Gene Autry Park
Rate this placeNearby: Princess Park Vista Monterey Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Gene Autry Park is a beautiful park located in Mesa, Arizona, named after the famous singer and actor, Gene Autry.
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Summary
The park covers over 50 acres and is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. One of the main reasons to visit Gene Autry Park is for its stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
There are several points of interest within the park, including a large lake that is perfect for fishing, boating, and kayaking. There are also several walking trails that wind through the park, offering visitors the chance to observe local wildlife, such as ducks, geese, and other birds. Additionally, the park features several picnic areas and playgrounds, making it an excellent place for families to spend an afternoon.
Interesting facts about the area include that the park was once a working ranch and that it was donated to the city of Mesa by Gene Autry himself. The park is also home to several historic buildings, including the old ranch house, which has been restored and is now used for events and educational purposes.
The best time of year to visit Gene Autry Park is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and comfortable. During the summer months, temperatures can be very hot, making outdoor activities less enjoyable. Overall, Gene Autry Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Mesa, Arizona, and is a great place to spend a day enjoying nature and the great outdoors.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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