Sedona Red Rock Pass | Hit the Trail

Sedona is a very popular area for very good reason, and because of its popularity, the U.S. Forest Service implemented a user fee for some of the more heavily used areas called the Red Rock Pass Program. As stated on their site:

The Red Rock Pass program is a conservation tool designed to protect, enhance, and maintain Sedona’s awe-inspiring red rock landscape for the American public today and into the future. As a high impact recreation area, the level of care and maintenance required for the Red Rock landscape exceeds that needed in other National Forest areas. Revenue from the pass program is making a difference providing improved visitor information, environmental protection, and lasting memorable experiences!

A Red Rock Pass can be purchased on a daily, weekly or annual basis. The Daily Pass is good for one calendar day and costs $5. The Weekly Pass is good for 7 consecutive days and costs $15. Finally, the Annual Pass is good for 12 consecutive months and costs $20.

This pass is valid for use as a parking permit to recreate in Red Rock Country including access to Red Rock Country Heritage Sites. It is not valid for the use of other fee areas, developed campgrounds, or these day-use sites operated by private permittee: Grasshopper Point Picnic and Swimming Area, Crescent Moon Day Use Area and Call O’ the Canyon (West Fork Trailhead). However, the Forest Service has added a pass called the Grand Annual Pass; for $40 which is also good for 12 consecutive months and adds entrance to the above privately run day-use areas. This pass is NOT valid for the use of other fee areas or developed campgrounds.

An America The Beautiful Interagency Pass, Senior Pass, or Access Pass also qualifies for access to these areas. If you are going to the Grand Canyon and possibly other parks, national monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, as well as many other public sites, an America The Beautiful Interagency Pass is a great pass to consider purchasing. It is good for an entire year and will give you access to all of these sites for a one-time price of $80. That’s quite a bargain when you consider that Grand Canyon alone costs $35!

One of these passes must be displayed in the windshield of your vehicle whenever recreating on National Forest land in Red Rock Country. A pass is not required for incidental stopping to take a photograph or to enjoy a scenic vista (approximately 15 minutes or less). Vehicles parked on the National Forest in the red rock area that do not display a valid pass in the windshield are subject to receiving a citation.

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