Parks & Monuments
:: RED ROCK STATE PARK
The
Red Rock State Park property was acquired by the Arizona
State Parks Board in 1986 and the park was opened to the
public in 1991. The park's 286 acres were originally part
of the Smoke Trail Ranch, owned by Jack and Helen Frye.
Arizona's famous Oak Creek meanders through this scenic
park, creating a diverse riparian habitat abounding with
plants and wildlife. This riparian habitat, the land-based
ecosystem closely associated with Oak Creek, provides the
setting and the opportunity for Red Rock State Park to offer
a center for environmental education.
Herbarium and Natural History Guides
Guests can learn about the native plants and animals of
the area through the park's guide books. Subjects include
birds, plants, shrubs, trees and reptiles. The complete
collection can be viewed with prior arrangements.
Trail System
The family-oriented trail system is well marked for your
safety and pleasure. The 5-mile network consists of interconnecting
loops, which lead you to vistas of red rock or along the
lush greenery of Oak Creek. The Eagle's Nest Loop and the
Apache Fire Loop are joined together by the Coyote Ridge
Trail. Eagle's Nest is the highest point in the park with
an elevation gain of 300'. These three major loops are connected
along the riparian corridor by the Kisva Trail, which also
leads up to the short loop of the Yavapai Ridge Trail. The
Javelina Trail takes you into the pinyon/juniper woodlands
and back to the other loops. Rattlesnake Ridge rises just
above the Twin Cypress Picnic area. Stop by the visitor
center desk for detailed information before starting out
on the trails. Bikes and horses are only allowed on designated
routes.
Self-Guided Interpretive Trails
Two self-guided trails with numbered points along
the route explain environmental aspects of the area. The
Smoke Trail guide takes you along Oak Creek for 1/2 mile.
The Ethno-botany guide explains the traditional uses of
plants found along the Kisva Trail. Pick up the guides at
the visitor center desk for a returnable deposit.
