Maricopa, Arizona is a sprawling city located in the Gila River Valley in Pinal County. Throughout its history, the city has had three separate locations: Maricopa Wells, Maricopaville, and Maricopa Junction. Eventually, Maricopa Junction became known as only Maricopa. The community was originally established in 1857, and during the late 19th century, it was a major relay station along the San Antonio-San Diego Mail Line. During that period, the city flourished. However, Maricopa remained a relatively small town throughout the 20th century. Maricopa was officially incorporated as a city on October 15, 2003, and between 2000 and 2010, the population skyrocketed from 1,040 to 43,482.
As of 2022, Maricopa is home to approximately 62,500 people and is known for its rich history and picturesque desert scenery. If you want to have fun outdoors, there are many excellent choices around the city. For example, you could play 18 holes of golf at the Duke at Rancho El Dorado, a beautiful championship course. You could also have a thrilling adventure with Sonora Wings Hang Gliding or spend a fun day at the Copper Sky Recreation Complex, where you can fish, swim, climb, and enjoy various other activities.
Maricopa boasts plenty of unique indoor attractions, too. If you're a museum buff, consider checking out the Dwarf Car Museum, which contains an amazing collection of unique automobiles. Another worthwhile attraction is the Maha Ganapati Temple of Arizona, a breathtaking Hindu temple featuring stunning architecture. During your visit, you could also get a relaxing massage at Hands of Silk or do a little gambling at Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino. When you feel your stomach growling, a few top-tier restaurants in town worth sampling are the 347 Grill, Agave’s Restaurant, and the Raceway Bar and Grill. After dinner, catch a movie on one of the massive screens at Ultrastar AK-Chin Cinemas.
Campgrounds Near Maricopa, Arizona
One great camping option in the Maricopa area is the Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort. This gorgeous resort features over 2,000 RV campsites with full hookups as well as a huge variety of amenities, including Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and complimentary showers. Guests at the park can enjoy many structured activities, and there's also a wonderful on-site restaurant. Plus, if you're a golfing enthusiast, you'll love having easy access to the resort's fantastic golf course. Your pets are welcome at this RV park.
Another excellent place to stay is the Fiesta Grande RV Resort in nearby Casa Grande, Arizona which is only open to people over the age of 55. The large park has full-hookup RV campsites, a helpful staff, and quite a few amenities. The prices at the resort are reasonable, and during your stay, you'll have access to the pool and hot tub. Plus, pets are allowed.
If you're over 55, you could also camp at the Casa Grande RV Resort. There, you can rent one of the 350 full-hookup RV campsites for between $43 and $49 per night. The campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere, and the amenities include mini golf, a library, a fitness center, a pool, and a hot tub.
State Parks Near Maricopa, Arizona
Any history buffs should consider stopping by McFarland State Historic Park in Florence, Arizona. The small, commemorative park was established in 1974 to preserve several of the most significant historical landmarks in Florence. During your visit, you can explore many of these interesting buildings and learn about the history of the area. Take time to browse the former courthouse, which features a variety of unique artifacts. You can also head to the lovely outdoor courtyard, where you'll find several picnic tables and a grill.
Lost Dutchman State Park is situated in the beautiful Sonoran Desert roughly 40 miles outside of Phoenix, Arizona. The area is named after the famous Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine and covers 320 acres of picturesque scenery. The park is a great spot to observe unique wildlife, including javelinas, mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, and jackrabbits. Additionally, there are several miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails around the park, offering opportunities for hikers and bikers of all abilities and fitness levels.
Picacho Peak State Park is a beautiful natural area known primarily as the home of Picacho Peak, a stunning 1,500-foot formation. Surrounding the mighty peak, visitors will find gorgeous desert landscapes, which are covered in colorful wildflowers during the spring. While you're there, you can explore the peaceful hiking trails, enjoy a relaxing picnic, and check out the visitor center and gift shop. You should also keep your eyes open for some of the park's many wildlife species, such as badgers, desert mules, western banded geckos, Gila woodpeckers, and more.
National Sites Near Maricopa, Arizona
One unique national site near Maricopa is the Hohokam Pima National Monument, a protected stretch of tranquil desert with a rich history. The monument is home to an ancient Hohokam village, which preserves the local Native American history. Visitors who want to learn more can check out the many museums in the area. Take time to explore some of the scenic hiking trails which offer tremendous views of the area.
Another place worth a visit is the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in the town of Coolidge. The land was inhabited by ancient Sonoran Desert people between 1350 and 1450 C.E., and these days, the area contains the incredible ruins of their community. The site features a walled compound with an advanced irrigation system and a breathtaking four-story house that towers above it all. Visitors can explore the fascinating ruins and learn about the history of the ancient people who once inhabited the area. There's a path designated for self-guided tours, and you can also enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding desert.
The Tonto National Monument preserves the culture of the historic Salado Native Americans, who lived among the majestic Superstition Mountains in Gila County. The Salado people, who were farmers, hunters, and gatherers, lived in cliff dwellings and made use of various desert resources. While visiting the site, you can stop by the visitor's center museum and browse the many amazing artifacts on display. You can also explore cool routes like the Upper Cliff Dwelling Trail, the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail, and the Cactus Patch Trail. You may also want to head to nearby Theodore Roosevelt Lake to enjoy some hiking and fishing.
National Forests Near Maricopa, Arizona
Tonto National Forest, which is the largest national forest in Arizona, is situated northeast of Phoenix and comprises a whopping 2.8 million acres. There are six different reservoirs in the forest, two of which are formed by the mighty Salt River. There are many great fishing opportunities found throughout the area, including spots at the Green Valley Lakes, Chevelon Lake, and the Verde River. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching, stargazing, wildlife viewing, and hiking excellent trails like the Rim Lakes Vista Hiking Trail and the Horton Creek Trail.
Another sizable national forest found in Arizona is Prescott National Forest. Covering approximately 1.25 million acres, the forest features elevations ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 feet. The diverse natural area features mountains and deserts in addition to its lush woodlands. While exploring the forest, you can fish for trout, bass, and crappie and observe bald eagles and deer. You can also explore the many hiking routes, including the scenic Balancing Rock Trail and the Baby Granite Loop.
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is a massive natural haven known for its exceptional beauty. The forest is home to majestic mountains, shimmering blue lakes, peaceful meadows, and stunning ridges. Visitors can soak up the gorgeous scenery while enjoying various recreational activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing. Additionally, there are superb opportunities for kayaking and canoeing at places like Luna Lake, Scott Reservoir, and Fool Hollow Lake. During the winter months, the forest becomes a fantastic area for cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
