave: shade and water.
Flowing year round, the Verde River is the heart and soul of the park. For eons this vital waterway has attracted animals and humans alike, and has been the foundation for agricultural cultures from prehistoric times to the modern day. With the opening of the state park, the river retains protection while also providing recreational opportunities.
Now there’s a brand new swimming hole on the scene and that’s always cause for celebration in an arid landscape. The river is open for swimming, wading or just to sit beside while enjoying its splashy serenade. Is there a more musical sound in the high desert?
Please treat the river with the respect it deserves and pack out all trash. And exercise caution. There is no lifeguard on duty; swimming is at your own risk.
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park trails
Six easy hiking trails traverse the park. They’re wide and mostly level — graveled hardpack — crisscrossing the gentle terrain. Benches are strategically positioned along the pathways and there is no shortage of picnic tables.
- The 0.2-mile Shady Acres Trail offers almost immediate access to the river as it dips beneath the tree canopy of the riparian zone where several picnic tables overlook the water.
- The 1.2-mile Pasture Loop Trail offers mountain views and opportunities to see wildlife.
- White Cliffs Trail, a 1.7 mile loop that’s the longest trail in the park, is the most dramatic as it winds through forest following the river that curves along a rocky wall.
- Connector trails — Buckaroo Trail (0.4 mile), Outlaw Trail (0.3 mile) and Miano Trail (0.3 mile) — are positioned to form shorter loops. Trail maps are available upon entry.
Rockin River Ranch State Park fishing
Anglers can try their luck fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, redeye, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill and green sunfish. A valid Arizona fishing license is required for anglers 10 and older.
Kayaking is also allowed and is popular on this segment of the Verde River. Be advised there are no put-in spots within the park. That’s not necessarily a deal breaker because there is one right next door.
Clear Creek River Access Point is about 100 yards north of the entrance to Rockin’ River Ranch. There are only a few parking spots here and it’s a short, steep hill down to the water. But since this is where Clear Creek (not to be confused with West Clear Creek) joins the Verde, there’s generally a good flow even in the low water days of early summer.
You can put in below the small diversion dam. From here, it’s about 4.3 miles downstream, passing through Rockin’ River Ranch to Beasley Flat which has a boat ramp, interpretive signs and toilets.
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park camping
Rockin’ River Ranch is open for day use only. There is no camping for tents or RVs.
Rockin’ River Ranch State Park
When: Day use only. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. Last entry is at 4 p.m. Closed Mondays-Thursdays.
Where: 4513 S. Salt Mine Road, Camp Verde. From central Phoenix, take Interstate 17 north to Exit 287. Turn southeast on State Route 260 and go 1.6 miles to Oasis Road. Turn right on Oasis, which merges with Salt Mine Road. Continue for 5 miles to the park.
Admission: $7 per vehicle.
Facilities: Visitor center with gift shop, hiking trails, restrooms, picnic tables (pack out your trash). There are no drinking fountains, so bring water. Bottled water is sold in the gift shop.
Details: 928-284-7912, azstateparks.com/rockin-river.
Meet Roger Naylor
Arizona Republic contributor and author Roger Naylor will be at the Superstition Mountain Museum in Apache Junction at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 21, to give a presentation on his book, “Awesome Arizona: 200 Amazing Facts about the Grand Canyon State.”
The free talk will be held in the amphitheater. Superstition Mountain Museum is at 4087 E. Apache Trail. 480-983-4888, www.superstitionmountainlostdutchmanmuseum.org.
Find the reporter at www.rogernaylor.com. Or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RogerNaylorinAZ or Twitter @AZRogerNaylor.
Arizona
2026 NFL draft: 3 potential trades back from No. 3 for Arizona Cardinals
Since the Arizona Cardinals want to trade back from the No. 3 picks, here are three deals that could work.
The Arizona Cardinals have the third pick in the 2026 NFL draft, which begins this week on Thursday. All the reports coming out are saying that they want to trade out of the pick to acquire more draft picks.
But what does a trade look like and who could be involved?
The Kansas City Chiefs are involved in talks at some level. ESPN’s Adam Schefter expects trade talks to heat up this week.
NFL teams use a variation of a trade value chart when it comes to draft picks. Now, what a team actually is willing to give up can be influenced by potential competition with other teams, but we can’t count on that.
Here is the general trade value chart teams use.
Here are some potential deals that could be done.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have two first-round picks, which would be appealing to the Cardinals, who reportedly want to make a move for quarterback Ty Simpson, and the 29th pick might be just the spot to get him.
The third overall pick is worth 514 points.
The Chiefs’ picks at No. 9 (387 points) and No. 29 (202 points) together are worth 589.
To make up the difference, the Cardinals could give up No. 65 (78 points) for a total of 592 points.
One deal could be:
- Cardinals receive get No. 9 and No. 29 (589 points)
- Chiefs receive No. 3 and No. 65 (592 points)
Another could be:
- Cardinals receive No. 9, No. 29, No. 74 and 2027 third-round pick (653 points + value of future third-round pick, which is 36-78 points)
- Chiefs receive No. 3 and No. 34 (689 points)
The Cardinals keep their third-round pick and the Chiefs essentially move back five spots from No. 29.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have the 12th and 20th picks but no pick in the second round.
Pick No. 12 is 347 points and No. 20 is 269 for a total of 616.
This deal is close:
- Cardinals receive No. 12, No. 20 (616 points)
- Cowboys receive No. 3, No. 65 (592 points)
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are perhaps a dark horse to move up, although they do not have two first-round picks. They have the No. 8 pick, worth 406 points. Their second-round pick, at No. 42, is worth 142 points.
This deal could work:
- Cardinals receive No. 8, No. 42 (548 points)
- Saints receive No. 3, No. 104 (547 points)
Then the Cardinals could use their two second-round picks to then move back into Round 1 to get Ty Simpson.
They could trade No. 34, No. 42 and No. 65 (395 points) for No. 28, No. 38 and No. 106 (398 total points).
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Arizona
Dust returns to Phoenix area after hazy weekend – KTAR.com
PHOENIX — Breezy winds kicked up a blanket of dust across the Valley on Sunday, and forecasters say more is on the way this week.
Visibility in Phoenix became so bad on Sunday that Sky Harbor airport stopped flights for over an hour
The wind and dust peaked Sunday afternoon and gradually improved into the evening, said Michael Graves, an air quality meteorologist with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.
“You might’ve seen the mountains a bit obscured in the distance,” Graves told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday. “A lot of haze in the air.”
By Monday morning, skies had largely cleared and dust levels near the ground had dropped significantly.
Expect more gusty, dusty days this week
The relief may be short-lived.
ADEQ is watching for increased afternoon breezes Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, this time from the west and southwest. Though the winds are expected to be weaker than Sunday’s, Graves said forecasters cannot rule out dust.
“I wouldn’t say windstorm,” Graves said. “I would just say we’ve got some waves coming in. They’re going to increase our afternoon breeziness.”
It’s enough to kick up dry, exposed dirt, which could create pockets of dust. There is a slight chance of broader regional dust transport, Graves said.
It will impact people with asthma, COPD or respiratory conditions the most. Graves advised those with issues to monitor conditions and stay indoors during the dustiest hours.
“If you’re going to be outside, be outside during the times when it’s less dusty or hazy,” Graves said.
Graves noted that spring weather systems typically pass to the north of the Phoenix area, delivering wind and slight temperature drops but little to no rain, a pattern likely to continue.
KTAR News reporter Kellen Shover contributed to this report.
Arizona
Trying to beat the heat: Addressing rising temperatures in Southern Arizona
The University of Arizona and Tucson are known for yearlong warm weather, but when is it too much? With temperature reaching record highs in March, the city of Tucson has already reported increased temperatures for this year.
In the wake of the third annual Southern Arizona Heat Summit, integrating voices throughout the City of Tucson, community stakeholders and experts from UA gather to speak about possible solutions and policies to address rising temperatures and extreme heat.
The summit strives to ensure that the lived experiences of Southern Arizona residents are voiced. The first summit commenced in 2024, in response to the declaration of an extreme heat emergency in Arizona by Gov. Katie Hobbs, as part of a larger plan called Arizona’s Extreme Heat Response Plan.
With representation from organizations such as the American Red Cross, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, Arizona Jobs with Justice, Tucson Indian Center and many more, the summit emphasized the importance of the perspective and concerns of stakeholder groups throughout the community.
The summit included a variety of UA experts, including faculty representing the School of Geography, Development and Environment; the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy; the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture.
One particular project, led by Ladd Keith at the School of Landscape Architecture and Planning, is a part of the Southwest Urban Corridor Integrated Field Laboratory, which is funded by the United States’ Department of Energy to explore extreme heat throughout Arizona. SW-IFL works in collaboration with other national laboratories including those at ASU and NAU.
The team works to analyze extreme heat in the southwest and rural areas, and how communities deal with heat by conducting interviews. The team has also prescribed policy to Pima County and the City of Tucson regarding more effective strategies to combat rising temperatures, such as green stormwater infrastructure.
Anne-Lise Boyer, a post-doctoral researcher with the Climate Assessment for the Southwest, shared that the team particularly analyzed extreme heat in three parts: heat mitigation, heat management and heat governance.
Mitigation deals with prevention through strategies such as green infrastructure and planting trees, while management includes cooling sensors and heat warning systems. Governance allows these measures to be enacted through policy.
In Tucson, some of the most meaningful work the team has engaged in has been drafting the City of Tucson’s Heat Action Roadmap in 2024, which outlines goals to mitigate and mandate extreme heat and its impacts while prioritizing community voices.
The goals of the roadmap include informing and educating citizens of Tucson on the adverse effects of extreme heat and cooling people’s homes and neighborhoods by incorporating heat risk in regional planning. These steps are essential to practicing heat management, especially as the city of Tucson grows.
“I think the most interesting thing about being based in Tucson is that because the heat has been here for a long time, it’s like a laboratory in itself,” Boyer said. “We have all this research and all this collaboration happening with local actors because it’s a pressing issue in Arizona.”
As the annual heat summit recurs, new ideas and perspectives continue to be shared throughout the community. Boyer shared that this year, the Southern Arizona Heat Summit focused on the youth perspective, highlighting middle school and high school students and how heat impacts their everyday lives. Many students spoke about how heat shaped their lives at home, school and sports.
“That’s one of the goals, to have community members participate and give their input in how they wish the city will deal with the heat,” Boyer said.
Boyer and Kirsten Lake, a program coordinator for the SW-IFL team, also shared how the impacts of extreme heat impact some neighborhoods and communities in Tucson more than others, and that their research often evaluates these factors to determine where heat management efforts would make the greatest impact.
“Its important when you’re putting into effect some of these measures, that you make sure you put it where it’s going to make the biggest difference,” Lake said.
The work of the SW-IFL team is not just locally known. The Brookhaven National Lab based in New York deployed a specialized truck to Tucson to collect information on the atmosphere and rising temperatures. The SW-IFL team hosted the Brookhaven team.
Additionally, Keith’s work has led to a guidebook called “Planning for Urban Heat Resilience” which focuses on the adverse effects extreme heat poses to marginalized communities across the country.
“It is so different from place to place and neighborhood to neighborhood because you have to take the whole context into account,” Boyer said. “They recommend first to document the heat impacts in your communities.”
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