Sprawling across 286 acres of pristine natural beauty, Red Rock State Park serves both as a nature preserve and an environmental education hub. Its picturesque landscape features winding trails that traverse through dense clusters of manzanita and juniper, leading visitors to the lush banks of Oak Creek. Encircled by native vegetation, verdant meadows provide a serene landscape against the backdrop of majestic red rock hills. Oak Creek meanders gracefully throughout the park, nurturing a diverse riparian habitat teeming with indigenous flora and fauna. This unique ecosystem not only serves as a scenic marvel but also as the focal point for the park’s environmental education initiatives.
Catering to school groups and private gatherings, Red Rock offers an array of specialized programs. Daily and weekly park events enrich the visitor experience, complemented by essential facilities including a visitor center, classroom, theater, park store, ramada, and extensive hiking trails.
Location and hours of operation
With its visitor center located in Sedona, northwest of the Village of Oak Creek and east of highway 89A, Red Rock State Park (map to 4050 Red Rock Loop Road) is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and allows final entry at 4:30 p.m.
The visitor center opens at 9 a.m. Throughout the year, Red Rock is only closed on Christmas Day and operational hours shorten only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve to 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Programming at Red Rock State Park
Guided nature hikes at Red Rock
10 a.m. daily
Each morning, a volunteer naturalist leads visitors on a guided nature walk offering details about the different life zones at the park. Along the walk, your naturalist may cover geology, wildlife, history, archaeology and plant life.
Guided bird walks at Red Rock State Park
8 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays
On these twice-weekly bird walks, you will learn about Sedona’s diverse and beautiful bird species with a veteran bird enthusiast while strolling through the park.
Geology hike at Red Rock State Park
Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 1 p.m. – Reservations required
Red Rock’s guided geology hikes are led by knowledgeable volunteers monthly and take visitors out on the trails to discuss how time and nature transformed Sedona into what we see today. The immersive experience is for nature lovers and hikers at all levels.
Archaeology hike at Red Rock State Park
Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 1 p.m. – Reservations required
Visitors are invited to hear the fascinating story of the pre-Columbian people who lived and traveled throughout the local region centuries ago. The archaeology hike offers interpretation of the numerous archaeological features seen from park trails and identifies their wider context in relation to important regional Sinagua sites. The guide will touch on the ideas of the peoples and cultures that were likely to have made use of the local resources.
Moonlight hikes at Red Rock State Park
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 5:50 p.m., arrival required by 5:20 p.m.
Red Rock’s moonlight hike is among the most popular interpretive hikes at Red Rock State Park. Hike leaders guide visitors on this opportunity to enjoy the sunset and moonrise from a trail overlook. Throughout the hike, you will learn about natural resources along the trail.
The hike typically lasts between 2 to 2.5 hours, covering a distance between 2 to 2.5 miles.
Ethnobotany guided hike at Red Rock
Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 1 p.m.
With interpretation from a knowledgeable volunteer guide, join the ethnobotany guided hike to learn about the native plants of Sedona and their interconnection with indigenous cultures, pioneer settlers, wildlife and even modern society.
This interpretive experience is for hikers of all levels of skill and lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours with an elevation gain of about 250 feet.
May in Red Rock State Park
As with any outdoor recreation experience, visitors to the park are urged to pack, dress, and prepare appropriately for their day at Red Rock State Park. Even in springtime, midday temperatures in the park can reach extremely hot conditions. Recreationists should remember the 10 hiking essentials – no matter their planned activities at the park – with a special emphasis on having plenty of water, dressing for protection from daytime sun and nighttime cold, and carrying energizing food or snacks.
Red Rock reminds visitors to stay on designated trails for the protection of habitat and that swimming and wading in the creek are prohibited. Visitors may bring ADA service animals only into the park.
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