red sandstone canyon above the desert in Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park lies along the banks of Oak Creek, beneath the rust colored hills of Sedona an hour north of Flagstaff. This 286 acre nature preserve features a red sandstone canyon, trails, an environmental education center, picnic areas and more.

It was designated as a day use park to help preserve the riparian habitat along the creek. And today it exists to protect this environment, educate visitors and provide access to this beautiful area.

Activities

When you visit this picturesque Arizona state park you’ll have the opportunity to explore the trails (all the way to Dead Horse Ranch State Park if you’re ambitious!), picnic, learn more about this beautiful area and the diverse wildlife within and more.

Shaded ramadas and picnic areas are scattered throughout the park and feature breathtaking views while providing a relaxing spot to stop and catch your breath.

The park also hosts many events, educational programs and guided hikes throughout the year. Discover more at the Visitor Center.

Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Red Rock State Park:

Hiking Trails at Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park has 5 miles of hiking trails that connect and lead through the park’s green meadows, desert vegetation and wildflowers and along Oak Creek beneath majestic rusty red hills of Sedona. Three of the park’s 13 trails are open to bikes and horseback riders.

Here are a couple of hiking trails at Red Rock State Park:

  • Eagle’s Nest – Moderate 1.53 mile trail along the creek and up a hill to the highest point in the park. Spectacular views of wildlife, nature and the Sedona area can be seen from this trail.
  • Apache Fire – Moderate .78 mile trail that follows along the creek, crosses Kingfisher Bridge and leads upwards toward the Apache Fire House (the 1946 adobe style home of Jack and Helen Frye).

  • Kisva Trail – Easy .64 mile trail that winds along the high desert flats, over Oak Creek, through large cottonwood trees and along the base of the red rocks.

Visitor Center & Exhibits at Red Rock State Park

The Miller Visitor Center at Red Rock State Park features educational opportunities, exhibits, a theater and a gift shop. Hands-on and interpretive exhibits highlight the natural habitats found within the park, wildlife and history of this area.

Movies about the Sedona area play continually inside the theater and give visitors a glimpse of history, nature and a view from above the red rocks. The gift shop carries souvenirs, apparel, books, snacks, drinks and more.

Wildlife Viewing at Red Rock State Park

You’ll be sure to see a variety of wildlife during your visit to Red Rock State Park. Pay close attention and you may see rabbits, deer, squirrels, foxes, skunks, javelinas, bobcats, coyotes, river otters (under the Kingfisher Bridge), snakes, tarantulas, lizards and more.

The park lies within the Lower Oak Creek Birding Area and many species of waterfowl, songbirds and raptors may also be spotted within the park.

Become a Junior Ranger at Red Rock State Park

Junior Ranger Pledge: ‘As an Arizona State Parks Junior Ranger, I pledge to help the park rangers protect and preserve habitat, wildlife, and help keep the park clean and safe for visitors and wildlife.’

Encourage younger generations to do their part and help preserve the beauty of the parks for future visitors. If your child is between the ages of 6-12 they can become a Junior Ranger at Red Rock State Park.

All they need to do is download and complete the Junior Ranger Activity Sheet and then request a Junior Ranger booklet at the park’s visitor center once you’ve arrived at the park. Complete each of the activities during your stay.

When all of the activities have been completed report back to a Park Ranger who will swear your Junior Ranger in and award them with a Junior Ranger Button. Kids can become a Junior Ranger at most Arizona State Parks and earn each park’s unique Junior Ranger Button. Check out the For Kids section on each park’s website.

Pets at Red Rock State Park

Pets are not allowed. Red Rock State Park is a Center for Environmental Education and all of the natural wildlife within are protected. (Service animals are not considered pets) You will need to plan ahead if traveling with your pets.

Camping Near Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park is a day use area only and doesn’t have any overnight accommodations, but nearby Dead Horse Ranch State Park (30 minutes southwest) has modern, primitive and group campsites as well as camping cabins available.

The 100 spacious RV sites have water and electric connections. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings and are within walking distance to ADA accessible bathhouses.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park also has 8 rustic log cabins. Located in a shaded area of the park along the river, these one-room-style cabins have a covered porch, full-sized bed, 2 sets of bunk beds, a table and chairs, dresser-drawer, ceiling fan, electricity and heat/AC.

Each cabin also has a picnic table, BBQ grill and fire ring but no water. Water and bathhouses are conveniently located nearby.

Attractions Near Red Rock State Park

  • Dead Horse Ranch State Park – 675 Dead Horse Ranch Rd, Cottonwood

    This nearby state park connects with Red Rock State Park by way of the Lime Kiln Trail, a 15 mile multi-use trail that follows along a section of the historic Lime Kiln Wagon Road. This park, located along the Verde River offers camping, multi-use trails, fishing, canoeing and more only 19 miles southwest.

  • Slide Rock State Park – 6871 AZ-89A, Sedona

    Explore the trails at this nearby state park (16 miles north) and view the 80-ft sandstone chute that the park is named for. You can also take a tour of the Pendley Homestead, swim, fish and experience the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon.

More Information

Open Year Round: 8:00am – 5:00 pm
(Open until 6:00pm Fri–Sun, Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Visitor Center Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm Daily

Park Entrance Fees:

– Adult (14+): $7.00
– Youth (7–13): $4.00
– Child (0–6): FREE

Park Location

Red Rock State Park
4050 Red Rock Loop Rd
Sedona, AZ 86336
Phone: 928.282.6907

Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Red Rock State Park: