A lazy Sunday we took a drive to Sedona just to explore Red Rock State Park and the Red Rock Loop. The Red Rock Loop is exactly what is sounds like. Just over twelve miles long, it is a paved loop just off of 89A in Sedona.
The winding loop has beautiful views of Sedona’s famous red rocks. There are a few spots you can stop to take in the vistas. One of the popular spots to hike is at the Red Rock State Park.
Red Rock State Park
We visited this park once years ago when the kids were young. It has a nice long paved walking path they had fun running down. This time I went with just my daughter and there were only a few other people in the park. The visitor center has a pretty garden.
From the visitor center you have an expansive view of the park. From here you can view the red rock formations from left to right: Cathedral Rock, Seven Warriors, Napolean’s Tomb, and at the end Three Sisters.
The Bunkhouse Trail is the paved circular trail you can view from the visitor center. Several other trails intersect with this main trail. We walked the loop right to left, so the first trail we came to was the Smoke Trail that eventually leads to the Sentinel Trail along Oak Creek.
The State Park is a nature preserve and as such visitors are not allowed to wade or swim in Oak Creek. You can however hike along side it, listen to the sounds of the water and take in the views.
The Sentinel Trail leads to the Kisva Trail. If you turn left at the fork the trail will lead you to the East Gate Trail and the Kingfisher Bridge.
There are 15 trails that interconnect and wind through the park.
Crescent Moon Picnic Site
Just up the road from the State Park you can explore one of our favorite parks, Crescent Moon Picnic site. Make a right on Chavez Ranch Road and then turn right on Red Rock Crossing Road.
If you want to cool off in Oak Creek you can at Crescent Moon Park. It also offers incredible views of Cathedral Rock. Take a blanket and some food. Have a picnic lunch next to Oak Creek and soak in the amazing views.
How to Get To Red Rock Loop
If you are driving from Phoenix take the Camp Verde 260 exit. Turn right on 89A from here it is about 13 miles on your right to the Red Rock Loop.
If you are driving from Flagstaff just follow 89A for about 40 miles and then turn left on the Red Rock Loop.