Red Rock State Park

Brilliant Fall colors along Oak Creek make for a spectacular hike at Red Rock State Park.

Red Rock State Park is a 286 acre nature preserve and environmental education center. The park, which operates both as a nature reserve and an environmental center, offers beautiful scenery. Trails throughout the park wind through manzanita and juniper to reach the rich banks of Oak Creek. Green meadows are framed by native vegetation and hills of red rock.

The park offers a variety of special programs for school groups and private groups. Additionally the picnic area and classrooms may be reserved for public or private functions. There are also a number of daily and weekly Park Events.

Park facilities include a visitors center, classroom, theater, gift shop, picnic tables, 10 developed trails, restrooms, and group area with Ramada and facilities. The restrooms are handicapped accessible. Camping facilities are not available at this park.

The Red Rock State Park property was acquired by the Arizona State Parks Board in 1986 and the park was opened to the public in 1991. The park's 286 acres were originally part of the Smoke Trail Ranch, owned by Jack and Helen Frye. Arizona's famous Oak Creek meanders through this scenic park, creating a diverse riparian habitat abounding with plants and wildlife. This riparian habitat, the land-based ecosystem closely associated with Oak Creek, provides the setting and the opportunity for the park to offer a focus on environmental education.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, January 11: Volunteer Guided Geology Hike
2 pm. Visitors can join a volunteer on a guided geology hike through Red Rock State Park. This hike includes the Eagle's Nest Trail for a great view of the park and the surrounding area. More than just a guided hike, this is an interpretive experience for the beginner as well as advanced geologist. The hike lasts 2 to 2½ hours and has a 250-foot elevation climb. Enjoy an afternoon with our knowledgeable volunteer guide as the rock formations that create the scenic backdrop of Red Rock State Park are explained. Bring water and wear suitable shoes or boots. Reservations may be required for this hike. Please call (928) 282-6907 for additional information.

Sunday, February 8: Volunteer Guided Geology Hike
2 pm. Reservations may be required. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Call (928) 282-6907.

Sunday, March 8: Volunteer Guided Geology Hike
2 pm. Reservations may be required. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Call (928) 282-6907.

Wednesdays & Saturdays at 9 am during January, visitors will find bird enthusiasts joining a naturalist for a "Guided Bird Walk." Beginners as well as advanced birders are welcome. Rangers recommend visitors bring their own binoculars. A limited number are available for loan from the park.

Daily at 10 am visitors can join a naturalist on a guided nature walk that lasts 1½ to 2 hours and will introduce them to the riparian ecosystem of Oak Creek and other aspects of the park. Plants, wildlife, geology, history and archaeology are some of the subjects that may be discussed.

Daily at 2 pm the park hosts either a guest speaker or a ranger/naturalist led activity of approximately 45-minutes. Programs may include a nature-hike, a special presentation or an educational/nature video. This program may be an indoor or outdoor activity.

All of the below hikes and walks may require reservations. Please contact the park at (928) 282-6907 for additional information or to make reservations.

First Sunday Programs

First Sunday of each month @ 2:00 pm. On the First Sunday of each month, except those that fall on a holiday weekend, presentations by a variety of speakers are given in the park theater. Subjects range from scientific, such as geology, archaeology and archaeoastronomy, to historical and wildlife presentations. These programs are well attended and reservations are recommended. The programs begin promptly at 2:00 pm. Please call (928) 282-6907 for additional information.

2 O’Clock Program

Daily @ 2:00 pm. A guest speaker or a ranger/naturalist led activity of approximately 45 minutes. Programs may include a nature-hike, a special presentation or an educational/nature video.

Video Presentation

Daily, upon request. The parks movie theater shows “The Natural Wonders of Sedona-Timeless Beauty”. The movie reveals why USA Weekend voted Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon “the most Beautiful Place in America”.

Hikes and Walks

Red Rock State Park offers a variety of hikes throughout the year. Arizona’s famous Oak Creek meanders through Red Rock State Park creating a diverse riparian habitat for plants and wildlife. It provides the backdrop for our special hikes and walks that are a regular part of the park’s environmental program.

Guided Nature Walk

Daily @ 10:00 am. Visitors can join a naturalist on a guided nature walk, lasting one-and-a-half to two hours, which will introduce them to the riparian ecosystem of Oak Creek and other aspects of the park. Plants, wildlife, geology, history and archaeology are some of the subjects that may be discussed.

Bird Hikes

Saturdays and Wednesdays. (Start times vary by season please contact the park for current times.) Birding enthusiasts of all experience levels join a naturalist on a guided bird walk along Oak Creek’s riparian habitat. Visitors are asked to bring their own binoculars, although some binoculars and bird lists are available at the Visitor Center.

Download Printable Bird List ( 896 KB PDF)

Sunset Walk

June – August; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays @ 6:00 pm. During summer months, visitors can enjoy a naturalist guided Sunset Walk that concludes with a view of the sunset. Archaeology, plants and other aspects of nature will be discussed.

Geology Hike

Second Sunday of each month (excluding June-August) @ 2:00 pm. Why are the rocks red? Where do the rocks come from? Where are they going? On one of our most popular hikes, a park volunteer will escort visitors on a guided hike discussing the geology of the area. This hike includes the Eagle's Nest trail for a great view of the park and the surrounding area. More than just a guided hike, this is an interpretive experience for the beginner as well as advanced geologist. The hike lasts for 2-2½ hours and has a 250-foot elevation climb. Enjoy an afternoon with a knowledgeable volunteer guide who will explain the rock formations that create the scenic backdrop of Red Rock State Park.

Moonlight Hike

April – October. (Dates and start times vary, contact the park for information.) An unforgettable experience, Red Rock State Park’s very popular Moonlight Hike includes a naturalist-led interpretive hike on the park’s beautiful trails. Enjoy the sunset and moonrise from an overlook and return by the light of the moon. The hike lasts for approximately 2 to 2-2½ hours, has an elevation climb of 200-250 feet and covers 2 miles. Dress comfortably, wear appropriate hiking shoes, and bring water, a flashlight and insect spray. This hike is held only one night each month from April through October and requires reservations. Start times vary. Please contact the park.

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