Beautiful Oracle State Park is a 4,000 acre wildlife refuge along the Catalina Mountains one hour north of Tucson and two hours south of Phoenix. This scenic park features rolling hills, vast desert, high grasslands and panoramic views.
This day use area in Oracle offers guests a range of activities to do during their visit – tour a historic ranch house museum; explore miles of multi-use trails; star gaze; have a picnic and enjoy the view; and discover many different species of wildlife.
Activities at Oracle State Park
Visit this picturesque Arizona state park for a day of adventure – explore miles of trails, birdwatch, learn more about the area during a tour of the historic Kannally Ranch House, picnic along the patio or under the shaded trees and then in the evening discover the stars and more in the dark skies up above.
Save some time during your visit to check out the park store and pick up souvenirs, guides, maps and more. The store also has an information center, exhibits and a slideshow presentation on local wildlife found within the park.
Here are a few of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Oracle State Park:
Dark Skies at Oracle State Park
The evenings are exciting inside Oracle State Park! At least from a star gazing perspective. The park is one of many in Arizona that has been recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association as being an ideal place to see into the night sky.
Star parties are held frequently and are a great way to learn more about celestial features (such as the Milky Way) and also get a chance to look at them through the lens of a powerful telescope. Check the park’s Events page for current information.
Trails at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park has over 24 miles of trails that pass through desert wilderness and scenic views. Many species of wildlife and plants can be seen along these trails and a section of the Arizona National Scenic Trail also passes through the park.
Most of the trails are open to not only pedestrians but also mountain bikes and several are also open for equestrian riders.
Here are a few of the trails at Oracle State Park:
- Arizona Trail Loop – Moderate 6 mile loop that begins on the Nature Trail from the Kannally Ranch House and along towards the National Scenic Arizona Trail. Beautiful views of the park along this loop.
- Granite Overlook Loop – Moderate 1.6 mile loop that starts at the Oak Woodland parking area. This trail winds past oaks and granite boulders as it climbs upward towards the highest elevation in the park and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Mariposa Trail – Moderate 1 mile trail that highlights the mariposa lilies that bloom during the spring.
- Nature Trail loop – Easy 1.2 mile trail that starts near the Kannally Ranch House and leads out to an adobe nature blind that overlooks a wildlife wateringhole in nearby Cottonwood Wash.
Tour the Historic Kannally Ranch House at Oracle State Park
Discover the multi-level Kannally Ranch House during your visit to Oracle State Park. This Mediterranean-Revival style house was built here during the late 1920s; it was built to reflect the Italian villas of the 1920s.
This historic 4-level house features original pieces of art (including almost 30 oil paintings by self-taught cowboy artist Lee Kannally) and unique design from the Kannally family along with historic photographs and displays.
The patio area outside has picnic tables for guests to take a rest and enjoy the view.
Wildlife Viewing at Oracle State Park
Bird watching is a popular attraction to this park and wildlife refuge. While hiking along the trails you may spot ravens, cardinals, Gambel’s quail, Cooper’s hawk, scrub jay, great horned owls, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, sparrows and warblers.
Wildlife viewing is also very popular and if you’re paying close attention you may see rabbits, deer, foxes, skunks, raccoons, javelina, coyotes, snakes, gila monsters and many types of lizards.
Become a Junior Ranger at Oracle State Park
Junior Ranger Pledge: ‘As an Arizona State Parks Junior Ranger, I pledge to help the park rangers protect and preserve habitat, wildlife, and help keep the park clean and safe for visitors and wildlife.’
Encourage younger generations to do their part and help preserve the beauty of the parks for future visitors. If your child is between the ages of 6-12 they can become a Junior Ranger at Oracle State Park.
All they need to do is download and complete the Junior Ranger Activity Sheet and then request a Junior Ranger booklet at the park’s visitor center once you’ve arrived at the park. Complete each of the activities during your stay.
When all of the activities have been completed report back to a Park Ranger who will swear your Junior Ranger in and award them with a Junior Ranger Button. Kids can become a Junior Ranger at most Arizona State Parks and earn each park’s unique Junior Ranger Button. Check out the For Kids section on each park’s website.
Pets at Oracle State Park
Pets are allowed at Oracle State Park but must be attended to at all times and kept on a leash no longer than six-feet. Please clean up after your pet. Pets are not allowed into facility buildings; service animals are not considered pets.
Lodging Near at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park is only a day use area. While they don’t have any overnight accommodations at this time there are plenty of choices nearby. Choose whether you want to camp, stay in your RV or a comfy hotel room and check out the following options:
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El Rancho Robles Guest Ranch – 1170 N Rancho Robles Rd
Choose to spend the night in a comfy room or a few days in your own private casita (with a fully equipped kitchen, living room and dining area) in this 1920s Mission-style guest ranch. Pet friendly, near trails and access to a pool.
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Triangle L Ranch – 2805 N Triangle L Ranch Rd
Private cottages on more than 50 acres of beautiful ranch land.
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Catalina State Park – 11570 N Oracle Rd, Tucson
This nearby state park has 120 campsites with water and electric connections and no limit on RV length. Each site has a picnic table and BBQ grill and is close to modern bathhouses.
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Picacho Peak State Park – 15520 Picacho Peak Rd, Picacho
Spend the night in one of 85 electric campsites at this state park, only 1 hour west; and then explore more trails along a 1,500 ft peak and a Civil War battlefield.
Attractions Near at Oracle State Park
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Catalina State Park
Explore trails at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the Coronado National Forest. These multi-use trails are open for hikers, mountain bikes and horses.
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Picacho Peak State Park
Hike up to the peak, visit a centuries-old historic landmark, camp and picnic at this nearby state park.
More Information
Day Use Hours:
8:00am – 4:00pm Daily (Winter Hours)
Park Store/Kannally Ranch House Gift Shop Hours:
9:00am – 4:00pm Daily
Park Entrance Fees:
Per vehicle (1-4 Adults): $7.00
Individual/Bicycle: $3.00
The American Avenue trailhead parking lot is open daily from sunrise to sunset for access to the Arizona Trail and for after-hours stargazers.
Park Location
Oracle State Park
3820 E wildlife Dr
Oracle, AZ 85623
Phone: 520.896.2425
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Oracle State Park:
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