Oracle State Park

good easy trail for kids under 8 and elders, otherwise it’s boring in this winter season. The Nature trail that's close to the gift shop has just sands and withered plants. The wild life trail can’t see any wild life, seldom any other hikers on the road. There are so many side ways that’s misleading. We miss the Wild life trail and proceed to firebreak road at first until we saw 4 others coming down from a hill. There’s only 1 ranger works at the gift shop. No other rangers guide you on the way. We arrive about noon and the gift shop was closed till 2pm. There are some gold finch birds perching at the bird feeder in front of the Ranch house. The 100 year old house is well maintained with some nice household display. Outside the house is a bit windy. The park close at 5pm so we barely have time to finish 3 trails. The Geology trail has nothing much to see. The granite loop maybe more fun with the boulder views. If you bring small kids, don’t forget to ask the ranger for the activity pamphlet and later return for the cool yellow badge. People seem to call in to book the star party at night while we were at the gift shop. You pay parking at the gift shop not the front door.

This park is outstanding. It is easy to park, with clean bathroom facilities throughout the park. There are well planned and maintained trails as well as sites to explore such as the historic Kannally Ranch House. There are plenty of activities sponsored throughout the year for the public. Attended an incredibly informative geology tour with Tom Buckley, Oracle State Park geologist. He was key in development of the self-guided geology tour at the park. There is a map and information that can be downloaded on your phone as well as a paper brochure.

Nice picnic area and restroom. The Geology trail is an interesting and easy hike. You can take a GeologyTrail map at the beginning of the trail and learn more at the numbered markers (selfguided tour). We did just a part of it this (first) time. Starting at Geology trail from the group area (over Marker 1-3, then over the Kanally wash shortcut to marker 9,10 and back). Suitable trail for kids ages 2 and up during mild temperatures, which we had today🙂 (walking only/no strollers).