Park Events

March: Archaeology Month

Red Rock State Park celebrates Archaeology Month with a variety of presentations and activities. Over 800 years ago the Sinagua ("without water") Indians inhabited the Verde Valley. The area that is now Red Rock State Park was used by the Sinagua for hunting, fishing and gathering berries, seeds and other edible and medicinal plants.

Presentations and activities held during March demonstrate Sinagua life within the park. Visitors can participate in demonstrations of prehistoric tools, fire-starting methods, the atlatl and dart (precursor to the bow and arrow) and the making of yucca sandals worn by Native Amercians. They will also learn about Archaeoastronomy, rock art, ceremonial practices and the uses of native plants. An archaeology hike is also part of the monthly activities.

A photo display of ruins found in the Verde Valley and Sedona area, as well as photos of tools, pottery and jewelry made and used by the Sinagua can be seen in the Visitor Center. Please contact the park for more information.

All of the below hikes and walks may require reservations. Please contact the park at (928) 282-6907 for additional information or to make reservations.

First Sunday Programs

First Sunday of each month @ 2:00 pm. On the First Sunday of each month, except those that fall on a holiday weekend, presentations by a variety of speakers are given in the park theater. Subjects range from scientific, such as geology, archaeology and archaeoastronomy, to historical and wildlife presentations. These programs are well attended and reservations are recommended. The programs begin promptly at 2:00 pm. Please call (928) 282-6907 for additional information.

2 O’Clock Program

Daily @ 2:00 pm. A guest speaker or a ranger/naturalist led activity of approximately 45 minutes. Programs may include a nature-hike, a special presentation or an educational/nature video.

Video Presentation

Daily, upon request. The parks movie theater shows “The Natural Wonders of Sedona-Timeless Beauty”. The movie reveals why USA Weekend voted Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon “the most Beautiful Place in America”.

Hikes and Walks

Red Rock State Park offers a variety of hikes throughout the year. Arizona’s famous Oak Creek meanders through Red Rock State Park creating a diverse riparian habitat for plants and wildlife. It provides the backdrop for our special hikes and walks that are a regular part of the park’s environmental program.

Guided Nature Walk

Daily @ 10:00 am. Visitors can join a naturalist on a guided nature walk, lasting one-and-a-half to two hours, which will introduce them to the riparian ecosystem of Oak Creek and other aspects of the park. Plants, wildlife, geology, history and archaeology are some of the subjects that may be discussed.

Bird Hikes

Saturdays and Wednesdays. (Start times vary by season please contact the park for current times.) Birding enthusiasts of all experience levels join a naturalist on a guided bird walk along Oak Creek’s riparian habitat. Visitors are asked to bring their own binoculars, although some binoculars and bird lists are available at the Visitor Center.

Download Printable Bird List ( 896 KB PDF)

Sunset Walk

June – August; Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays @ 6:00 pm. During summer months, visitors can enjoy a naturalist guided Sunset Walk that concludes with a view of the sunset. Archaeology, plants and other aspects of nature will be discussed.

Geology Hike

Second Sunday of each month (excluding June-August) @ 2:00 pm. Why are the rocks red? Where do the rocks come from? Where are they going? On one of our most popular hikes, a park volunteer will escort visitors on a guided hike discussing the geology of the area. This hike includes the Eagle's Nest trail for a great view of the park and the surrounding area. More than just a guided hike, this is an interpretive experience for the beginner as well as advanced geologist. The hike lasts for 2-2½ hours and has a 250-foot elevation climb. Enjoy an afternoon with a knowledgeable volunteer guide who will explain the rock formations that create the scenic backdrop of Red Rock State Park.

Moonlight Hike

April – October. (Dates and start times vary, contact the park for information.) An unforgettable experience, Red Rock State Park’s very popular Moonlight Hike includes a naturalist-led interpretive hike on the park’s beautiful trails. Enjoy the sunset and moonrise from an overlook and return by the light of the moon. The hike lasts for approximately 2 to 2-2½ hours, has an elevation climb of 200-250 feet and covers 2 miles. Dress comfortably, wear appropriate hiking shoes, and bring water, a flashlight and insect spray. This hike is held only one night each month from April through October and requires reservations. Start times vary. Please contact the park.

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