Solitude, wildlife viewing possible at Red Rock State Park near Sedona

A mule deer rests in the shade along a trail at Red Rock State Park near Sedona. (Stan Bindell/NHO)

A mule deer rests in the shade along a trail at Red Rock State Park near Sedona. (Stan Bindell/NHO)

SEDONA, Ariz.. — Red Rock State Park is not as busy as the other state park in Sedona. Slide Rock State Park is better known for kids sliding down the rocks in the stream during the summer. But Red Rock State Park is also a good place to go for its scenic red rocks, friendly mule deer and a place where people can find more solitude.

Red Rock State Park offers a warmer option to the higher altitudes during the winter and will remain a good spot to visit for nature and hiking during the spring.

Red Rock State Park is a 286 acre nature preserve complete with an environmental education center including park store, restrooms and ramadas.

There are many trails in the park and while none of them are long hikers can hook from trail to trail to get a good amount of hiking mileage in.

Oak Creek goes through Red Rock State Park and that is one of the attractions for the mule deer which will come within five to ten feet of visitors. You are most likely to see the mule deer at sunrise or sunset, but this hiker has seen them in the middle of the day and it’s obvious they are used to people.

Javelina, coyotes, bobcats and a variety of birds can be found at Red Rock State Park. The park hosts bird walks every Wednesday and Saturday.

Keep an eye out for blacktail rattlesnakes and tarantulas in the park.

The trails begin at the visitor center at the parking lot and shortly after that visitors will cross Kingfisher Bridge. The lucky ones may spot river otters below.

Manzanita and junipers dot through Red Rock State Park. Green meadows have native vegetation.

The hiking trails are clearly marked in this family friendly park. Eagles Nest Loop, Apache Fire Loop, Coyote Ridge Trail, Kisva Trail, Yavapai Ridge Trail and Javelina Trail can keep you busy.

Kisva Trail goes by Oak Creek as it goes along the riparian corridor.

Bikes and horses are allowed on designated trails.

Most of the trails are flat or have slow inclines. Eagles Nest climbs 300 feet to the highest point in the park.

The Lime Kiln Trail, which links Red Rock State Park with Deadhorse State Park in Cottonwood, is located just outside of Red Rock State Park.

The Red Rock State Park fee is $7 for adults or $4 for those 7-13 years old. Those six or younger can enter for free. The park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk.

More information is available by calling 877-697-2757

Donate to nhonews.com Report a Typo Contact
Most Read