Posted by: Lori Reinhold

Red Rock State Park is a popular site for visitors when they come to Sedona. The park offers stunning views of the surrounding red rocks, not to mention the unique hiking opportunities and an environmental education facility. Ten developed hiking trails allow visitors to walk through native manzanita and juniper to Oak Creek while enjoying views of green meadows and Sedona’s famous red rock hills.

Red Rock State Park was opened 25 years ago next month, first allowing guests in October 1991, according to the state’s history of the park. The idea for the park was conceived in 1980 when then-Gov. Bruce Babbitt was enjoying a hike along Oak Creek with friends. The group was turned away and asked to leave because the land along the creek was private property. Expressing a concern about the number of hiking areas that were being closed to the public, Babbitt initiated an effort to make the area into a state park.

The land that would eventually become Red Rock State Park was being developed as a religious retreat in 1980. Babbitt approached Arizona State Parks with his idea of making the land into a state park, and a plan that would involve a three-way land exchange was developed. The exchange would involve Eckankar, the religious group that currently held the land, Anamax Mining Company and the State Land Department. Throughout 1981, efforts continued to see the formation of a new state park and the acquisition was finalized in April 1981. Budget constraints, however, prevented development of the park for several years and it was not until a decade later that Red Rock State Park was finally opened to the public.

Red Rock State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., while the visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The park is located on Red Rock Loop Road in Sedona and is less than a 20-minute drive from the Alma de Sedona Inn. Plus, be sure to check the park events calendar during your trip. There are events held every month, included guided nature walks and lectures as well as full moon hikes that can make your visit all the more fun!

Sedona is a great place that offers unique views and a peaceful retreat for guests. Every visitor can enjoy the luxurious retreat space of the distinctive rooms at the inn, where we put a focus on privacy and spectacular views. With large private patios, balconies, fireplaces, sitting areas and jetted tubs, our guest rooms are the perfect, luxurious complement to the stunning red rock hills that surround the inn. Contact the Alma de Sedona Inn today by calling 928-282-2737 or 800-923-2282 or reserve a room online now!