Arizona State Parks Celebrate 60 Years!

Our Arizona State Park system is celebrating 60 years! And there are six beautiful, historic, cultural and breathtaking parks in the Sedona area, making for fun outings and easy day trips from El Portal Sedona Hotel.

Red Rock State Park
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Slide Rock State Park
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Jerome State Historic Park
Fort Verde State Historic Park
and the newest just south of Prescott – Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park – Arizona’s first Memorial State Park honoring the memory of the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots.

These parks have various offerings from easy/extreme hiking and biking trails to historic/cultural influences. See the impressive Arts and Crafts-style architecture of Riordan Mansion up by Flagstaff; seen by guided tour only, the home showcases all original Riordan family belongings including fine examples of early Stickley furniture. (See if you notice anything similar here at El Portal…).

Red Rock State Park has some of the most incredible hiking trails in the world! This is a hiker’s/photographer’s/nature lover’s dream destination! This is one park you have to visit!

Fort Verde State Historic Park was occupied by U.S. Army troops during the Central Arizona Indian Wars. Construction of the Fort began in 1871 and was completed by 1873, the installation was abandoned in April 1891. The Park is not only an historic site, it is important as a unique site for interpreting a cultural conflict crucial to the development of Arizona.

El Portal Sedona Hotel provides an ideal place to stay while exploring these state parks. We are a AAA Four Diamond Hotel providing guests with unpretentious luxury. The boutique hotel has been rated one of the top hotels in the Southwest by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, was voted Best Pet Friendly Hotel in the USA by 10Besst.com and USA Today (2013), and has received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award.  Located mere steps from Tlaquepaque and near much of the best that Sedona has to offer, El Portal welcomes guests and their pets to its twelve uniquely appointed, luxurious suites. Call 1.800.313.0017 for reservations or online at:  tinyurl.com/ElPortalBookOnline