Go Out and Play!
See where locals in the know love to hike, bike, rock climb and backpack.
Ask Sedona residents why they settled in Red Rock Country and you'll hear some variation of this response again and again: It was just too pretty to leave. Visitors get the message too, flocking in huge numbers to our small corner of Arizona for a glimpse. While some are content to take in the beauty at arm's length from balconies and patios, nothing builds a bond with the landscape like slathering on some sunscreen and making contact - feeling the slick rock under your fingertips, climbing to a high-top perch for a bird's-eye view, spying on lizards lounging in the sun or minnows swimming upstream. To help you discover the greatest of Sedona's great outdoors experiences, we quizzed local experts on four of the most popular activities: Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping. Besides sharing the basics and favorite spots for their favorite sports, they offer key tips for staying safe while having fun. Get the scoop and a refreshing view of Sedona, on the rocks!
RED ROCK PASSES
Red Rock Passes are required for parking on national forest land in Sedona. Between October 2004 and September 2005, according to the Forest Service, fees generated from the Passes helped remove 45,743 pounds of trash, dismantle 300 fire rings, tow away 16 abandoned vehicles and 53 fallen trees, and clean up 162 dump sites.
- Daily: $5 (not valid in Forest Service day-use areas)
- Weekly: $15 (coming soon: weekly passes will allow access to Forest Service day-use areas)
- Annual: $20 (not valid in Forest Service day-use areas)
- Grand Annual: $40 (valid in Forest Service day-use areas)
Where to purchase passes
Red Rock Passes are sold by more than 60 local vendors including gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores and resorts - look for the Red Rock Pass sign. Red Rock Pass vending machines accept both credit cards and cash. You can also buy Passes at Forest Service visitor centers and the following trailheads/recreation areas:
- Halfway Picnic Area
- Encinoso Picnic Area
- Indian Gardens
- Midgley Bridge Parking
- Huckaby Trailhead
- Cathedral Rock Trailhead
- Little Horse Trailhead
- Bell Rock Trailhead
- Dry Creek/Boynton Pass Road Junction
- Boynton Canyon Trailhead
- Palatki Cultural Site
RESOURCES
Hiking Equipment
Canyon Outfitters, 2701 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-5293)
Sedona Sports, 251 Hwy 179 (928-282-1317)
Rock Climbing Equipment
Canyon Outfitters, 2701 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-5293)
Bike Rentals and Sales
Sedona Bike and Bean, 6020 Hwy 179 (928-284-0210)
Absolute Bikes, 6101 Hwy 179 (928-284-1242)
Mountain Bike Heaven, 1695 W. Hwy 89A (928-282-1312)
Sedona Sports, 251 Hwy 179 (928-282-1317)
CAMPING INFORMATION
For reservations in Forest Service or Public Land Campgrounds, call (877) 444-6777. For information on local campgrounds, trails and fee areas, visit www.redrockcountry.org or www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino.
Red Rock Ranger District Official Visitor Centers
- South Gateway Visitors Center, Tequa Plaza, 7000 Hwy 179 in VOC
- North Gateway Visitors Center, Oak Creek Vista at the top of Oak Creek Canyon
- Oak Creek Visitor Center, Indian Gardens in Oak Creek Canyon
- Sedona Ranger Station, 250 Brewer Rd. at the "Y"
- Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce Gateway Visitor Center, 331 Forest Rd. in Uptown
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