FISHING

Copper Sky Regional Park
45345 W. Martin Luther King Blvd.
520-316-4600

Open 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Copper Sky is home to a 5-acre lake stocked with a diverse population of aquatic life. Licensed anglers can take home a daily limit of four catfish, four trout, two bass (13-inch minimum), 10 sunfish/bluegill or one white amur (30-inch minimum). Normal statewide limits are applicable to any other species.

City park rules prohibit boating, swimming or wading (by humans or pets). Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are also prohibited at Copper Sky Regional Park, unless otherwise indicated for a special event.

Pacana Park
19000 N. Porter Road

From sunrise to 11 p.m., licensed anglers can find a diversely-stocked pond with a maximum depth of 11 feet. Arizona Game & Fish keeps this lake stocked with a mixture of fish allowing for an individual daily-bag limit of two catfish, two trout, one bass (13-inch minimum), five sunfish and one white amur (30-inch minimum).

Park rules prohibit boating, swimming or wading (by humans or pets). Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are also prohibited at Pacana Park, unless otherwise indicated for a special event.

HUNTING

Sonoran Desert National Monument

For Maricopa residents, one of the best places for a local hunt is less than an hour west of the city, in the mountains and valleys of the Sonoran Desert National Monument. While hunting is allowed on much of the nearly 500,000 acres of federally protected land, it can be limited in certain areas and entirely prohibited in others depending on the species, season and method-of-take, so do your research with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Bureau of Land Management.

When properly licensed and permitted, hunters in the monument could have access to javelina, mule deer, mountain lions, dove and quail. Desert bighorn sheep are also known to live in the Maricopa Mountains, though due to dwindling populations, permits to hunt these illusive mammals have become harder to obtain, with only 80 to 100 being awarded in the state each year through the AZGFD’s lottery system.

PUBLIC SHOOTING AREAS

Maricopa Shooting Range
Hidden Valley Road

Located on Hidden Valley Road, about 1.25 miles south of Farrell Road, is Maricopa’s nearest public shooting area. Situated on the eastern slopes of the Palo Verde Mountains, this target-shooting area is open and free to shooters of all ages and skill levels.

The secluded site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, which requires target materials, ammunition casings and all other garbage be disposed of properly. Individuals caught littering may be prosecuted.

 Sonoran Desert National Monument

Most of the Sonoran Desert Nation Monument is open for recreational shooting, with the exception of 10,600 acres in the north and northeastern areas that in 2015 closed to target shooting because of a court-ordered analysis of the impacts of such shooting on the Monument. The prohibited areas amount to only about 2 percent of the total monument.

The Bureau of Land Management advises all shooters to follow safety guidelines and only use firearms as prescribed by federal and state law. BLM also requires target materials, ammunition casings and all other garbage be disposed of properly.

CAMPING & HIKING

Sonoran Desert National Monument

Hiking and camping are allowed throughout most of the Monument. With nearly 500,000 acres of federally-protected lands, SDNM can entertain novice hikers and adventurous explorers alike. From short, scenic hikes and wildlife viewing, to overnight camping and stargazing, BLM encourages people to explore the numerous hidden treasures of both indigenous and colonial history.

BLM advises all visitors to follow park regulations concerning the use of open flame and trash disposal. During the hotter months, April to September, BLM reminds hikers to stay hydrated and always bring a cellular phone in case of emergencies. It is also important to notify someone of the location of your intended hike.

GOLF

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes
48456 W. Highway 238
520-568-2000

Recently voted Arizona’s fifth best by Golf Magazine, the 320-acre oasis at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes is located on SR 238 just 2.5 miles west of John Wayne Parkway. Golfers enjoy world-class golf against a beautiful mountainous backdrop and quality food and beverage options at its Arroyo Grille.

 The Duke at Rancho El Dorado ­­
42660 W. Rancho El Dorado Parkway
480-844-1100

A par-72 “championship-style” course located in the heart of Maricopa’s flagship subdivision, Rancho El Dorado, The Duke offers the public golfing and dining via its Silver Spur Grill right in their own backyard.

RECREATION CENTER

Copper Sky Multigenerational Complex
44345 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
520-316-4600

The municipal recreation complex at Copper Sky not only offers members access to its indoor fitness and sports facilities and a premier aquatic center, it offers public access to its many outdoor amenities. Outdoor basketball, pickleball and tennis courts are available first-come first-served, while baseball and softball fields can be reserved for as little as $10 per hour. There is also a dog park and skate park for both roller blades and skateboards.

Covered ramadas and sections of the 9-acre lawn near the lake can also be reserved for gatherings and events.

 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR