Sedona AZ (June 10, 2013) – If you love to hike, Red Rock State Park is the place to find several miles of beautiful trails at different elevations, offering fantastic views. If you are a bird enthusiast, Red Rock State Park sponsors twice-weekly guided bird walks. If you want to learn about botany, wildlife, archaeology, geology, or local history, the Park offers a daily guided interpretive hike. If you want to hike in the cool of the evening, there is a monthly Moonlight Hike. Something is always going on at the Park, located at 4050 Lower Red Rock Loop Road, and you will find something perfect for you.
One can always take advantage of self-guided hiking adventures, following a trail system that is well marked for safety and enjoyment, or can join a leader for daily activities. Warmer weather also means the Wednesday and Saturday Bird Walks begin at 7:00 AM to take advantage of the early mornings and cooler temperatures.
Moonlight Hike, Monday, July 22, 2013: The Moonlight Hike is among the most popular interpretive hikes at the Park. Led by a naturalist, it gives hikers the rare opportunity to enjoy the sunset and moonrise from an overlook and return by the light of the moon, while also learning about Sedona and its surrounding areas, Park history, archeology, geology, botany, and riparian wildlife information, all offered by a knowledgeable guide. The hike lasts two to two and half hours and covers a distance of approximately two miles.
Rangers ask hikers to arrive approximately 30 minutes before starting time to insure participation. No late arrivals can be allowed and reservations are required. When you call 928-282-6907, the arrival time will be given because they are adjusted monthly according to the time of the moonrise. Be sure to make your reservations early!
Wear suitable clothing and shoes (prepare for cool nights) and bring water, a flashlight and insect spray. A $5.00 per person program fee is charged at the time of the reservation. There is also a $10.00 entrance fee to the Park for a car of four adults. Program fees are non-refundable unless the Park must cancel the hike after your arrival.
Wednesday and Saturday Bird Walks, 7:00 AM: Bird walks begin at 7:00 AM on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The early time takes advantage of the cooler temperatures for both the birds and their admirers. Bird enthusiasts join a naturalist for a guided walk intended for both beginning and advanced birders. If possible, bring your own binoculars because only a limited number are available for loan from the Park.
The Hummingbird Patio is the perfect spot to start your tour. Another good viewing point is the visitor center roof. Most year-round birds are found in the riparian area next to Oak Creek or along the field behind the visitor center. The Audubon Society’s designation of Red Rock State Park as an Important Birding Area is because of the many species who live or visit here.
Daily Guided Nature Walks and Activities, 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM: At 10:00 AM every morning, a naturalist leads a guided nature walk of one and a half to two hours to introduce visitors to the riparian ecosystem of Oak Creek. Subjects discussed along the way may include plants, wildlife, geology, history, and archaeology. Guided hikes allow participants to take part in question and answer sessions. The Park also hosts a 45-minute guest speaker or ranger / naturalist-led activity at 2:00 PM. Programs may include a nature hike, a special presentation, or an educational / nature video.
Junior Rangers: Children between the ages of six and twelve can become Junior Rangers by pledging their part in helping preserve the beauty of the park for everyone! Junior Ranger booklets, available at the Visitor Center, have activities to complete and, once approved by a Ranger, the newest Junior Ranger at Red Rock State Park is sworn in after taking the pledge and receiving a official button.
Visitor Center and Theatre: The Park Visitor Center features many displays about the area’s geology, archaeology, flora and fauna, including an interactive relief map of Sedona and computer programs about various Park features, including the House of Apache Fires. The popular video, “The Natural Wonders of Sedona”, narrated by local voice-over artist John Conway, is shown several times daily in the Park Theatre at the request of visitors. Aerial explorations reveal ancient Indian ruins and dramatic landscapes, colorful desert wildflowers, and local wildlife.
There is also a gift shop with a wide selection of books, mementoes, t-shirts, and snacks adjacent to the displays.
Join us at the Park at any time of year. Whether you choose to take part in a planned activity, or hike and explore on your own, it will be a memorable day. See you at Red Rock State Park!
Red Rock State Park, 4050 Lower Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona. Park hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Visitor Center, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entrance fee is $10.00 per vehicle, up to four adults. The Arizona State Park Annual Fee is available for $75.00 (some restrictions apply). www.azstateparks.com, www.benefactorsrrsp.org, www.azstateparks.com/parks/RERO
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