Most People Have No Idea Arizona Has A Lost National Park… And It’s Stunning
Monica Spencer
Author
Papago Park is well-known for its unique red sandstone buttes, its hiking opportunities, and its proximity to three major cities in the Phoenix-metropolitan area. But did you also know that its 1,200 acres were once known as Papago-Saguaro National Monument? Yes, a national monument! Most people today don’t realize that keyword was removed from the park’s name back in 1930, or that it was the first of many national parks and monuments to lose their national status for a multitude of reasons. So, let’s take a look at why this area lost its national status once upon a time; it’s a lost national park in Arizona with a fascinating past.
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It didn’t help that the area was also still considered of little value for many local residents. It was seen as a dry desert unsuitable for development, vandals took their share of artifacts and plant life, businesses and other groups painted the sides of Hole-in-the-Rock, and even livestock roamed the area freely as no fences were installed.
For a couple of decades, the area suffered a bit of an identity crisis. During the Great Depression, the park served as a camp for people seeking work relief through the Civilian Conservation Corps. A portion of the park was transformed into a German POW camp from 1943 to 1946 (from which 25 of the prisoners famously escaped then returned to after realizing they couldn’t survive for long in the desert). That area later became a VA hospital and training area for the National Guard.
Want to check out some other historic spots that just might be hiding near you? Check out our article, 13 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In Arizona. What’s your favorite Arizona national (or state) park? Tell us about it in the comments.
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National Park to Visit in Arizona
What are the best parks in Arizona for kids?
Arizona is home to plenty of wilderness and amazing state and natural parks, but it’s also got plenty of wonderful city and town parks that are great for the kids. There’s Sahuaro Ranch Park, in Glendale, where you’ll spot plenty of roaming critters like chickens, peacocks, guinea hens, bunnies, and more, as well as some interesting historic homes and buildings. There’s Encanto Park, which is wonderful for kids who love playgrounds and interacting with other kids (though that could be argued for any park, really), and we also love Enchanted Island Amusement Park, which is located within Encanto Park in Phoenix. We adore east valley parks, too, like Rio Vista, in Mesa, which has all sorts of things to enjoy, like fishing, playgrounds, a splash pad, jungle gyms, and more. Arizona is a great state for kids, and there’s no shortage of fun and exciting places to take them.
What are some wonderful lesser-known hiking trails in Arizona?
Arizona is definitely a place for hikers; with more than 800 miles of amazing trails to conquer all over the state, it’s hard to know where to begin! Of course, there are always the famous hikes, like Bright Angel Trail, Camelback Mountain, and Bell Rock, but there are plenty of hikes that are truly something else that DON’T get the love they deserve. For example, in the tiny town of Eagar, you can find the West Baldy Trail #94. This trail is incredible! It’s 15 miles of truly amazing Arizona forests and meadows, and you can access it by obtaining a permit from the Mountain Apache Reservation, which is where it’s hiding. Fans of long, lesser-known hikes will also love Passage 34/San Fransisco Peaks, which is up near Flagstaff and makes up 35 miles of an incredible 800-mile trail known as the Arizona Trail. No matter which part of the state you’re in, you’re sure to find something amazing, so go outside and explore! For more information about these trails and more, check out this article of seven of the best little-known hiking trails in Arizona.