Red Rock State Park, an Arizona State Park located near Cottonwood

RED ROCK STATE PARK

RED ROCK STATE PARK
4050 Red Rock Loop Road
Sedona, Arizona 86336

(lat:34.8129 lon:-111.8306)

Red Rock State Park is a 286 acre nature preserve and environmental education center with stunning 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 creek meanders through the park, creating a diverse riparian habitat abounding with plants and wildlife. This riparian habitat provides the setting and the opportunity for the park to offer a focus on environmental education.

Red Rock offers a variety of special programs for school groups and private groups. There are a number of daily and weekly park events. (see below or ask at Visitor Center)

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 property was acquired by the Arizona State Parks Board in 1986 and the park was opened to the public in 1991. The land was originally part of the Smoke Trail Ranch, owned by Jack and Helen Frye.

Nature of the Area

Wildlife is abundant within the park with sightings occurring regularly. Mule deer, javelina, coyotes, and bobcats are all commonly seen by visitors throughout the year, as well as a wide variety of birds. Blacktail Rattlesnakes are seen on occasion during the warmer months as well as tarantulas and lizards.

History of the Area

In the fall of 1980, Governor Bruce Babbitt was hiking with friends along Oak Creek southwest of Sedona. When they reached a certain property, an individual approached the group, advised them they were on private property and requested them to leave. This caused Governor Babbitt to become concerned about Oak Creek and many other hiking areas along waterways that were being closed to public access.

Passes

Arizona offers a non-commercial standard pass for weekday use at all parks, including weekends at most parks and the non-commercial premium pass which includes weekend and holiday access to the parks. Boyce Thompson Arboretum is not included in either annual park pass. You can find additional Arizona Annual State Park Pass informataion and order online by visiting the ARIZONA ANNUAL STATE PARK PASS web page.

Visitors Center

Red Rock's Miller Visitor Center includes exhibits, a gift shop, & restrooms. Hours: 8 am - 5 pm.

The Miller Visitor Center at Red Rock State Park includes an interpretive area, a gift shop and restrooms. Inquire about the Junior Ranger and Junior Buddy programs available for children ages 4?12. There is also a movie theater that plays a short film on Sedona and the surrounding area.

Location

Red Rock State Park is located near Cottonwood

Nearby Parks

Page Springs State Fish Cultural Station

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Slide Rock State Park

Tuzigoot National Monument

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Coconino National Forest

Day Use Area

All areas are available for public use on a first-come, first-serve basis, when not reserved. Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance, except for wedding reservations, which can be made up to 12 months in advance. Payment must be received at least 30 days in advance to secure the reservation and fees are non-refundable. Vehicle entrance fees still apply.

Twin Cypress Ramada: Large covered ramada which holds 13 picnic tables that can be arranged to suit your needs. Electrical outlets, water, and barbecue grills (charcoal only) are available for use. Bathrooms located nearby.Maximum Group Size: 75 with existing tables and up to 250 with additional tables/chairs (user provided).

Habicamp Ramadas: Two ramadas located near Twin Cypress area, holds 7 picnic tables that can be arranged to suit your needs. Water available for use, bathrooms located nearby.Maximum Group Size: 50

Visitor Center Ramadas: Two ramadas located near the Visitor Center, holds six picnic tables that can be arranged to suit your needs. Electrical outlets are available for use. Visitor Center bathrooms are nearby. Maximum Group Size: 50

Call for Reservation fees for all Ramadas.

Picnicking

Picnic tables and shelters are located in all of our group day use areas, all of which are subject to reservations. If not reserved these areas are open to the public on a first-come, first serve basis. Several uncovered picnic tables and barbecues are scattered throughout the field in the Twin Cypress area and are available for use even when the ramada areas are reserved.

Trails

The family-oriented trail system is well marked for your safety and pleasure. The 5-mile network consists of interconnecting loops, which lead you to vistas of red rock or along the lush greenery of Oak Creek. The Eagle's Nest Loop and the Apache Fire Loop are joined together by the Coyote Ridge Trail. Eagle's Nest is the highest point in the park with an elevation gain of 300'. These three major loops are connected along the riparian corridor by the Kisva Trail, which also leads up to the short loop of the Yavapai Ridge Trail. The Javelina Trail takes you into the pinyon/juniper woodlands and back to the other loops. Stop by the visitor center desk for detailed information before starting out on the trails. Bikes and horses are only allowed on designated routes.

Red Rock State Park offers limited equestrian trails in the park, however it does offer access to several Forest Service trails located nearby. The Lime Kiln Trail is located near the entrance gate to the park and the Turkey Creek trail is located out the park?s east gate. Horses should follow the painted horse tracks on paved roads. There is a hitching post located near the Visitor Center.

Bicycling

While most trails in the park are off-limits to bicycles, there is access to several popular Forest Service trails from within the park. The Lime Kiln Trail is located right outside the entrance to the park and there are various trails located outside the park?s east gate. A common route taken by bikers is the 6.2-mile Cathedral Bike Loop, which takes you out of the park via the east gate, down Verde Valley School Road, across Oak Creek (no bridge) and back to the park?s entrance on the Upper Loop Road.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews