Join Red Rock State Park in April for a series of activities.
On Sunday, April 7, at 2 p.m., John Wesley Powell: Into the Great Unknown will be presented. Millions of travelers visit the Grand Canyon each year, but just 150 years ago this was still considered the “last blank spot on the map.” One man, a one-armed Civil War veteran, was determined to navigate and document the Colorado River as it winds through the canyon.
On May 24, 1869, Powell set out with nine men, four boats, and ten months of rations on an adventure that would nearly kill them. Three months later, Powell emerged 1,000 miles down-river with five men, two boats and only one week of moldy flour left. Listen to their story and see film clips of the raging Colorado as it was in Powell’s time.
Chris Glenn and Sandy Sunseri have been speaking about the land and people of the Colorado Plateau since 2012, after completing docent training at the Museum of Northern Arizona. In-depth research and related interviews have resulted in lectures to their fellow docents, local social and educational groups and at public venues such as Riordan Mansion in Flagstaff. Some topics are presented in costumes of the time period and, in every case, with a thorough exploration of the events and personalities of the time from multiple points of view.
This lecture is included with park entrance fees, which are $7 for those over age ages 14 and $4 for ages 7 to 13; children age 6 and under are admitted free. However, seating is limited and reservations are required. Call 282- 6907 to reserve seats in the theater. This lecture is sponsored by Arizona Humanities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the Arizona affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
A geology hike will be offered Sunday, April 14, at 1 p.m. Red Rock State Park is located at the base of the Mogollon Rim, the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau. The escarpment is over 200 miles long and ranges in height from 2,000 to 3,000 feet. Over millions of years of erosion the rim has receded over 4 miles leaving behind the picturesque features of Sedona.
This monthly guided geology hike will be held at 1 p.m. Join knowledgeable volunteers as they venture out on the trails and discuss how Sedona transformed into what is seen today. This interpretive experience is for both the beginner and experienced hiker. The program typically last 12 to two hours and may begin with a short presentation in the theater. Bring water and wear suitable footwear.
The Park’s Full Moon Hike will be held Thursday, April 18, at 5:15 p.m. The Moonlight Hike is among the most popular interpretive hikes at Red Rock State Park. Led by a naturalist, it gives hikers the rare opportunity to enjoy the sunset and moon rise from an overlook and return by the light of the moon, while also having the chance to learn about Sedona and the surrounding areas. Verde Valley and park history, as well as archaeology, geology, botany and riparian wildlife information are also possible topics offered by a knowledgeable guide. The hike lasts two to two-and-a-half hours and covers a distance of approximately two miles. A $5 registration fee is required to reserve your spot on the hike, as well as an entry fee upon arrival, which is $7 per person age 14 and up, and $4 per youth ages 7 to 13. Rangers ask hikers to arrive approximately 30 minutes before the starting time to ensure participation. Program fees are non-refundable unless the park must cancel the hike after arrival. Wear suitable clothing and prepare for cool nights, closed toe shoes, bring water and a flashlight. Reservations are required. Call 282-6907 to reserve a spot.
The next archaeology hike will be held Sunday, April 21, at 1 p.m. Red Rock State Park has been a destination for Native Americans for several millennia. Most of the ancient features found in the park are from the Sinagua culture dating about 1100 to 1425 AD. Come and hear the fascinating story of the pre- Columbian people who lived and traveled in the park. The hike will identify the various archaeological features visible from park trails and interpret them into the wider context of important regional Sinagua sites. The guide will also touch on ideas of other cultures that likely have made use of the park’s resources. The hike will last about ½ to two hours with an elevation gain of about 250 feet, along easy to moderate trails and may begin with a short presentation in the theater.
An ethnobotany hike will be held Sunday, April 28, at 1 p.m. Learning more about the native plants and trees here in the Sedona area is a great way to enhance any hike. The Park’s volunteer guides explain how plant life is interconnected with indigenous cultures, pioneer settlers, people in our contemporary times and wildlife. This interpretive experience is for both the beginner and experienced hiker, lasting between ½ and two hours with an elevation gain of 250 feet. Bring water, wear suitable footwear and meet in the visitor center a little before 1 p.m.
A daily guided nature hike is held at 10 a.m. Every morning a volunteer naturalist leads a guided nature walk informing visitors about the different life zones of Red Rock State Park. The subjects discussed on this walk include geology, wildlife, history, archaeology and plant life. The Park’s naturalists welcome questions during the walk, enhancing the learning experience. This guided walk is included with park entrance fees. No reservations are required.
Each Wednesday and Saturday, bird enthusiasts can join a naturalist at 8 a.m. for a guided walk appropriate for beginner and advanced birders. No reservations are necessary. The greatest diversity of bird species can be found in the riparian area next to Oak Creek or along the field behind the visitor center. The Audubon Society has designated Red Rock State Park as part of the Lower Oak Creek Important Birding Area [IBA] because of the many species that live or visit here. Meet up with the leader on the viewing deck above the visitor center. Those birding on their own will find the Hummingbird Patio with bird feeding stations is an excellent spot to start a tour. Another good viewing point is the visitor center roof.
Red Rock State Park is located at 4050 Red Rock Loop Road. Call 282-6907 for information.
