Red Rock State Park: Sedona's Premier Preserve for Hiking, History, and Wildlife
Sedona's iconic red rock landscapes captivated early settlers long before it became a global destination. Perched at 4,350 feet in Arizona's Verde Valley, this region was forged by volcanic activity and erosion, sculpting Oak Creek Canyon and the vibrant oxidized cliffs that define the area. Nine miles south of downtown Sedona, the 286-acre Red Rock State Park safeguards this geological treasure.
The park's core mission is to educate visitors on its diverse ecosystems, from desert scrub to lush riparian zones along Oak Creek. Established in 1991, it was rescued from development threats and a religious sect's ambitions, now serving as a vivid snapshot of this unique habitat laced with captivating history.
History
From the 1800s to 1930s, five homesteads dotted the future park site, supporting ranching, farming, and orchards. In 1941, newlyweds Jack Frye and Helen Varner Vanderbilt Frye acquired these properties plus additional land, creating the 700-acre Smoke Trail Ranch as their private retreat.
They erected the striking House of Apache Fires, a Pueblo-style home built with local red rock and timber in collaboration with Yavapai-Apache people. Construction from 1947 to 1950 yielded a 3,000 sq ft two-story structure boasting Cathedral Rock views, three fireplaces (including a rooftop one), a commercial gas range, and a ceiling-suspended bed in the master suite. Named for Indigenous campfires along Oak Creek, the project halted amid personal strife. Helen later built Wings of the Wind on extra acreage.
In the 1970s, she sold over 300 acres to a developer whose resort plans collapsed. Turning to mysticism and Eckankar, Helen donated Wings of the Wind and over $1 million in 1976, stipulating they buy and develop Smoke Trail Ranch. The group renovated House of Apache Fires but faced backlash in 1980 when a member evicted hikers—including Governor Bruce Babbitt—from Oak Creek lands.
Babbitt championed public access, orchestrating a complex land swap involving a mining company, Arizona, and Eckankar to secure 286 acres. After years of negotiations, Red Rock State Park became reality.
Things to Do
Red Rock State Park preserves Oak Creek's vital riparian habitat while offering educational day-use experiences (limited group camping for programs only). The Miller Visitor Center features looping films, interactive exhibits on habitats and early inhabitants, plus kid-friendly ranger programs.
Naturalist-led tours include daily nature walks, Oak Creek birding, and full-moon hikes exploring archaeology and botany. Self-guided options abound: hike, bike, or ride horseback (hitching post available), following interpretive signs. Trails under a mile link for custom routes—grab maps for viewpoints and wildlife spots.
The 0.2-mile Mesquite Loop Trail highlights pinyon-juniper life, home to javelina, coyotes, bobcats, and mule deer. In summer, watch for tarantulas, non-venomous snakes, and venomous black-tailed rattlesnakes—observe from afar.
Bikers love the 15.8-mile Lime Kiln Trail along an 1800s wagon road, revealing kiln remnants en route to Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood.
The 0.8-mile Apache Fire Trail leads to House of Apache Fires via Kingfisher Bridge, traversing otter-filled riparian zones with frogs, endemic fish, Sonoran mud turtles, and rare birds like black hawks, wood ducks, and mergansers.
View the dilapidated house from behind fencing; the Benefactors of Red Rock State Park nonprofit repaired the roof and fundraises for full restoration and 2022 public tours.
Plan Your Visit
From Sedona, head nine miles south on SR 89A to Red Rock Loop; parking follows shortly. Drive or taxi—no public transit.
Open daily 8am-5pm (last entry 4:30pm), extending to 6:30pm (last entry 6pm) late May through pre-Labor Day Sunday. Visitor center: 9:30am-4:30pm (6pm summer). Shortened to 2pm Thanksgiving/Christmas Eve; closed Christmas.
Fees: $7 adults, $4 youth (7-14), free under 6. Picnic (reservable shelters); no glass. No pets, swimming, or wading in Oak Creek.
