When you hear the name Red Rock State Park, you might envision nothing but a dry desert land. However, in reality, Red Rock State Park showcases those infamous red rocks towering above a vibrant green area on the banks of the Oak Creek. Trust us when we say that the variety of beauty found at Red Rocks State Park is hard to beat!
If you’re considering a visit to Red Rocks State Park, keep scrolling down. This article will tell you all about what Red Rock State Park is known for as well as the park’s must-see spots, hiking trails, general park information, picnic grounds, camping opportunities, and nearby accommodations.
1. What is Red Rock State Park Known for?
If you’re driving through the Sedona area, it’s hard to miss the red rocks and mind-blowing scenery. However, Red Rock State Park is known for showcasing these elements in a way that allows the average traveler to get a personal feel and an up-close look that isn’t found anywhere else. Red Rock State Park is a popular destination for locals and travelers to see and learn about the infamous red rocks, as well as watch for wildlife and hike on well-kept trails.
Red Rocks
It goes without saying that Red Rock State Park is known for its red rocks, but it’s also worth mentioning. These beautiful geologic formations are what have made the Sedona area a sought-out destination for travelers from all of the United States and the world. At sunrise and sunset, the entire area glows golden orange.
Over millions of years, soft mud and sand transformed into the infamous red rock you see in this area today. Ask a Park Ranger or visit the Red Rock State Park Miller Visitor Center to learn more about these awe-striking rocks.
Wildlife
As is the case with most parks in the southwestern United States, wildlife is abundant at Red Rock State Park. Visitors often spot mule deer, javelinas, coyotes, and bobcats as well as rattlesnakes, tarantulas, and a variety of lizards. Even otters can be spotted from time to time in the Oak Creek Canyon down below! Bring your binoculars and your patience, you might be surprised what you find at Red Rock.
Trails
Red Rock State Park is a very popular hiking destination outside of Sedona. There are numerous scenic trails showcasing the beautiful red rocks and the lush greenery and serene Oak Creek found deeper inside of the park.
2. Top Spots to See at Red Rock State Park
When you make the trip to Red Rock State Park, don’t miss the Apache Fire Trail and Fyre House or the Miller Visitor Center’s educational exhibits and movies. Both of these are totally unique to Red Rock State Park and will help you contextualize the area and appreciate the significance of the red rocks all around you.
Apache Fire Trail and Frye House
If you’re visiting Red Rock State Park, you need to hit this trail. This easy (yet scenic!) hike is just under a mile and will lead you straight to the 1946 home of Jack and Helen Frye. The Fyre family home is famous for blending right in with the red rock backdrop. Yes, it’s literally made out of red rocks. Not to mention, it sits on top of a hill that provides astonishing views of the surrounding Sedona area. Kick your feet up and stay for a while!
Miller Visitor Center’s Educational Exhibits
The Red Rock State Park’s Miller Visitor Center offers visitors a chance to experience numerous educational exhibits on display that kids and parents will both enjoy. These hands-on exhibits can really help visitors of all ages understand the significance of the red rocks before they experience them up close and personal.
If you’re less of a reader, the Visitor Center also offers continuous short movies on a loop about the natural wonders of the area. Not to mention, there’s air conditioning!
3. Hiking and Trails Information
Rumor has it that Red Rock State Park offers Sedona’s best hiking experience. A long list of scenic hiking trails spread throughout this state park, showcasing the kind of views that only the southwestern United States can offer. There are trails available for all levels of hikers to enjoy at Red Rock. Here are some of our favorites:
- Kisva Trail – This loop trail is just under a mile and is perfect for the whole family! You’ll cross Oak Creek twice and walk along the base of beautiful red rock covered rolling hills.
- Eagle’s Nest Trail – This is a 1.5-mile hike that leads hikers through towering red rocks, next to the famous Oak Creek, and up a hill that provides a panoramic view of the Sedona area. Eagle’s Nest is the highest point in Red Rock State Park and the views are indescribable! You simply need to see for yourself.
- Javelina Trail – This is a 1.6-mile loop trail that offers plenty of incredible views and is known to be a bit easier than the Eagle’s Nest Trail.
The Lime Kiln Historic Wagon Trail
In 2006, Sedona introduced the Lime Kiln Trail. This 15-mile hiking trail connects Dead Horse Ranch State Park with Red Rock State Park through the scenic Arizona desert.
The Lime Kiln is named as such because it follows a portion of the historic Lime Kiln Wagon Road. Way back in the 1800s, the Lime Kiln Wagon Road provided access to a Kiln used to burn limestone to create lime used as an ingredient of the mortar needed to construct fireplaces and chimneys. Today remains of the kiln can still be seen beside the trail.
Start at Red Rock State Park and work your way to Cottonwood, or start there and come toward Sedona. Either way, it’s well worth dedicating a day or two to completing!
4. Park Camping Information
Park and Facility Hours
Red Rock State Park is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Thursday all year. Between Labor Day and the first weekend of May, the park is also open on Friday and Sundays. The Red Rock Visitor Center is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Red Rock State Park’s hours tend to vary depending on the season. For more information, check out their website or call the park office.
Day-Use Entrance Fees
- Per Vehicle (up to four adults): $7
- Per Individual or Bicycle: $3
Red Rock’s State Park’s Miller Visitor Center
Red Rock State Park’s Miller Visitor Center offers a number of educational exhibits and a park store with a wide selection of souvenirs, such as t-shirts, ball caps, magnets, walking sticks, books, maps, and postcards. The park store also sells cold drinks and snacks.
Day-Use Picnic Areas
Picnic tables and shaded ramadas are located in all of the Red Rock State Park day-use areas. If desired, these areas can be reserved by contacting the park. However, the areas and picnic tables are otherwise available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you’re hoping for barbecue grills, you can find those spread out within the Twin Cypress day-use area. These cannot be reserved and are always available first-come, first-served.
Camping Information
There is no campground inside of Red Rock State Park. Fortunately, if you’re looking to camp nearby, Red Rocks State Park is located very close to the city of Sedona, Arizona. Once you’re in Sedona, you will be able to find a number of quality camping opportunities for tent campers, RV campers, and dispersed campers!
5. Where to Stay Near Red Rock State Park
Those hoping to stay near Red Rock State Park, but also stay indoors, will be pleased to know that they have plenty of options to choose from as well. The town of Sedona has it all, from hotels and resorts to bed and breakfasts and vacation homes. For recommendations on where to stay near Red Rock State Park, we recommend checking out Sedona’s “Where To Stay” web-page.
No matter where you’re coming from or where you’re heading, you should always stop by Red Rock State Park if you have the chance. As one of Arizona’s smaller state parks, Red Rock is a perfect stop to spend an afternoon away from the tourists in Sedona or to pull over and stretch your legs in the middle of a long road trip. Put on your walking shoes, grab your camera, and fill up your water bottle. The scenic views and cool water of Oak Creek are out there waiting for you!