Red Rock State Park: Gorgeous Sedona Views Minus the Crowds

Although there are many amazing hiking trails scattered throughout Sedona, with these fabulous views often comes intense crowds. I’ve lived in the area for several years and so I am always expecting heavy traffic now. After checking out the most popular treks in the area, I started to seek out hidden gems that the tourists tend to pass over. Sometimes, I want to get back to nature far away from the tourists. For anyone seeking a more peaceful nature experience, I recommend a day out exploring Red Rock State Park, where you still experience extraordinary views, only with the added bonus of much less tourist congestion.

While most of the tourists head out to the most popular trails like Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock, you can journey over to this underrated state park for a peaceful day of quiet hiking, birdwatching, breathtaking views, and possible wildlife sightings. I love that the trails here are all easy-moderate in intensity but still insanely scenic. You’ll get to enjoy big red rock views as well as tranquil views of the creek.

5 Miles of Jaw Dropping Views

There is a small entrance fee, but you will have your pick amongst 6 different trails (totaling approximately 5 miles). These trails range from an easy, short 0.4 mile nature trail to a moderate 1.9 mile 300 ft climb to Eagle’s Nest, the highest point in the park. The trails are all nicely maintained and pretty easy to follow which is a big bonus for new visitors. Many trails are more rustic in nature with inadequate trail markings.

Whatever trail you choose, you will be surrounded by gorgeous greenery and beautiful 200 million + year old red rocks! I was so impressed by the views here, especially because I’ve never even heard of the park before my visit.

Eagle’s Nest trail

If you are limited on time and would consider yourself to be moderately active, head right over to the Eagle’s Nest trail, which offers a decent workout and the best views in the park. The trail is mostly flat, with a few moderate inclines, although it should be easy enough for anyone who is a regular hiker. The elevation gain is 300 feet which means there is some effort involved. Let’s just say that there are hikes much longer and harder than this one with similar views.

The 2 mile distance is perfect for a casual, relaxing weekend/vacation hike. The trail is just long enough to enjoy a full morning activity, yet not exhausting enough to hinder the rest of your day. I can understand wanting to keep the exercise short on vacation. Who wants to go all out and be tired in bed with achy muscles for the rest of your trip?

Fortunately, there are a lot of easy treks in Red Rock Country which reward with great views. You do not need to be an avid hiker to enjoy the scenery. Check out a few of my favorite short picks if you are looking for more to do.

Here are a few pictures I took along the trail. As you can tell, this trail is pretty green for the desert. I love the beautiful green trees surrounding the red rocks. I also loved seeing the prickly pear cacti in such healthy conditions. On many trails, they seem to be dying out/turning brown.

Check out this gorgeous overlook when you reach the summit. There are few viewpoints accessible via such little effort in this area. Just seeing this picture makes me want to plan another hike here.

There are so many wonderful photo opportunities on this trail, and even better, it is extremely easy to get your desired photos without many other people blocking the view. Many of the hikes in this area are so busy, making a visit to this quiet state park a nice change of pace especially for locals and return visitors who have already hiked the big trails.

Wildlife you may see during your visit will vary depending on the time of day/year you visit, temperatures, and crowd levels. The most commonly seen species include: bobcats, coyotes, javelina, and mule deer. Blacktail rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and tarantulas are not as common, but keep your eyes peeled as sightings have been reported during the warmer summer months. I have never seen any wildlife on this trail, but I have seen javelina and bobcats on other hikes. Be sure to keep your distance from any animals.

Watch the edges!

Also, note that there are a few scary drop offs along this trail. Never venture too close to the edge. I have heard of several stories of hikers dropping to their death by attempting to capture the perfect photo on various hikes in this area. Just don’t do it – you can take plenty of fantastic photos without risking your life. Take note of the appropriate signs.

Guided hikes

If you feel like learning more about the native plants and animals of the preserve with the guidance of a ranger, you have several options in terms of ongoing hikes. Daily guided nature walks take place at 9:00am. On these short 1.5-2 hour walks, you will learn more about the diverse ecosystem of Oak Creek.

You’ll also learn more about the history, plants, and animals found in the area. This is a great introduction for those new to the area. On Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7am, bring your binoculars for a guided bird walk. Bird enthusiasts will have the opportunity to learn more about the diversity of species found here, so the next time you go out you will feel like an expert.

Hot weather hiking tips

If planning your visit during the extremely hot summer months, be sure to keep the following tips in mind! Note that the average daily high from June-August soars into the mid-90’s.

• Head out as early as possible to beat the heat.
• Wear a camelbak or fill up several water bottles. You should always drink more water in hot, dry, high altitude climates. Electrolyte mixes like Gatorlyte are a good idea.
• Wear light clothing, preferably shorts and a tank top style workout clothing to keep yourself cool. Also wear lightweight socks and shoes to keep cool. I also keep an extra water bottle on hand to toss over my head.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the harsh sun. Use sunscreen on exposed body parts, especially if venturing out in the middle of the day.
• Be aware that what ordinarily seems like a short hike may seem much longer during the hot summer season. Don’t overexert yourself and perhaps test out a shorter trail at first to test your ability level. Pick up a trail map in the Visitor’s Center or check out my guide to great summer hikes that won’t burn you out.
• Replenish with a good meal post-hike. Indian Gardens is my favorite breakfast cafe in the area. It’s located on Oak Creek scenic drive so a great stop if you are traveling from Flagstaff.
• Check the weather forecast and be prepared for monsoons in summer. During July and August, daily monsoons are very common. The weather can be unpredictable.

Address & Admission Info

The address for this park is: 4050 Red Rock Loop Road Sedona, AZ 86336. Hours are 8am-5pm/7 days a week. Last admission is at 4:30pm. Fees are $10 adult/$5 per child. Pricing as of 2025.

For more information on the various trails, as well as guided programs, please visit the state Park website.