In an effort to close a massive budget shortfall, Arizona has decided to close all but nine of their state parks. Red Rock State Park, unfortunately, is one of those on the wrong side of that equation.
Without a doubt, this was the best State Park I have ever visited. The facilities were extremely well maintained; the Rangers were friendly and extremely helpful. Every trail was very clearly marked with conspicuous signs, as well as "you are here" maps. All things you look for when taking a family hiking.
And yet, in spite of this, I met very few people on the trails. A group of bird watchers mulling around Oak Creek and a solitary retiree on the Coyote Ridge Trail were the only other people I saw in the morning. By the end of the day, I would cross paths with only six other groups.
This meant the trail was generally devoid of human noise; in fact in most cases the only noise was that of the creek. Without the chirping of birds, or rusting of squirrels, it is easy to forget you are in a wild habitat.
On Eagle's Nest Trail, just after leaving the Coyote Ridge, I was reminded of this when I accidentally startled a pair of Javelina. Although I came within 10 feet of a mother and her child, the first hint I had of their presence was when the mother snarled and thundered away, her offspring in close pursuit.
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All in all I had a great time, and am saddened to see the closure of such a great park. If you have the means, I strongly suggest visiting the park before it closes in June of 2010.
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Distance: 5.6 miles
Time: 3 hours 20 minutes