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Day Trips from Show Low

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Day Trips from Show Low: State Parks & Natural Areas

The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Show Low, AZ. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 state parks near Show Low

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, Gilbert, AZ 85234

Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch

Gilbert, AZ 85234

Just 2 hrs 48 min from Show Low, rated 4.8 stars by 7,455 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 48 min4.8 (7,455)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Catwalk Recreation Area, Glenwood, NM 88039

Catwalk Recreation Area

Glenwood, NM 88039

Just 2 hrs 32 min from Show Low, rated 4.8 stars by 1,172 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 32 min4.8 (1,172)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Pine, AZ 85544

Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

Pine, AZ 85544

Just 1 hr 50 min from Show Low, rated 4.8 stars by 3,977 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 50 min4.8 (3,977)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area, AZ 85501, USA

Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area

AZ 85501, USA

Just 2 hrs 23 min from Show Low, rated 4.8 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 23 min4.8 (79)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Tonto National Forest, AZ 85224, USA

Tonto National Forest

AZ 85224, USA

Just 1 hr 4 min from Show Low, rated 4.8 stars by 15,807 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 4 min4.8 (15,807)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Canyon de Chelly National Monument, USA

Canyon de Chelly National Monument

USA

Just 2 hrs 36 min from Show Low, rated 4.8 stars by 2,936 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 36 min4.8 (2,936)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Trail Head Preserve - McDowell Mountains, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Trail Head Preserve - McDowell Mountains

Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Just 2 hrs 54 min from Show Low, rated 4.8 stars by 132 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 54 min4.8 (132)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Lost Dutchman State Park

Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Just 2 hrs 41 min from Show Low, rated 4.7 stars by 3,423 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 41 min4.7 (3,423)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

El Malpais National Conservation Area, Grants, NM 87020

El Malpais National Conservation Area

Grants, NM 87020

Just 2 hrs 33 min from Show Low, rated 4.7 stars by 816 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 33 min4.7 (816)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Petrified Forest National Park, USA

Petrified Forest National Park

USA

Just 1 hr 2 min from Show Low, rated 4.7 stars by 13,638 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 2 min4.7 (13,638)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Cibola National Forest, NM 87113, USA

Cibola National Forest

NM 87113, USA

Just 1 hr 54 min from Show Low, rated 4.7 stars by 6,194 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 54 min4.7 (6,194)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Coon Bluff Recreation Area, Mesa, AZ 85215

Coon Bluff Recreation Area

Mesa, AZ 85215

Just 2 hrs 39 min from Show Low, rated 4.6 stars by 1,057 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 39 min4.6 (1,057)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Show Low

What are the best state parks near Show Low, AZ?

The best state parks near Show Low offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.

How much does it cost to visit state parks near Show Low?

Most state parks near Show Low charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.

Which state parks near Show Low are best for camping?

Several state parks within driving distance of Show Low offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.

What is the best time to visit state parks near Show Low?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Show Low. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.

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