Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre nature preserve and environmental education center with stunning panoramic vistas of the “West Sedona formations”, including Cathedral Rock and Seven Warriors (not located within the park). It is family-oriented with a five-mile network of trails varying in elevation and habitats. Eagle’s Nest is the highest point in the park. The overall elevation of the park is 3900 to 4200 feet. Abundant wildlife includes mule deer and javelina.
Oak Creek flows through the park for about 1 1/2 miles (part of the Lower Oak Creek IBA). This diverse riparian habitat has seven main riparian trees: Fremont Cottonwood, Goodings Willow, Arizona Sycamore, Arizona Box Elder, Velvet Ash, Arizona Alder, and Arizona Walnut. In the riparian area, look for Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Lucy’s Warbler, Hutton’s Vireo, Bridled Titmouse, and Yellow-breasted Chat among many other bird species.
There are many edge (transition) zones with adjacent meadows. The mesquite bosque (Velvet mesquite, etc) near the Visitor Center has Verdin and Bewick’s Wren. Most of the vegetation is in the Upper Sonoran life zone, characterized by Pinyon-Juniper woodland. Bird species in the PJ zone include Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, Bushtit, Juniper Titmouse, Spotted Towhee, etc.
The rare Common Black Hawk migrates into the area during the spring season and likely nests within or near the park.
Site Information
Region: North Central
County: Yavapai
Directions: Located south of Sedona. Turn south off of AZ State Route 89A and on to Red Rock Loop Rd. (going toward Cottonwood, turn left). Lower Red Rock Loop Rd is easier to drive on than Upper Red Rock Loop Rd. Continue south for a few short miles to the park.
Latitude: 34.813481
Longitude: -111.831553
Operational Hours: Other
Other Operational Hours: Monday-Thursday all year round from 8 am - 5 pm, Visitor Center open 9 am - 4:30 pm.
Admission or Fees: Adults (14+): $7.00, Youth (7-13): $4.00, Child (0-6): Free
Best time to visit: Spring into early summer: March to June
Habitats: Grassland, Pinyon-juniper Forest, Stream or river
Know Before You Go
Red Rock State Park does not allow pets within the park. Swimming or wading in Oak Creek is prohibited. Daily guided nature hikes are offered, as well as guided bird walks.
Safety First! Arizona has many beautiful places to explore and we’d like to help you make it a safe and enjoyable experience. Check out our recommendations for hiking precautions.
Species Highlights
Speciality: Abert’s Towhee, Bridled Titmouse, Canyon Wren, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Woodhouse’s Scrub-jay, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Zone-tailed Hawk
Charismatic: American Kestrel, Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Greater Roadrunner, Lesser Goldfinch, Loggerhead Shrike, Phainopepla, Ruby-crowned Kinglet , Summer Tanager, Verdin, Vermilion Flycatcher, Western Kingbird
Contact Information
Red Rock State Park
Arizona State Parks
4050 Red Rock Loop Rd
Sedona, AZ 86336
Phone: 928-282-6907
Website: https://azstateparks.com/red-rock/
Additional Resources
Learn more about birds reported at this location at eBird:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L266622
Additional Resources:
Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience (AWWE) Tour
