Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park is open 7 days a week from 8 am – 5 pm. The Visitor Center is open 9 am – 5 pm daily. Movie Theatre, Guided Walks, Jr. Ranger Program. The mission of the park is to preserve the riparian habitat associated with Oak Creek; to serve as an environmental education facility; and to provide limited passive recreational opportunities.

Feb. 5: Lecture Series: The Flora of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon

2:00 pm in Park Theater:  One of the most popular educational programs at Red Rock State Park is the Sunday Lecture Series. In February, the program will feature local architect and botanist Max Licher (pictured right). He will present a program entitled The Flora of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon with an emphasis on species found in Red Rock State Park. The program will provide a review of on-line resources for plant identification in Arizona and the importance of documenting local floras with herbarium collections. Reservations are required as seating is limited, please call (928) 282-6907.

Mr. Licher is a local architect who has resided in Sedona for nearly thirty years. During that time, he has been involved as a community planning volunteer, including working as an organizer of the Sedona Forum and as Chair of the City's Transit Task Force. 

His lifelong interest in nature eventually caused him to focus primarily on the area of native plants. He documented the native and naturalized flora of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon after training with Jean Searle and Norm Herkenham. The documentation consists of approximately 1,200 species. His work is available on the Southwest Information Network (SEINet), which is a website created by a National Science Foundation Grant at Arizona State University.  In addition to the documentation of these plants with herbarium specimens, Mr. Licher photographed most of the plants and posted them on the SEINet web database.

Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited. The program is free for four adults in a car with $10.00 paid admission to the Park. For additional information and reservations, please call (928) 282-6907.

Feb. 12: Geology Hike

2 pm. Sedona is located at the base of the Mogollon Rim, an escarpment that runs east/west through the middle of Arizona. The Rim, approximately 200 miles long, ranges between 2,000 and 3,000 feet in height. Erosion has slowly eaten away at the rim, moving it northward about four miles and leaving behind some of the most spectacular and picturesque canyons and buttes in the world.  

Join a volunteer on a guided geology hike on the second Sunday of February to learn why the rocks are red, where they came from, where they are going, and more. This hike includes the Eagle’s Nest Trail for a great view of the Park and surrounding area. It is more than a guided hike! It is an interpretive experience for the beginner as well as advanced geologist, lasting two to two-and-a-half hours, with a 250 feet elevation climb. Our knowledgeable volunteer guide will explain the rock formations that create the scenic backdrop of Red Rock State Park. Bring water and wear suitable shoes or boots. 

Daily Guided Nature Walks at 10 am

At 10:00 am daily, 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 archeology are some of the subjects that may be discussed.

Daily Activity at 2 pm

At 2:00 pm daily, the Park hosts either 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. This program may be an indoor or outdoor activity. 

Wednesday & Saturday Bird Walks at 9 am

On Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 9 am bird enthusiasts can join a naturalist for a “Guided Bird Walk”. Beginning as well as advanced birders are welcome. Rangers recommend that visitors bring their own binoculars. A limited number are available for loan from the Park. Download Printable Bird List ( 896 KB PDF)