Trails, Parks & Recreation
The Arizona Trail
The Arizona National Scenic Trail passes just 6 miles west of San Manuel by road where it crosses Webb Road. It stretches from Utah to Mexico and is 800 miles long. The trail brings adventure to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
San Manuel is a designated gateway community of The Arizona Trail and has a public use airport just 6.8 miles from the trail.
The American Flag Trailhead is just off Mount Lemmon Road onto American Flag Ranch Road about 3/10ths of a mile.
Oracle State Park
Hike on 15 miles of trails, find equestrian trails, bring a picnic and tour a historic ranch house. The park is a designated ‘dark sky’ area for stargazing. Also, it can accommodate group gatherings and hosts various events. Has an entrance fee. Located at: 3820 Wildlife Drive, Oracle, Arizona 85623 (gate is on Mount Lemmon Rd) | Website | Facebook | Find Park Events | Astronomers Forecast | 520 896-2425
Coronado National Forest
The forest is multi-segmented in the mountains both east and southwest of San Manuel. Find camping at Peppersauce Campground to the southwest. To the east is The Galiuro Wilderness. | Map
Santa Catalina Map (pdf) | Forest Service Maps | Fire Restrictions | Motor Vehicle Maps | Interactive Map
Birding At The San Pedro River
The nearby San Pedro River area east of San Manuel is known as a hot spot for bird watching. See the links below for detailed info.
Important Bird Areas – Lower San Pedro River | Lower San Pedro River IBA (See San Manuel Crossing)
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness
The Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness ‘west trailhead’ is 32 miles from San Manuel.
Permits must be purchased beforehand for this 19,410 acre wilderness area. Getting there: Go aproximately 9 miles north of Mammoth on 77, turn right onto Aravaipa Rd (same as college). It is then just over 12 miles on this mostly primitive road. (92805 E Aravaipa Rd, Winkelman, AZ 85192)
Webpage | BLM | On Google Maps | Info: 928 348-4400 | Permits: 877 444-6777
San Manuel City Park
The county maintained City Park in San Manuel has a modern kids playground, basketball court and picnic tables. Located near the San Manuel Community Center at 111 5th Avenue, San Manuel, AZ.
Tennis Courts & Basketball Court
Multiple tennis courts and a basketball practice court are located at: 203 E Main San Manuel AZ