Explore the Red Rocks
Red Rock State Park in Sedona
Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre nature preserve and environmental education center in the heart of Sedona, AZ.
This beautiful park is known for its picturesque views of Sedona’s famous red rocks and diverse riparian habitat on the banks of Oak Creek. It’s a fantastic place to soak up Sedona’s stunning natural scenery while learning more about the local environment, native wildlife, and the region’s history.
Top Things to Do in Red Rock State Park in Sedona
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, like hiking or biking, or want to learn more about desert animals and birds, everyone can find something to do in Red Rock State Park to spark their interest!
Hiking
Red Rock State Park offers a five-mile network of hiking trails that lead hikers past the lush greenery of Oak Creek Canyon and the iconic red rocks in Sedona. All the park’s trails are well-marked and family-friendly, and most trails have an easy or moderate level of challenge, making them accessible to people of all abilities.
Some of the most popular hiking trails in Red Rock State Park include:
- Eagle’s Nest — This 2.5-mile round-trip hike starting at the Visitor Center offers a slight incline that winds through Oak Creek and rewards hikers with stunning red rock views at the highest point.
- Apache Fire — This 0.78-mile hike blends history with scenery, leading hikers to a 1946 adobe home (the House of Apache Fires) set against the red rocks and riparian habitat of Oak Creek.
- Kisva Trail —This 0.64-mile trail is a short, family-friendly trail that offers plenty of opportunities for spotting native wildlife or admiring the natural landscapes, including cottonwood trees.
Biking & Horseback Riding
Though biking and horseback riding are prohibited on most trails in Red Rock State Park, the park does connect to some of the most popular trails for biking and horseback riding in Sedona, including the Lime Kiln Trail. This 15-mile multi-use trail that winds through the Verde Valley was completed in 2008 and connects the entrance of Red Rock State Park in Sedona with Dead Horse Ranch Park and Cottonwood.
Other popular biking and horseback riding trails are found just outside the East Gate of Red Rock State Park, including Turkey Creek Trail, a well-known trail for horseback riding in Sedona, and the Cathedral Bike Loop, which offers stunning 360-degree views of Cathedral Rock.
Wildlife Watching
Wildlife enthusiasts will love searching for native desert wildlife at Red Rock State Park in Sedona. Some common animals to spot include mule deer, javelina, bobcats, and coyotes, as well as the occasional lizard, rattlesnake, or tarantula in the summer months. As you cross Oak Creek on the Kingfisher Bridge, you might be lucky enough to spot a charming and playful river otter!
For the best chance of spotting wildlife in Red Rock State Park, arrive early in the morning or stay as close to sunset as possible. Bring binoculars to spot animals from far away, and give them plenty of space while peacefully admiring them in their natural habitat.
Birdwatching
Red Rock State Park is one of the prime locations for birdwatching in Sedona. The park offers a chance to see resident and migratory bird species on the trails, especially near the cool, refreshing banks of Oak Creek. Though some of the more common birds to spot include doves, wrens, and finches, hawk and eagle sightings are not uncommon, and roadrunners also make an appearance from time to time!
Red Rock State Park also has a Hummingbird Garden near the Visitor Center designed to attract hummingbirds, native birds, and even migrating butterflies!
For the best chance of spotting wildlife in Red Rock State Park, arrive early in the morning or stay as close to sunset as possible. Bring binoculars to spot animals from far away, and give them plenty of space while peacefully admiring them in their natural habitat.
Guided Events
Red Rock State Park offers dozens of weekly and seasonal events for visitors who want to learn more about the park’s natural landscapes, native wildlife, and fascinating history.
Some of the most notable events are guided nature walks with volunteer naturalists at 10 AM each day and guided bird walks on Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting at 7 AM, 8 AM, or 9 AM, depending on the season. Check out the park’s event calendar to see the upcoming list of events, including everything from archeology walks and moonlight hikes to photography workshops and seasonal celebrations!
Red Rock State Park also has a Hummingbird Garden near the Visitor Center designed to attract hummingbirds, native birds, and even migrating butterflies!
For the best chance of spotting wildlife in Red Rock State Park, arrive early in the morning or stay as close to sunset as possible. Bring binoculars to spot animals from far away, and give them plenty of space while peacefully admiring them in their natural habitat.
Helpful Information for Visiting Red Rock State Park in Sedona
Hours
Red Rock State Park is open from 8 AM to 5 PM daily, with the last entry to the park at 4:30 PM. The park has shorter hours on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and is closed on Christmas Day. The Visitor Center is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.
Entrance Fee
Red Rock State Park charges an admission fee of $10 for adults (14+) and $5 for children between the ages of 7 and 14. Children under the age of seven are free.
Facilities
Red Rock State Park offers numerous facilities for visitors, including picnic tables and ramadas, well-kept restrooms, and the Miller Visitor Center. The Miller Visitor Center offers a movie theater showing films on a loop about Sedona’s wildlife and natural landscapes, hands-on exhibits, a ranger program for kids between the ages of 4 and 12, and a gift shop selling souvenirs, books, beverages, and snacks.
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Even though Red Rock State Park offers tons of gorgeous hiking trails and stunning natural landscapes to explore, this is just a fraction of all the incredible things there are to do in Sedona! From off-roading Jeep adventures and wine-tasting tours to fine dining experiences and boutique shopping, Sedona offers something to do for everyone to love, making it the ideal spot for a group trip or family vacation!
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