Sedona’s natural landscape is awe-inspiring, providing visitors with some of the most gorgeous sites worldwide. Because of this, the state and national parks in the region are some of the best places to gaze upon our planet’s untouched beauty. These peaceful settings are also perfect for picnics, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Read more below!
Slide Rock State Park
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This state park about 20 minutes from Sedona used to be a 43-acre apple farm and homestead. Located in Oak Creek Canyon, it is now a great place for short hikes alongside the creek as well as the Slide Rock, essentially a natural waterslide for thrillseekers. If you explore beyond Slide Rock State Park into the Oak Creek Canyon Natural Area, you will find perfect, picturesque spots for hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, swimming, and more.
Red Rock State Park
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Another state park close to Sedona is Red Rock State Park. A popular spot for visitors, this top Arizona State Park features guided nature walks, birding, moonlight treks, and even archaeology and geology opportunities for those interested in learning more about the history and landscape of the area.
Grand Canyon National Park
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Located in Northwestern Arizona about two hours from Sedona is Grand Canyon National Park. With the famous Grand Canyon gorge at the center, the park consists of 1,217,262 acres of amazing views of one of the Wonders of World as well as unmatched sunrises and sunsets, campgrounds, and hiking trails. The South Rim is open 24 hours a day and certain trails are also leashed-pet friendly.
Petrified Forest National Park
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Petrified Forest National Park’s claim to fame is the Triassic fossils found throughout the area, preserving more than 200 million years of plants and animals among the current living ecosystem. This national park is located about two and a half hours from Sedona, but it is definitely worth the trip. The location also has a Museum Demonstration Lab at the Visitor Center where you can watch trained paleontologists preparing fossils for the museum collections. Pet-friendly, hike and backpack through the Wilderness Area when you want to take in the beauty of nature.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
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Montezuma Castle is a national monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture and history in our country. It is also an amazing wonder to behold when you are looking for nature and history. The monument is a five-story, twenty-room highrise built over the course of three centuries into the limestone cliffs that also protect a set of well-preserved dwellings in Cape Verde. The entire area demonstrates the ingenuity and skill needed to live in the desert. When you visit you are transported to another time and also have the opportunity to learn about the cultures that made Arizona what it is today.
Sedona Visitor Center
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To make the most of your trip to these Sedona Arizona national parks, stop by the Sedona National Park Visitor Center. Located conveniently in Uptown Sedona, it provides maps, park information, and details on Sedona National Park entrance fees. The staff can guide you on the best trails and hiking spots and provide you with a Sedona National Park map to easily navigate the parks. Whether you’re looking to learn more about the parks, want to confirm if Sedona National Park is open, or explore the region’s attractions, the visitor center is your go-to resource for all things Sedona.
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