Discover Oracle State Park: Arizona’s Hidden Gem
Tucked into the northern foothills of Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Oracle State Park is one of Arizona’s best kept secrets. The park offers a mix of scenic trails, rich history and wildlife viewing, all at a cooler elevation than Tucson or Phoenix. Oracle sits around 4,500 feet above sea level, making it a great escape from the desert heat, just 50 minutes from Tucson or 2 hours from Phoenix. The park centers around the historic Kannally Ranch House, giving visitors a glimpse into the area’s ranching past while exploring 15 miles of trails through desert grasslands and oak woodlands.
Leave No Trace at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park is both a wildlife refuge and a place to explore history, so it’s important to protect it for future visitors. Please practice Leave No Trace while hiking or picnicking in the park. Always pack out what you bring, stay on marked trails, and respect wildlife and historic structures.
The 7 principles of Leave No Trace:
1) Plan ahead and prepare
2) Travel & camp on durable surfaces
3) Dispose of waste properly
4) Leave what you find
5) Minimize campfire impacts
6) Respect wildlife
7) Be considerate of others
Oracle State Park Overview
Oracle State Park is a 4,000-acre wildlife refuge and day-use park that officially opened to the public in 2001. Its history is rooted in conservation and a passion for preserving Arizona’s natural beauty. The land was originally part of the Kannally family ranch and was donated to the state with strict deed restrictions. These restrictions prohibit hunting, trapping, and off-road vehicle use, and limit development to less than 10 percent of the property ensuring it remains a place of protection and education.
Today, Oracle State Park offers over 15 miles of scenic trails, including Passage 13 of the Arizona Trail. In 2014 it was recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a perfect spot for stargazing away from city lights. The park also provides access to the back side of Mount Lemmon and the Coronado National Forest, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the region.
Hiking at Oracle State Park
Hiking at Oracle State Park is perfect for those who want a peaceful day outdoors without a lot of vertical gain. The trails are well maintained, clearly marked, and easy to follow. As you explore, you will see the landscape change from granite boulders and mesquite trees to manzanita lined paths, tall grass, rolling hills, and gravel washes.
Wildlife is abundant in the park, so keep an eye out for birds, deer, and other animals as well as signs of them along the trail. During our visit, we hiked two different loop trails and enjoyed how quiet and uncrowded the park felt compared to other hiking areas near Tucson.
Quick Stats: Nature Loop, Wildlife Corridor, & Kannally Wash
Length:
4.7 miles recorded
Route Type:
Out and back
Elevation Gain:
518 ft recorded
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
Yes, $7 entrance fee
Difficulty:
Easy to moderate
Water:
No water at trailhead
Quick Stats: Granite Loop Overlook Trail
Length:
1.6 miles recorded
Route Type:
Out and back
Elevation Gain:
295 ft recorded
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
Yes, $7 entrance fee
Difficulty:
Moderate
Water:
No water at trailhead
Star Party at Oracle State Park
Oracle State Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in Arizona to stargaze. Arizona State Parks regularly hosts star parties at Oracle and other state parks. These events often include multiple telescopes set up for public use and knowledgeable volunteers who guide you through the constellations, planets, and deep-sky objects.
The park is also available for night sky viewing by reservation outside of normal hours. While the main park closes at 4 p.m., visitors can enter through the American Avenue Trailhead if they have a reservation. Reservations must be made in advance by calling the park before 3 p.m. to pay the $12 reservation fee and receive the gate code.
If you have an Arizona State Parks annual pass, you can use the park for regular hiking during daytime hours. For after-hours stargazing access, you will still need to follow the reservation process to receive the gate code.
Note: Pass holders must call ahead and pay an after-hour fee of $5. Overnight camping is not allowed at the park at this time.
Other Things to do in Oracle
Dining in Oracle
If you are looking for a great place to eat, we highly recommend the Oracle Patio Café for breakfast or lunch. The attached market also has a great selection of desserts and baked goods that are perfect for a post-hike treat.
Backway to Mount Lemmon
Oracle is also the starting point for the backway to Mount Lemmon, which begins on East Mount Lemmon Highway — the same road that leads to Oracle State Park. This scenic dirt road is officially called Forest Control Road 38. Before the main paved highway was built, this was the only way to travel up and down Mount Lemmon. Because the road was so narrow and busy, the forest service had to regulate the direction of travel, controlling when it was open for uphill traffic and when it was open for downhill traffic.
Today, the backway is open from March 1 through December 14. It is a winding, 18-mile dirt road that offers a beautiful, rugged drive through the Coronado National Forest. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after rain.
For more hikes in the Tucson area check out our blog post here.
Best Time to Visit Oracle State Park
Oracle sits at about 4,500 feet, so the weather is generally cooler than Tucson or Phoenix, making it a great escape from the heat. Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit thanks to mild temperatures and colorful wildflowers. Winter can be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings, but it’s still a great time to hike with fewer crowds. Summer can get hot during the day, so plan to hit the trails early in the morning and bring plenty of water. If you’re visiting for stargazing, aim for a new moon weekend for the darkest skies and best night-sky viewing.
Where to Stay in Oracle
We stayed at a cozy Airbnb just minutes from Oracle State Park, which made it super convenient for an early start on the trails. There are several other Airbnbs and vacation rentals in the area, along with unique guest ranches for those who want a true Arizona experience. If you prefer traditional lodging, there are a handful of small inns and bed-and-breakfasts in town, as well as plenty of options in nearby Tucson if you don’t mind a short drive.
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