Discovery Park
Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park blends science, technology, and outdoor exploration for EA students, local grade schools, and for the community. Located off-campus in Safford AZ, the 120-acre park serves as a multi-purpose, hands-on, educational and research facility.
Open year-round with free admission, plan your visit today and discover scientific wonders where you never thought to look before.
Book an MGIO Tour Rent the Ranch House Plan Your Visit
Explore and Visit
Feeling adventurous? Explore desert paths with sandy wash crossings and steep hills, take a rest at several shaded areas in the natural riparian areas, or even play a round of Disc Golf.
Tour Mount Graham International Observatory
Reserve a guided tour of one of the world’s most remarkable observatory sites – allowing you to see the world’s most advanced astronomical instruments up close.
This all-day adventure is great for education groups, avid astronomers, conservation enthusiasts, and everyone in between.
Rent a Venue
Gather and host where it matters most. Located in the scenic Sonoran Desert, host a corporate meeting, conference, wedding reception, or gathering at EA Discovery Park’s rustic Ranch House. This venue also comes with exclusive catering provided by EA’s acclaimed Food Services.
Contact the EA Facilities Coordinator today for a quote and secure your spot.
Spark Your Curiosity
EA’s Discovery Park thrives as a scientific hub for the eastern Arizona region, emphasizing science, technology, and local culture. More than a destination, it is a community resource, a student learning site, and a place for events.
The EA Biology Department utilizes the park for real-world application classes in native vegetation, Global Information Systems, and Environmental Drone Training. Additional classes and programs are planned for future semesters. Effectively teaching our students to be stewards of the land that EA calls home.
The community routinely participates in STEM activities like rocketry, environmental youth camps, science festivals, projects with the Gila Watershed Partnership, and even traditional pottery-based kiln conferences. Facilitating both conservation engagement and connection to local heritages.
From the ranarium that helps reintroduce endangered species to accommodative conference facilities, we ensure that all benefit from Discovery Park.
A Legacy of Exploration
What began as an ambitious visitor center for the Mt. Graham International Observatory in Safford transformed into EA’s Discovery Park: a space for science, culture, and community engagement. Channeling the pioneering spirit that Eastern Arizona College was founded on and working in partnership with both the University of Arizona and the Vatican Observatory, the site has provided a foundation for STEM education, environmental research and exploration, and community events.
Discovery Park acts as a gateway to opportunity: showing it’s visitors the Gila Valley’s riparian habitat and natural biodiversity, the hidden majesty of Mt. Graham, and the endless possibilities of our solar system. A site of astronomical capabilities.
Discover the Desert
Hike Nature’s Hideaway
Hike desert paths with sandy wash crossings and steep hills. Take a rest at several shaded areas in the natural riparian areas. Discovery Park’s Nature’s Hideaway Trail System offer over four miles of trails through the Sonoran Desert landscape, with a guarantee that you’ll see a variety of native animals and vegetation.
Dogs and horses are always welcome, but no motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails. We ask that all dogs be on leashes for theirs and other’s safety.
Support Local Conservation
A regional leader in producing native plants for restoration and habitat projects ,and operated by The Gila Watershed Partnership (GWP), the Gila Native Plant Nursery provides cottonwoods and willows to replace invasive salt cedars on the Gila River as well as other native flora. Additionally, the species cultivated at the Nursery serve an important niche in Gila Valley’s climate, providing critical habitats for local wildlife.
Every spring, the Gila Native Plant Nursery holds a plant sale, serving as a public source for native plants, especially pollinators and low-water use species.
Connect with Local History
Examine items from the lives of people who inhabited the Gila Valley and surrounding areas a millennia ago at Discovery Park’s Native Heritage Museum. Artifacts include pottery, arrow heads, woven sandals, beaded jewelry, and much more.
Play a Round of Disc Golf
Assemble your team and compete against friends and rivals alike at Discovery Park’s Disc Golf Course. Made in partnership with the Gila Valley Disc Golf Club (GVDGC), this “A+” grade professionally designed Disc Golf offers a challenge for players of all skill levels.
The course is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk and admission is free.
Explore the Stars
Learn about the solar system at your own pace along the Solar System Path. Then explore the surfaces of planets and moons while experiencing the challenges of space in the full-motion Polaris Spacecraft Simulator. Tour the History of Astronomy Gallery and learn Galileo’s first telescope to Albert Einstein’s development of the theory of relativity. Finally, head into the Governor Aker Observatory to view the cosmos with the 20” Tinsley Cassegrain Reflector Telescope donated by the University of Arizona.
This research-grade telescope is available for assisted viewings to the public at no charge on Saturday evenings. Below the telescope is the largest camera obscura in the world, viewable during the day.
Additionally, EA’s Discovery PArk operates as the official visitor center for the MGIO and provides tours of the observatory’s three telescopes.
Mt. Graham International Observatory
In partnership with the University of Arizona, EA’s Discovery Park provides guided tours to the MGIO – allowing you to see the world’s most advanced astronomical instruments up close. The tour also covers the history, geology, and unique diversity of the five life zones on Mt. Graham.
Tour Information
Public tours are available May through October — weather permitting — with transportation, orientation, and exclusive access to all three major telescopes:
- The Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope
- The Heinrich Hertz Submillimeter Telescope
- The Large Binocular Telescope
The tour begins at 9 a.m. at EA’s Discovery Park, and returns around 5 p.m., making for an engaging all-day adventure.
Visitors must be 12 years or older
Tickets are $75 per person for adults and $60 for seniors over 65, youth under 18, and veterans. Included in the purchase of the ticket is van transportation up Mt. Graham, a boxed lunch at the Columbine Ranger Station, and docent-led access to each telescope.
Participation is limited to 18 guests per tour.
Note: Advanced reservations are required to access the endangered red squirrel refugium area.
Make Your Reservation
Tours fill up fast and operate seasonally, so reserve your’s or your group’s spot while there is still available seats.
Reserve Your Tour
Contact Information
For information about the content of the tours, contact Discovery Park.
- (928) 428 – 6260
- discoverypark@eac.edu
For assistance with purchasing tickets, contact the EA Ticketing Office.
- (928) 428 – 8228.
Gather and Host
The Ranch House
Host your next event in style at The Ranch House at EA’s Discovery Park—modern, scenic, and affordable. Ideal for weddings, parties, reunions, dances, conferences, or corporate events.
This multi-purpose western-themed venue offers the feeling of being at the ranch, while just outside of town.
- Venue Size: The Ranch House is a spacious 40′ x 60′ .
- Guest Capacity: Can accommodate up to 150 guests depending on set up.
- Amenities: Tables and chairs, free Wi-Fi, computer with an 85″ screen display, full sound system, with heating and A/C.
- Surrounding Area: Rentals also include a lighted front porch with picnic tables and fire pit, access to the meadows, a shady park area, and plenty of parking.
- Monster Catering: Catering is provided by the EA Monster Catering Department.
The EA Discovery Park Ranch House Conference Facility is affordable, flexible, and ready for your event.
Contact the Facilities Coordinator at (928) 428-8201 to book today.
Hours of Operation
Discovery Park Campus is open to the public during the following times:
| Day | Morning Hours | Afternoon and Evening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10 a.m. – Noon | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Tuesday | — | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10 a.m. – Noon | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Thursday | — | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Friday | 10 a.m. – Noon | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Saturday | — | 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Sunday & Holidays | Closed | Closed |
Note: Operating hours may vary due to special events or staff availability.