The lake should be filled within the next year, according to a ranger we spoke with last week.

Yep! The official policy is that dogs are allowed at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, but have to be kept on a leash (6' max length) when not in your vehicle.

Perhaps they were Yuccas, Nolinas or Cholla Cactus? Saying that I cannot remember them myself. Most of the vegetation were deciduous trees. Why not e-mail the state park themselves, I'm sure they'd know.

While visiting Valley of Fire earlier this month (December '16) we observed 2 weddings taking place there.

No there is no camping there. In fact the park closes at 4:30 pm

No but it is beautiful to stroll around.

I recommend inquiring directly. They do require professional photographers to purchase a license. If you are doing anything, including group photos, that appears to involve photography for pay you'll likely be approached about a license.

Greetings, No. Lake Harriet is home to an endangered fish and a bunch of crawdads. In fact, for a while there, there were so many some were coming close to shore and were begging Cheetos from some of the visitors I am told. There is so much hiking and on some Saturdays there are lots of programs, swimming will be the last thing on your mind.

I can't comment on all the trails, but we've been on two separate trails and they were easy, though beautiful.