State Parks Near Sedona

If you have the time and a need for more adventure, you need to visit these three wonderful State Parks located near Sedona. Slide Rock State Park is located in the middle of Oak Creek Canyon and is scenic eye candy with sandstone bluffs, beautiful trees, and flora, and the creek offers the park's namesake slide for adventures seekers and those looking for a place to cool off. Dead Horse State Park is located north of Cottonwood and provides enough activity for the adventurer in you with camping, hiking, canoeing, and fishing. This beautiful state park name begins with the Ireys family, who came to Arizona from Minnesota looking for a ranch to buy in the late 1940s. At one of the ranches, they discovered a large dead horse lying by the road. After two days of viewing ranches, Dad Ireys asked the kids which ranch they liked the best. The kids said, “The one with the dead horse, Dad!” The Ireys family chose the name Dead Horse Ranch and later, in 1973, when Arizona State Parks acquired the park, the Ireys made retaining the name a condition of sale. Red Rock State Park is located just west of Sedona on a 286-acre nature preserve and an environmental education center with stunning scenery. Trails throughout the park wind through manzanita and juniper to reach the rich banks of Oak Creek. Green meadows are framed by native vegetation and hills of red rock. The creek meanders through the park, creating a diverse riparian habitat abounding with plants and wildlife. This riparian habitat provides the setting and the opportunity for the park to offer a focus on environmental education.

Slide Rock State Park:

The Travel Channel has named Slide Rock State Park in their list of “10 Top Swimming Holes in the United States”. Sedona's red rocks form the "ultimate water slide". The channel compiled the list for its new series, "Top Secret Swimming Holes." Situated alongside an apple orchard, Slide Rock is 80 feet long and 2.5 to 4 feet wide, with a 7 percent decline from top to bottom. Algae on the rocks create a slippery ride.

Slide Rock includes a 1/2 mile of Oak Creek that is open for swimming, wading, and sliding. The world-famous slide that our park is named for is an 80-foot-long slippery chute that is worn into sandstone. Slide Rock State Park, originally the Pendley Homestead, is a 43-acre historic apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. Frank L. Pendley, having arrived in the canyon in 1907, formally acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. Due to his pioneering innovation, he succeeded whereas others failed by establishing a unique irrigation system still in use by the park today. This allowed Pendley to plant his first apple orchard in 1912, beginning the pattern of agricultural development that has dominated the site since that time. Pendley also grew garden produce and kept some livestock. As one of the few homesteads left intact in the canyon today, Slide Rock State Park is a fine example of early agricultural development in Central Arizona. The site was also instrumental to the development of the tourism industry in Oak Creek Canyon. The completion of the canyon road in 1914 and the paving of the roadway in 1938 were strong influences in encouraging the recreational use of the canyon. Hence, Pendley followed suit and in 1933, built rustic cabins to cater to vacationers and sightseers.

Today’s visitors can still enjoy the fruits of Pendley's labor. Not only in the orchard but historic cabins are available for viewing, and the creek offers the park's namesake slide for adventures seekers and those looking for a place to cool off.

Slide Rock Hiking:

The park has short trails including a nature trail. It is also close to several Coconino National Forest hiking trails. This area is managed on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out basis, and any type of glass containers are strictly prohibited.

Pendley Homestead Trail: 0.25-mile trail with a difficulty rating of easy. This paved, level trail is suitable for all visitors and travels through a portion of the historic Pendley Homestead of Slide Rock State Park. Features along the trail include some of the original apple orchards, Pendley Homestead house, tourist cabins, apple packing barn, various farming implements that were used historically in the homestead, a new orchard of semi-dwarf apple trees, and spectacular views of the canyon walls of Oak Creek Canyon.

Slide Rock Route: This is a 0.3-mile trail with a difficulty rating of moderate. This primitive route along Oak Creek is the main access to the Slide Rock Swim Area. This extremely popular area features a natural water slide along Oak Creek.

This path begins near the apple packing barn. It descends to the creek via steps where it then crosses the creek via a small footbridge. During periods of high runoff, the footbridge will not be in place and visitors will need to stay on the west side of the creek. After crossing the footbridge, proceed north along the sandstone shelves. In the summer months, many sunbathers will be using some of this route for sunbathing, therefore, you may have to step over quite a few of them. As you proceed, you may notice a historic rock cabin on the west side of the creek. The original homesteader used this in conjunction with a flume and water wheel to generate electricity for the homestead. You will arrive at an eight-foot wall that can be your turn-around point. If you decide to negotiate the wall, you can explore the remote areas upstream where the route becomes more primitive.

Clifftop Nature Trail: This is a 0.25-mile trail that begins near the apple barn and offers scenic views of the Slide Rock Swim Area.

For more information please visit our Slide Rock info page.

Dead Horse State Park:

Dead Horse Ranch State Park is located adjacent to and across the Verde River from the community of Cottonwood. A great place to explore, experience the abundant beauty and solitude, a wonderful place to be with your family or just by yourself. This park has many offerings, including hiking, camping or rental cabins, kayaking or canoeing, biking and if that isn’t enough, venture into Cottonwood or Sedona for the day.

Dead Horse Trail System: A non-motorized 20+ mile shared-use mix of doubletrack & singletrack. Four trailheads throughout the park lead up to the high desert of Coconino National Forest. The Lime Kiln Trail leg follows a portion of the historic Lime Kiln Wagon Road. Hikers & equestrians are encouraged to travel counterclockwise on the basic loop — Lime Kiln, Thumper, and Raptor Trails. Mountain bikers usually find that starting at the Roadrunner trailhead and riding the loop clockwise is more fun. For most cyclists, the trail is rated intermediate to expert. The Lime Kiln Trail follows a portion of the historic Lime Kiln Wagon Road from Cottonwood to Sedona.

Forest Loop: A 0.5-mile loop. Shared-use. Circles around and through a diversely forested area and provides river access by way of short narrow side trails. Starts and ends in the River Day Use Area.

Canopy: A 0.25 mile ADA accessible trail looping under a Freemont Cottonwood tree canopy giving park visitors with limited mobility an opportunity to get off the beaten path. Excellent for bird watching and wildlife viewing. Starts and ends in the River Day Use Area.

Mesa: A 1-mile interpretive loop trail. Circles the top of the hill west of the Red-Tail Hawk Campground and provides scenic views of Mingus Mountain, the Verde Valley, and the Dead Horse Ranch. The trailhead is located on the west side of Roadrunner Road south of the Red-Tail Hawk Campground loop.

Tavasci Marsh: A 1-mile trail. Shared-use. The trailhead is located at the end of Flycatcher Road.

Quail Wash: A 0.25-mile trail. Hike, bike. Stairs and bridges prevent equestrian use. Plant diversity and flowing water in the wash make this trail popular. Intersects with Hickey Ditch Trail. The trailhead is located at the south end of the West Lagoon parking lot.

Hickey Ditch: A 0.5-mile trail. Shared-use. Follow along the historic Hickey irrigation ditch through a canopy of Willow, Netleaf Hackberry, AZ Black Walnut, & Mesquite trees. Intersects with Quail Wash Trail. The trailhead is located at the north end of the West Lagoon parking lot.

Creosote: A 0.5-mile shortcut. Shared-use. Intersects with Hickey Ditch and Quail Wash Trails.

Lagoons: One accessible loop around each lagoon. West Lagoon 0.39 miles; Middle Lagoon 0.41 miles; East Lagoon 0.72 miles. Hike, bike. Accessed from any of the lagoon parking lots, these trails allow you to stroll around the lagoons. We do request that horses not be taken around lagoon banks.

Verde River Greenway: A 2-mile shared-use trail along the river. The trail weaves through some of the best nesting habitats in the area, a bird watchers' paradise. Intersects with Quail Wash and Lagoon Trails. The trailhead is located in the River Day Use area or can be accessed on the south side of the lagoons.

Riverfront: A 0.5-mile trail. Shared-use. The trail runs along the south side of the Verde River and is good for walking. The trail is accessed from either the south end of the Dead Horse Ranch State Park Bridge or from Riverfront Park.

Equestrian Trails: Many of the Dead Horse Ranch trails are shared-use. There are 1 hour and a 2 hour guided trail rides available on the park. The rides take in the Verde River Greenway and provide scenic views of the lagoons, the Verde River and Dead Horse Ranch.

Fishing and Canoeing/Kayaking:

Excellent fishing opportunities for the beginner and experienced alike. Arizona Game & Fish Department stocks the river and lagoons with Rainbow Trout throughout the winter months. The lagoons are stocked with Channel Catfish in the warmer season. Fly-fishing the river and lagoons is becoming increasingly popular. Fish species include Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Crappie, and Trout.

Canoeing and kayaking is popular in the river and lagoons. Non-motorized watercraft (oar power only, no sails) are allowed in the lower lagoons. Boating is not permitted in the upper (West) lagoon. A launch ramp and dock are available at the East lagoon. Gas & electric motors must be removed before launching. Children 12 and under are required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times when boating.

For more information please visit: https://azstateparks.com/dead-horse

Red Rock State Park:

Red Rock offers a variety of special programs for school groups and private groups. There are a number of daily and weekly park events. The park offers a visitors center, classroom, theater, park store, ramada and hiking trails.

Hiking Trails:

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. Stop by the visitor center desk for detailed information before starting out on the trails. Bikes and horses are only allowed on designated routes.

Equestrian Trails:

Red Rock State Park offers limited equestrian trails in the park, however, it does offer access to several Forest Service trails located nearby. The Lime Kiln Trail (above) is located near the entrance gate to the park and the Turkey Creek trail is located out the park’s east gate. Horses should follow the painted horse tracks on paved roads. There is a hitching post located near the Visitor Center.

Biking:

While most trails in the park are off-limits to bicycles, there is access to several popular Forest Service trails from within the park. The Lime Kiln Trail (above) is located right outside the entrance to the park and there are various trails located outside the park’s east gate. A common route taken by bikers is the 6.2-mile Cathedral Bike Loop, which takes you out of the park via the east gate, down Verde Valley School Road, across Oak Creek (no bridge) and back to the park’s entrance on the Upper Loop Road.

STATE PARKS NEAR SEDONA

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale

Marvel at the beauty that is the South Rim during this Grand Canyon Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include a day trip to visit Arizona’s breathtaking Grand Canyon National Park, a scenic drive with views of the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, and several viewpoints at the … More

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel | Custom Options Available | Private Tours Available | Family-Friendly

Learn More 10

Private Grand Canyon Hiking Tours

Join us on one of our private Grand Canyon hiking tours and experience the canyon up close and personal! We offer guided hiking tours of the Grand Canyon on several of the best trails along the South Rim, departing from Flagstaff or Grand Canyon in the early morning. Our expert guides will … More Join us on one of our private Grand Canyon hiking tours and experience the canyon up close and personal! We offer guided hiking tours of the Grand Canyon on several of the best trails along the South Rim, departing from Flagstaff or Grand Canyon in the early morning. Our expert guides will discuss with you your experience and skill level in order to decide which hiking trails would be the best fit for you. Is there a specific trail you have been dying to hike? Great! Our professional guides are here to make sure you have the best experience possible. Because our hiking tours are completely private, your hiking experience is personalized and can be as long or as short as you want. On our Grand Canyon hiking tours, you can opt for a full day of hiking, or we can split the day between hiking and sightseeing. You’ll experience the canyon like never before. When you walk down the canyon, you are walking through geologic time. See the rock layers, and learn about the canyon’s millions of years of geologic history. Enjoy picture-perfect viewpoints along the trail and capture every breathtaking moment.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Private Tours Available | Professionally Guided | Lunch Included | Pickup from Hotel

Learn More

Granite Mountain Guides - Prescott

Granite Mountain Guides was established on the foundations of providing exceptional instruction to climbers that are just learning the craft. From there it expanded into how we can best serve the local community even more by promoting wonderful areas for all to experience on our guided tri … More Granite Mountain Guides was established on the foundations of providing exceptional instruction to climbers that are just learning the craft. From there it expanded into how we can best serve the local community even more by promoting wonderful areas for all to experience on our guided trips. All of our Instructors are well-qualified American Mountain Guides Association certified in their specific terrain. Granite Mountain Guides can fulfill your needs and help you achieve your goals.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Learn More 10

Maverick Helicopter Tours

Maverick Helicopters offers tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim and South Rim. Maverick brings VIP service to the canyon with climate-controlled helicopters and unobstructed views perfect for sightseeing. They give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon … More Maverick Helicopters offers tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim and South Rim. Maverick brings VIP service to the canyon with climate-controlled helicopters and unobstructed views perfect for sightseeing. They give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Family-Friendly | Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available

Learn More 9.9

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale with Sedona

Take in unforgettable views of classic southwestern landscapes. Explore the Grand Canyon South Rim in this incredible tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale that covers the deepest and widest parts of the Grand Canyon. This day tour of the South Rim spends approximately three hours in Grand Canyon … More Take in unforgettable views of classic southwestern landscapes. Explore the Grand Canyon South Rim in this incredible tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale that covers the deepest and widest parts of the Grand Canyon. This day tour of the South Rim spends approximately three hours in Grand Canyon National Park and some time in Sedona.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Professionally Guided | Private Tours Available | Family-Friendly

Learn More 10

The Rock Trail House - Flagstaff

The Rock Trail House is your stylish space to work or play in Flagstaff. Immaculate renovations with designer furniture in an upscale neighborhood. Professionally designed layout for comfort, privacy and relaxation. Minutes to NAU and Downtown Flagstaff and easy access to hiking trails. Co … More The Rock Trail House is your stylish space to work or play in Flagstaff. Immaculate renovations with designer furniture in an upscale neighborhood. Professionally designed layout for comfort, privacy and relaxation. Minutes to NAU and Downtown Flagstaff and easy access to hiking trails. Comfortable layout for working professionals, extended families or groups of friends staying together in this immaculate 2060 sq ft, 4 bedroom 3 bath home with AC. Indoors you will find a sunny spacious living room with relaxed seating for 8, fully equipped chef's kitchen with new high quaility appliances, a beautiful dining for 8 with a gas fireplace, and an office with a door and fast reliable Wi-Fi .

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill | Access to Trails | Laundry

Learn More

Eva's Family Retreat - Flagstaff

Escape the city at Eva's Family retreat. Rustic and Rural private 2.5 acre property, bordering forest service land with a wood burning fireplace and snowy views. An ideal home for big family gatherings or adventurous groups 90 mins from Grand Canyon. Bright, versatile, and well-organized 4 … More Escape the city at Eva's Family retreat. Rustic and Rural private 2.5 acre property, bordering forest service land with a wood burning fireplace and snowy views. An ideal home for big family gatherings or adventurous groups 90 mins from Grand Canyon. Bright, versatile, and well-organized 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home with 2 living areas, a wood burning fireplace, firewood, indoor sauna, central heating & star watching patio w/fire pit and grill. We welcome diversity, kids & love giving local tips. Peaceful 2 1/2 acre property, bordering national forest land. 2500 square-foot house with 2 living rooms, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, indoor sauna, wood burning stove, dining room with ample dining for 10.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Learn More

Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale

Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Visit Bell Rock, Airport Mesa and Chapel of the Holy Cross. Options available for shopping, galleries, restaurants in Uptown or T'laquapaque and off-road Jeep tours or guided hike add-ons.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Professionally Guided | Custom Options Available | Private Tours Available | Pickup from Hotel

Learn More 10

Enjoy Panoramic Views at The Prescott Sunset Sanctuary - Prescott, AZ

Your home-away-from-home retreat! Known as the 'Prescott Sunset Sanctuary,' this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features a fully equipped kitchen, an open floor plan, expansive outdoor wrap-around deck for families and outdoorsy groups to relax with a BBQ lunch or a relaxing glass of wine at n … More Your home-away-from-home retreat! Known as the 'Prescott Sunset Sanctuary,' this 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home features a fully equipped kitchen, an open floor plan, expansive outdoor wrap-around deck for families and outdoorsy groups to relax with a BBQ lunch or a relaxing glass of wine at night. When you want to be close to the downtown action, yet far enough to enjoy the peace and serenity of the Prescott National Forest, this home's central location gives your family the best of both worlds. Book now.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Learn More

Arizona Private Tours

Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and … More Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and up to 6 guests on a completely customizable tour of Northern Arizona. For majestic private Grand Canyon tours to Verde Valley Wine tours & ghost towns in the Sedona area, we cover it all. Let us create the custom tour of your dreams and know that we want to make this a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Learn More 10

Best Grand Canyon Day Tours

Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Professionally Guided | Lunch Included | Private Tours Available | Family-Friendly

Learn More 9.9

Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend

Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterwards, we visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, where y … More

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided

Learn More

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Built directly into the side of a red-rock hill not far from downtown Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a modern architectural marvel as well as a religious place for reflection. Visitors flock to the Roman Catholic chapel primarily to take in the outstanding views of Sedona’s awe-in … More Built directly into the side of a red-rock hill not far from downtown Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a modern architectural marvel as well as a religious place for reflection. Visitors flock to the Roman Catholic chapel primarily to take in the outstanding views of Sedona’s awe-inspiring desert scenery.

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel

Learn More

Prescott Resort and Conference Center

Resting on the "Top of the Hill" offering picturesque views of Prescott, experience Northern Arizona's premier getaway, the Prescott Resort and Conference Center. Located only 60 scenic miles from Sedona, the Prescott Resort is a great escape for a relaxed weekend, corporate retreat, o … More Resting on the "Top of the Hill" offering picturesque views of Prescott, experience Northern Arizona's premier getaway, the Prescott Resort and Conference Center. Located only 60 scenic miles from Sedona, the Prescott Resort is a great escape for a relaxed weekend, corporate retreat, or conference meeting. Experience the charm of Northern Arizona at the Prescott Resort. Each of our newly renovated 160 guestrooms feature modern amenities that cater to our guests needs, i.e. High-Speed Wireless Internet and Flat-Screen Televisions. Each room was designed in the spirit of the Yavapai Tribe and offers artwork indicative to the majestic scenery of the Prescott area.