Arizona State Parks & Trails – Best in the U.S.!

We would like to share this with you –  our (Arizona’s) State Parks System won the Gold Medal for the Best Managed in the USA by the National Recreation and Park Association! At El Portal Sedona Hotel we couldn’t agree more! We think our State Parks here in Northern Arizona are some of the best in the world! 

“This Gold Medal win is not just about the staff of Arizona State Parks and Trails,” said Sue Black, Executive Director of Arizona State Parks and Trails. “This is about everyone in Arizona who contributes to our success or gets to enjoy our beautiful parks. It’s a huge honor to be considered the best-managed state park agency in the country, and we hope everyone will get out and see these amazing parks first-hand.”

What is the criteria for this award? State park systems must demonstrate “excellence in long-range planning, resource management and innovative approaches to delivering superb park and recreation services with fiscally sound business practices.” (Source: NRPA).

In the Sedona area, we have three amazing parks, Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park and Dead Horse Ranch State Park. These all have terrific programs, events and activities for young and old, locals and visitors. One event is the Verde River Day at Dead Horse Ranch State Park this Saturday, a day filled with free activities and park entrance fees waived!

Red Rock State Park offers a multitude of hikes including moonlight hikes, archaeology, geology, and ethnobotany hikes. The have a great ranger program for the kiddos too.

Slide Rock State Park has the amazing natural water slide, as well as great hiking and history.

When in Arizona, come to Sedona, stay with us at El Portal Sedona Hotel and visit our wonderful State Parks!

About El Portal Sedona Hotel 
Located in the heart of Sedona, the boutique hotel has received numerous awards including being voted The Best Pet Friendly Hotel in the USA by 10best.com and USA Today, awarded AAA’s Four Diamond Rating, among others. The Sedona hotel offers personalized concierge services for the Sedona area including day trips to the Grand Canyon, hikes, mountain biking, jeep tours, wine tours, kayaking, rafting, golfing, dining, shopping, museums, and more. Through a special agreement guests have access to two swimming pools, a full gym and Sedona Spa located next door at Los Abrigados.