In late October, 2010, the Red Rock Ranger District announced locations where rangers would enforce the requirement to display a Red Rock Pass or equivalent.
In September 2010, a ruling by a U.S. Magistrate Judge caused the Red Rock Pass Program to be revised. Previously, a Red Rock Pass (or equivalent*) was required to be displayed whenever a vehicle was parked within a large area of the Coconino National Forest around Sedona. The Red Rock Pass Program will now be applied to areas that meet specific requirements, at least until the spring of 2011. For the remainder of 2010, the fees charged at four special fee areas (West Fork, Red Rock Crossing, Banjo Bill and Grasshopper Point) are not affected by this action. However, beginning January 1, 2011 the fee structure at the special fee areas is modified. Click here for details.
As a result of the Judge's ruling, a Red Rock Pass will be required at:
Palatki Hertiage Site
Honanki Heritage Site
V-Bar-V Heritage Site
Parking along Oak Creek Canyon from the Sedona city limits to the switchbacks (located about 16 miles north of SR 89A)
Parking along SR 179 from the Red Rock Ranger Station to the Huckaby trailhead (located on Schnebly Hill Road)
Long Canyon, Boynton Canyon, Doe/Bear Mountain, and Aerie parking areas (all located on the paved portion of Boynton Pass Road)
Huckaby, Soldier Pass, Jordan, Thunder Mountain, Broken Arrow, Cathedral Rock and Airport Loop parking areas (all located around the city of Sedona)
The Red Rock Pass Program will not be enforced at:
Parking areas along Verde Valley School Road (west of the Village of Oak Creek)
Parking areas along Jack's Canyon Road (east of the Village of Oak Creek)
Parking areas along Forest Road 152 (includes Devil's Bridge to Vultee Arch parking areas)
Parking areas along the Upper and Lower Red Rock Loop Road
Parking areas along the unpaved portions of Boynton Pass Road (west of the Doe/Bear Mountain parking areas)
Parking on the unpaved portion of Schnebly Hill Road (east of the Huckaby/Munds Wagon parking area)
If you are uncertain as to which trail you are going to hike, you should purchase a Red Rock Pass (or have one of the equivalent passes*) to avoid receiving a citation if you happen to park in an area that requires a Red Rock Pass be displayed.
A copy of the press release is here.
* Instead of a Red Rock Pass, you may display any of the following equivalents: 1) a National Parks Pass, also known as a Federal Interagency Annual Pass ($80); 2) a Senior Pass, also known as a Federal Interagency Senior Pass, issued to U.S. residents 62 years of age and older (one-time $10 cost); or 3) a Federal Interagency Access Pass, issued to individuals with permanent disabilities (no cost). If you show either pass 2) or 3) at any of the 4 fee areas, you'll receive a discount of 50% off the parking fees through December 31, 2010. Beginning January 1, 2011, the revised fee structure does not provide for discounts. Click here for more information..
Great Sedona Hikes
Last Updated December 4, 2010
Web Page by Bill Bohan (billbo@greatsedonahikes.com)
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