Oracle State Park

The Oracle State Park encompasses a total area of approximately 4,000 acres of land that is at the base of Santa Catalina Mountains and near the community of Oracle which is in southern Pinal County and just about 45 minutes from Tucson, Arizona. The park was established in 1976 and is under the management of the Arizona State Parks. 

The history of the Oracle State Park as a refuge is quite intriguing. The park began when Neil Kannally arrived in Oracle from Illinois seeking relief from tuberculosis. Several members of his family joined him over the years, and the community grew. During this time, the land was used mostly for ranching. In 1976, the property was transferred to the State Parks Board.

Today, the land is a unique place for visitors to come for several reasons. The Oracle State Park’s main purpose is to provide refuge to wildlife and to be a source of education for those that are interested in environmental matters of the local area. The educational programs that the park's management has to offer are available to both organized groups and to schools. 

To access these educational programs, you must schedule the class in advance. The Oracle State Park also offers other attractions like interesting geographic formations, a variety of native plant communities, wildlife resources, and the historic Kannally Ranch House. The protected area also has a wide variety of recreational activities on offer. 

Some of the favorite events include hiking, nature study, birding, horseback riding, biking, picnicking, guided tours, and the educational programs. There are also several amenities in the Oracle State Park for visitors to enjoy including a picnic area, a seven-mile section of the Arizona Trail, visitor and education center, historic ranch house, and restrooms.

Dogs are allowed into the Oracle State Park although there are, of course, some restrictions. Most importantly, dogs should be under the immediate control of their owner at all times, and the pooch should be prevented from disrupting or damaging the park's resources.