Above Average Winter Moisture and Temperatures Brings an early Spring to Red Rock State Park

Sedona AZ (March 8, 2017) – Rangers have noticed spring annuals popping up around Red Rock State Park with the expectation of some nice wildflower blooms by mid-March 2017. Visitors have reported seeing black hawks flying around the park. Come see these feathery friends on a guided bird walk on Wednesdays and Saturdays scheduled for 8 a.m. from March to May. This month there will also be a Geology HIke, Archaeology Hike and Ethnobotany Hike; don’t forget our Nature Walks led by a Volunteer Naturalist everyday at 10 a.m. The daily Nature Walk is a great way to learn about plants, animals, and geology of the local area.

Find out more at AZStateParks.com/red-rock or call (928) 282-6907. The cost for hikes is the park entry fee of $7 per adult and $4 per youth aged 7-13. Please bring water and wear suitable footwear for hikes.

Geology Hike on Sunday, March 12 at 1 p.m.: Join our knowledgeable volunteers as they venture out on our trails and discuss how the beautiful red rock formations developed over long periods of time. This hike is an interpretive experience for both the beginner and experienced hiker that lasts between 2 to 2 1/2 hours and has an elevation gain of 250 feet.

Archaeology Hike on Sunday, March 19 at 1 p.m.: Red Rock State Park has been a destination for Native Americans for several millennia. The hike will identify the various archaeological features and interpret them into the wider context of important regional Sinagua sites and explore ideas of other cultures. The hike will last about two hours, with an elevation gain of some 250 feet, along easy trails.

Ethnobotany Hike on Sunday, March 26 at 1 p.m.: Learn more about the native plants and trees in the Sedona area as Volunteer guides explain how plant life is interconnected with indigenous cultures, pioneer settlers, people in contemporary times and wildlife. This hike is an interpretive experience for both the beginner and experienced hiker that lasts between 2 to 2 1/2 hours and has an elevation gain of 250 feet. Meet in the Visitor Center before 1 p.m.

Bird Watching: On Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 8 a.m., bird enthusiasts will join a naturalist for a guided walk appropriate for beginning and advanced birders. Please meet up with the leader on the viewing deck above the Visitor Center. If birding on your own, the Hummingbird Patio with bird feeding stations is an excellent
spot to start your tour.

Nature Walk: Daily at 10 a.m., a volunteer naturalist leads a guided nature walk and informs visitors about the different life zones of Red Rock State Park. The subjects discussed on the walk include: plants, wildlife, geology, history and archaeology.

WHAT: Hikes at Red Rock State Park
WHERE: Red Rock State Park – Located at 4050 Lower Red Rock Loop Road in Sedona.
WHEN: Throughout the month of March 2017. Click on AZStateParks.com/red-rock to find out more or call (928) 282-6907.