Red Rock State Park will host a Full Moon Hike on Friday, Sept.13, at 5:30 p.m. The Full Moon 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 moonrise from an overlook and return by the light of the moon.

Hikers may also learn a bit about the Verde Valley, park history, archaeology, geology, botany and riparian wildlife information from their knowledgeable guides. A $5 reservation fee per person
is required in addition to regular park entry fees of $7 per person age 14 and up, and $4 per youth ages 7 to 13. The hike lasts two to two-and-a-half hours and covers a distance of approximately two miles. Wear suitable clothing, as the temperature will be cooler once the sun sets, and hiking shoes. Also bring water and a flashlight. Registration for this hike ends Thursday, Sept. 12. Reservations are required; call 282-6907 to reserve a spot on the hike. 

• Join the Southwest Monarch Study for an exciting morning of butterfly netting and tagging as the monarchs migrate through Red Rock State Park on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 8:30 a.m. Nestled in the Red Rock Country of Sedona, Oak Creek provides a flyway for migrating monarchs hurrying to their overwintering grounds each September. Many will stop and consume nectar on nearby plants such as sunflowers and golden crownbeard. This program is an outdoor event so please be ready to be outdoors. Participants should wear sturdy closed-toe shoes that can get wet [no sandals], long pants and long sleeve shirt, hat and sunscreen. Bring sufficient water for hydration. Once registered for this program, participants must complete a liability and photo release form that can be downloaded at swmonarchs.org /upcoming-events.php. This program is included with park entrance fees. However, space is limited to 15 participants, so call 282-6907 to reserve a spot.

• Astronomers of Verde Valley will host a Star Party on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 6:45 p.m. at the Park. The dark skies of Red Rock State Park allow visitors to easily see the stream of stars and dark dust lanes with the unaided eye. Through the many telescopes set up for viewing, the famous ring Nebular M57, the show piece of the northern hemisphere, is in prime viewing position. High in the sky will be the summer triangle, Altair, Deneb and Vega, each of which is the brightest star of its constellation. The gas giant planets of Jupiter and Saturn will be on display in all their splendor, plus any more. Cookies, “moon juice,” and other complimentary beverages will be provided. Attendance is limited and reservations are required. The program will wrap up by 9:30 p.m. This event is sponsored by Keep Sedona Beautiful. Visit keepsedonabeautiful.org/ for information. A $5 program fee per person is required in addition to the park’s regular admission fees. To make reservations, call 282-6907.

• Every morning at 10 a.m., 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 naturalists welcome questions during the walk, enhancing the learning experience. This guided walk is included with park entrance fees. No reservations are required. 

• Bird enthusiasts can join a naturalist for a guided walk appropriate for beginner and advanced birders on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8 a.m. 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 because of the many species that live or visit here. Please meet up with the leader on the viewing deck above the Visitor Center. Those birdingon their own will find the Hummingbird Patio with bird feeding stations is an excellent spot to start your tour. Another good viewing point is the Visitor Center roof. Red Rock State Park is located at 4050 Red Rock Loop Road in Sedona. Park entry fees are $7 per person age 14 and up, and $4 per youth ages 7 to 13. Call 282-6907 for information.