Park Status Updates

SYSTEMWIDE
(Changes in this area impact ALL regional parks, unless otherwise noted)

PHASE ONE: OPENING UP AMERICA AGAIN

The guidelines state:

• All individuals, WHEN IN PUBLIC (e.g., parks, outdoor recreation areas), should maximize physical distance from others. Social settings of more than 10 people, where appropriate distancing may not be practical, should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed.
• LARGE VENUES can operate under strict physical distancing protocols.

CAPACITY

• Parks will monitor day-use capacity and may put restrictions in place when appropriate physical distancing is being disregarded. Per the Governor's new Executive Order (Stay Healthy, Return Smarter, Return Stronger) all individuals, when in public areas, should maximize physical distance from others. Social settings where appropriate physical distancing is not practical should be avoided unless precautionary measures are observed and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines are followed.

CAMPING

• The online and phone reservation system will be used to book developed and semi-developed campsites. Reservations may be made during business hours by calling (602) 506-2930 ext. 1.
• No reservations will be taken after hours.

FACILITIES

• Nature Centers will remain closed. Staff are available by appointment only, excluding Lake Pleasant Regional Park.
• All park playgrounds are closed.
• Group/youth campgrounds and ALL group picnic areas are closed.
• Restrooms in closed areas are locked.

PARK PROGRAMS

• Future programs will be based on guidance and directives issued by the State of Arizona Governor and Maricopa County Leadership.

PAYMENTS

• Parks will accept payments via credit/debit cards and annual passes at entry stations only.
• Cash payments are strongly discouraged but may be made via envelope. Please include the exact change as our team will no longer have cash in the entry stations. Checks will not be accepted.
• Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area Payments: The Conservation Area will accept payments via annual passes, Cave Creek resident cards, and cash at the entry station. If paying by cash, please place exact change in iron ranger envelope.

CAMPFIRES

Campfires are acceptable in the following areas:

• It is acceptable to use gas/propane grills in designated areas such as semi-developed and developed campsites.
• It is NOT acceptable to have campfires along the shoreline at Lake Pleasant Regional Park due to the higher than usual water levels and dried brush along the shoreline.
• Click here to view a copy of the fire ban press release.

Maricopa County’s regional parks, trails, 10-lane boat ramp, and designated campgrounds continue to remain open for public use.

Park hours: 5 am to 8 pm - Sunday through Saturday.

Park hours: 5 am to 8 pm - Sunday through Saturday.

TRAILHEADS AND TRAILS

• The following areas have been CLOSED to help ensure safe social-distancing.
   -  Northern Loop of Turf Road
   - All Group Picnic and Playground Lots
   - Restrooms are available near open trailheads

TRES RIOS GOLF COURSE [NEW]

• Effective August 17, 2020, Tres Rios Golf Course will be temporarily closed. To learn more, click here.

Park hours: 7 am to 4 pm - Thursday through Sunday. You must be off the trails by 3:30 pm.

LAKE PLEASANT REGIONAL PARK

Park hours: 5 am to 8 pm - Sunday through Saturday.

MAIN ENTRANCE 

• BOBCAT DAY-USE AREA: Only parking lot, restroom, and individual picnic sites opened (large ramada to remain closed).

• RINGTAIL DAY-USE AREA: Only parking lot, restroom, and individual picnic sites opened (large ramada to remain closed).

• CONCRETE SPILLWAY. Open for day-use access only (when water levels are adequate).

• BOAT-IN CAMPING ONLY:

  • Additional information can be found on the Boat-In Camping page.

• The Discovery Center, Park Headquarters, and Operations Cove remain closed.

NORTH ENTRANCE (4-lane boat ramp) [UPDATED]

• Closed during the weekdays, except Friday.

• Temporarily open Fri/Sat/Sun from 5 a.m. – 4 p.m. - gate closes/locks at 4 p.m. ALL visitors must depart by 4 p.m.

• Shoreline camping and shoreline access will remain closed.

• Access will only be permitted for hikers or watercraft launchers.

• CASTLE CREEK/4-LANE BOAT RAMP: Ramp is all that will be open.

CAMPING RESERVATIONS [UPDATED]

• Campers are required to enter the park between 1 pm and 8 pm the day of their arrival.
• No entry access available between 8 pm and 5 am.

SHORELINE CAMPING [UPDATED]

• Will remain closed.

FISHING

• Option for fishing when the park entrance is closed:  Pleasant Harbor Marina
• Options for night fishing after 8:00 p.m.: 
  • Park Campground reservation
  • Park Boat-in/Angler camping reservation
  • Pleasant Harbor Marina
• If using Boat-in/Angler camping or Pleasant Marina, the following applies:
  • Anglers may night fish on the lake as long as watercraft remains in open water.  Once the watercraft is beached on the shoreline, that becomes shoreline camping, which is not permitted in the park. This could result in a citation.
  • The main entrance to Lake Pleasant Regional Park closes at 8 pm. All park visitors, excluding those with camping reservations, must exit the park by this time.
  • Boat-in campers may leave the park between the hours of 8 pm and 5 am, but will not be able to return/arrive during that time.

TRAILHEADS [UPDATED]

• The following trailheads are accessible at this time: Agua Fria, Beardsley, Brown, Cottonwood Day-Use Area, Frog Tanks, Pipeline Canyon Day-Use Area, Roadrunner, Wild Burro Day-Use Area, and Wild Burro Trailheads.

AGUA FRIA CONSERVATION AREA

• Upper parking lot access only for remainder of season.
• Water levels are low and require about a two (2) mile hike down from the parking lot along the riverbed to reach the lake.

OTHER

• Swimming and fishing (with a valid license) are allowed at the lake.

SCORPION BAY MARINA

• Scorpion Bay Marina slip renters and individuals with boat reservations should be in the park by 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
• Individuals visiting Scorpion Bay Marina should contact the marina for further information on how the changes will impact their visit.

Park hours: 5 am to 8 pm - Sunday through Saturday.

Park hours: 5 am to 8 pm - Sunday through Saturday.

Park hours: 5 am to 8 pm - Sunday through Saturday.

PAYMENTS

• The Conservation Area will accept payments via annual passes, Cave Creek resident cards, and cash at the entry station.
• Cash payments are strongly discouraged but may be made via iron ranger envelope. Please include the exact change as our team will no longer have cash in the entry stations. Checks will not be accepted.

Park hours: 5 am to 8 pm - Sunday through Saturday.

TRAILHEADS

• Parking restrictions have ben put in place at the Wind Cave Trailhead to limit capacity.

Park hours: 5 am to 8 pm - Sunday through Saturday.

TRAILHEADS

• The Mesquite Trailhead is open. Parking in lot only.