Red Rock State Park has announced its May events:

Sunday, May 11, 5:40 p.m.: Moonlight Hike
Our Moonlight Hikes are one of the most popular interpretive hikes at Red Rock State Park. Join our volunteer naturalists and enjoy the rare opportunity to see the moon rise from an overlook and return by the light of the moon. Topics that may be covered include archaeology, geology, botany and native wildlife. The hike lasts 2 to 2 1/2 hours and covers a distance of approximately 2 to 2 1/2 miles. A $15 registration fee is required per person for this program. Participants must be at least 12 years of age and arrive at least 30 minutes before the starting time to ensure participation. Wear suitable clothing for cool nights and closed-toe shoes and bring water and a flashlight. Reservations are required and can be made starting May 23. Call (928) 282-6907 for more details on this program. Reservations are not accepted on the day of the hike.

Sunday, May 11, 1 p.m.: Geology Hike. Reservations required.
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 above the valley below. During millions of years of erosion, the rim has receded over four miles, leaving behind the picturesque features of Sedona. Our monthly guided geology hike will be held at 1 p.m. and starts with a presentation in the theatre. Join our knowledgeable volunteers as they venture out on our trails and discuss how Sedona transformed into what we see today. The program typically lasts two hours and is included with park entrance fees. Reservations can be made by calling the park at (928) 282-6907. Those with reservations must bring water and wear suitable footwear for trail walking.

Sunday, May 18, 1 p.m.: Archaeology Hike. Reservations required.
Red Rock State Park has been a destination for American Indians for several millennia. Most of the ancient features found in the park are from the Sinagua culture dating to between 1100 and 1425. Come 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 within 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 program begins with a presentation in the theatre and will last about two hours. Reservations are required. This hike is included with park entrance fees. Reservations can be made by calling the park at (928) 282-6907. Those with reservations must bring water and wear suitable footwear for trail walking.

Sunday, May 25, 1 p.m.: Ethnobotany Walk.
Learning more about the native plants and trees here in the Sedona area is a great way to enhance any hike. Our volunteer guides explain how plant life relates to American Indian cultures, pioneer settlers, people in our contemporary times and wildlife. This interpretive experience is for both the beginner and experienced hiker, lasting between one and a half and two hours. Please bring water, wear suitable footwear and meet in the Visitor Center a little before 1 p.m. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling the park at (928) 282-6907.

Guided Nature Hike: Daily 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 may include geology, wildlife, history, archaeology and plant life. Our naturalists welcome questions during the walk, enhancing the learning experience. This guided hike is included with park entrance fees. No reservations required. Seasonal guided hike times are 10 a.m. for October through May; 9 a.m. for June and September and 8:30 a.m. for July and August.

Bird Walks: Every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 a.m.
Bird enthusiasts can join a naturalist for a guided walk appropriate for beginner and advanced birders. No reservations 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. If birding on your own, the Hummingbird Patio with bird feeding stations is an excellent spot to start your tour. Another good viewing point is the Visitor Center roof. Seasonal bird walk times are 9 a.m. for December, January and February; 8 a.m. for March, April, May, September, October and November and 7 a.m. for June, July and August.