Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park is Sedona's nature education park -- 286 acres of riparian habitat along Oak Creek with five miles of trails, a nature center, ranger-led programs, and some of the best red rock views in the area. It is distinctly different from Slide Rock State Park (no swimming) and attracts visitors seeking hiking, wildlife, and geology education in a less crowded setting.

The trail system winds through cottonwood and sycamore forest along Oak Creek, climbing gently through juniper-pinyon woodland to overlooks with sweeping red rock panoramas. The Eagles Nest trail (1.5 miles round trip) is the highlight -- a moderate climb to a viewpoint where Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the surrounding formations create a 360-degree red rock skyline.

Oak Creek flows through the park, and designated access points let visitors reach the creek for wading and exploration. The riparian zone supports an unusually diverse ecosystem for Arizona -- great blue herons, black hawks, javelina, mule deer, and hundreds of bird species use the creek corridor. Birdwatching is excellent, particularly during spring and fall migration.

The visitor center has exhibits on Sedona geology (how the red rocks formed), local wildlife, and the ecology of Oak Creek. Staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and welcoming. Ranger-led nature walks and programs happen on weekends and are included with park admission.

For families, Red Rock State Park offers the Sedona red rock experience without the crowds and intensity of Cathedral Rock or the water-park atmosphere of Slide Rock. It is the most educational and contemplative of Sedona's parks, ideal for families who want to hike, observe nature, and enjoy the scenery at their own pace.