Sedona State Parks
Red Rock State Park is an excellent starting point for your red rock adventure tour (see Tip for location). The Visitor Center, which is excellent, is the best place to begin. This Park focuses on environmental education and offers hands-on exhibits that kids love to investigate. Guests of all ages can peruse guide books on subjects that include birds, plants, shrubs, trees and reptiles. The Visitor Center is also the place to purchase a souvenir book, tee-shirt or toy.
Next, head outdoors to one of the 7 hiking trails or 2 self-guided interpretive trails. The family-oriented trail network is well marked and consists of interconnecting loops in a 5 mile system. The beauty in this park lies in the wide variety of habitats. We enjoy the trails that meander along lush Oak Creek and then like to head into the red rocks where stunning views await.
When it is time for a break there are a number of picnic areas to choose from. Later you might consider a guided nature walk or guided hike (see Tip). Bicycles and horses are allowed on designated routes- check with the Visitor Center.
Much-photographed and very popular Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon invites visitors of all ages to revel in the beauty of Oak Creek, but in a different way. This time you can wade in and cool your toes plus take a ride on nature’s perfect slide- slick smooth rocks nicely deposited in Oak Creek. Located 7 miles north of Sedona on Hwy 89A the Park offers recreational opportunities plus easy parking (a real bonus along two lane 89A).
Slide Rock State Park was originally the Pendley Homestead and still has a producing apple orchard. If your visit to Sedona coincides with the fall apple season stop by and purchase a bag. Other features of this Park include bird watching, picnicking (Slide Rock Market is on the premises if supplies run low), a nature trail and close access to hiking trails in Coconino National Forest. Browse through Slide Rock’s informative web site at http://www.pr.state.az.us/parkhtml/sliderock.html. The Park opens at 8am throughout the year, closes at 7pm in the summer and earlier during other seasons. There is a fee to enter the Park (currently $8/per car).
Tip: Red Rock State Park is located 5.5 miles west of Sedona. From Uptown Sedona take Hwy 89A and make a left onto Lower Red Rock Loop Road. For a longer and more scenic entry into the Park take the Upper Red Rock Loop Road (this road is winding but paved except for one gravel section). There is a fee to enter the park, currently $6 per car.
Tip: Guided birding walks at Red Rock State Park are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Call 282-6907 for seasonal information.
Tip: Swimming and wading are not allowed in this part of Oak Creek (see Slide Rock below).
Tip: As noted in the Slide Rock section: please carry plenty of water, use sunscreen and wear a hat. (following these recommendations will set you apart as a real "desert rat"!)
 Slide Rock State Park
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