Red Rock State Park Features Moonlight Hike And Star Party

(Phoenix, AZ - June 26, 2014) - In July 2014, Red Rock State Park will host the monthly Moonlight Hike, the Star Party and Wayne Ranney will speak about "Sedona through Time." Visitors can also enjoy a hike or walk amid the beautiful landscape of the Sedona red rocks. The park offers guided hikes and bird walks as well as the opportunity to explore on your own.

Moonlight Hike: On Saturday, July 12 at 6:30 p.m., join us for our most popular interpretive hike. 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, while also having the chance to learn about Sedona and its surrounding areas. A knowledgeable guide also offers information about the Verde Valley and park history as well as archaeology, geology, botany and riparian wildlife. The hike lasts 2 to 2 1/2 hours and covers a distance of approximately 2 miles. The Park will also be hosting the Astronomers of Verde Valley for a lunar viewing after the hike on top of the visitor center. The astronomers will have telescopes and volunteers to help guide guests though the evening sky!

Space is limited, so call ahead to reserve your spot by calling (928) 282-6907. A $5 reservation fee is required as well as the Park's admission fees. The admission fees are $5 per adult aged 14 years and older, $3 per youth aged 7-13 and free for children 6 and younger. 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 your arrival. Wear suitable clothing and shoes (prepare for cool night) and bring water, a flashlight and insect spray.

The Geology of Sedona Lecture: On Sunday, July 20 at 2 p.m. in the Park Theatre, Wayne Ranney will speak about the geology of Sedona, something that has long interested geologists from all over the world. Have you ever wondered how the formations were made or why the rocks are red? Ranney will explain how this incredible place came to be. Ranney lives in northern Arizona and is the award winning author of "Sedona Through Time." He has also co-authored Ancient Landscapes of the Colorado Plateau and Carving Grand Canyon. Ranney's passion for southwestern geology took root during his years as a backcountry ranger in the Grand Canyon. He holds both a BS and an MS in Geology from Northern Arizona University. He completed his Master's thesis by mapping the House Mountain area near Sedona.

Please call ahead to reserve your space at (928) 282-6907. The program is included with the Park's admission fees. The admission fees are $5 per adult aged 14 and older, $3 per youth aged 7-13 and free for children 6 and younger. This program is made possible by the Arizona Humanities Council. Visit http://www.azhumanities.org for more information.

Star Party: On Friday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m., Red Rock State Park will host its first Star Party of 2014. Come and spend an evening with your family and friends and observe the wonders of the night sky through astronomers' telescopes. This event is a collaboration between Arizona State Parks, Astronomers of the Verde Valley and Sedona Beautiful. Starting at 7:30 p.m. with a presentation that will last approximately 45 minutes given by JD Maddy, president of the Astronomers of the Verde Valley. Topics of discussion will range from current astronomical events including the many clusters, nebulas, galaxies and planets. Following the presentation there will be telescope viewing from 8 to 10 p.m. There will also be a craft project available for children during the presentation, as well as snacks and warm drinks. Please bring bottled water and a folding chair for your own comfort and dress appropriately for cool weather. If you would like to bring a flashlight, please cover the end with red cellophane to minimize the light interference of the viewing scopes.

Please arrive approximately 30 minutes prior to the event. This program will require a $5 reservation fee per person prior to the event in addition to the Park's admission fees. The admission fees are $5 per adult aged 14 and older, $3 per youth aged 7-13 and free for children 6 and younger. For additional information and reservations, please call (928) 282-6907.

Bird Watching: On Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 7 a.m., bird enthusiasts will join a naturalist for a guided walk appropriate for beginning and advanced birders. Bring your own binoculars; only a limited number are available for loan from the park. Visitors will see many birds that make the park their home. The Hummingbird Patio is an excellent spot to start your tour. Another good viewing point is the visitor center roof. Most year-round birds are 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 an Important Birding Area because of the many species who live or visit here.

Nature Walk: Daily at 9 a.m., a volunteer naturalist leads a guided nature walk and informs visitors about the different life zones of Red Rock State Park. The subjects discussed on the walk include: plants, wildlife, geology, history and archaeology. The walk is a learning experience allowing participants to take part in question and answer sessions.

Daily at 2 p.m., the park hosts a ranger/naturalist led activity of approximately 45-minutes. Programs may include a nature-hike, a special presentation or an educational/nature video. This program may be an indoor or outdoor activity.

Picnic Areas and Shelters: Several covered ramadas and picnic tables are available to reserve throughout the park. The ramadas feature charcoal barbecue grills, picnic tables, electrical outlets, water and nearby restrooms. To inquire about reserving a ramada for groups, call the park at (928) 282-6907. These areas are also available for daily visitors.

Red Rock State Park is a "pack in-pack out" facility and does not provide trash receptacles. Please remember to "pack out" your trash with you to help us protect the environment and wildlife.

Junior Ranger Program: A Junior Ranger program is available for children between the ages of six and 12. Junior Rangers pledge their part in helping preserve the beauty of the park for everyone! Junior Ranger booklets, available at the Visitor Center, have activities to complete. Once approved by a Ranger, the newest Junior Ranger at Red Rock State Park is sworn in after taking the pledge and receiving a Junior Ranger button.

Visitor Center: The Park Visitor Center features many displays about the area's geology, archaeology, flora and fauna, including an interactive relief map of Sedona and computer programs about various park features, including the House of Apache Fires. The popular video, "The Natural Wonders of Sedona" narrated by local voice-over artist John Conway, is shown several times daily in the Park Theatre. The video features aerial explorations of Indian ruins and dramatic landscapes, colorful desert wildflowers and local wildlife.

For more information about Red Rock State Park call (928) 282-6907. Red Rock State Park is located at 4050 Lower Red Rock Loop Road in Sedona, Ariz. Park hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Park Entrance Fee is $5 per adult aged 14 and older, $3 per youth aged 7-13 and free for children 6 and younger. The Arizona State Park Annual Pass is available for $75 (some restrictions apply).

For information about all 27 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703). Campsite reservations can be made online at AZStateParks.com or by calling the Reservation Call Center at (520) 586-2283. Open 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. Follow AZStateParks on Twitter and Facebook.