For the first time ever all 50 states have joined together on a single, nationwide state parks event occurring on the same day! Be a part of this national movement on Sunday, January 1, 2012 – strap on the hiking boots and start the year out on the right foot!

Arizona State Parks are the perfect place to encourage physical and mental health, connect with nature, and remember the past by exploring what makes  Arizona so unique. Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers one hike at 9am. Meet at West Lagoon parking lot the hike last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and cover 2 to 3 miles. You will meander along the Verde River riparian area as well as the 3 lagoons that are on the park. Cottonwood is a short 20 minute car ride from El Portal.

Red Rock State Park has two hikes, one at 10am and another at 2pm. Enjoy a 1-1.5 hour interpretive naturalist-led hike. For all hikes dress in warm layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Participants may also want to bring binoculars and a camera; the day might be good for wildlife photo ops. Sorry, no dogs allowed.

If you’re staying at El Portal Sedona Hotel no worries, we offer pet sitting for no additional charge. In fact the pet friendly bed and breakfast has no fee for pets at all! We will walk, water and feed your dog while you take in the “First Day Hikes” at Cottonwood or Red Rock SP.

For more information call El Portal luxury inn at 1-800-313-0017, or go online!