12 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest One third of Red Rock Country is in three Federally designated wilderness areas, totaling more than 140,000 acres:

•	 Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness

•	 Sycamore Canyon Wilderness

•	 Munds Mountain Wilderness

Colorful cliffs, soaring pinnacles, cactus, thick pinyonjuniper forests, and rich riparian areas flanked by crimson 

walls distinguish these special places. Black bear, mountain 

lion, white-tailed deer, rattlesnakes and canyon wrens are 

common to these wilderness areas. These species and many 

others depend on natural habitat where man is an occasional 

visitor.

Red Rock Country’s wilderness areas are literally in 

Sedona’s backyard. Most of the cliffs viewed from

town and many of the trails around Sedona

are in the Munds Mountain and Red

Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness areas.

Bell Rock is in wilderness, only steps 

from the highway. These wildernesses 

are some of the most heavily visited in 

the Nation with over 230,000 visitors 

each year. Wilderness qualities of solitude,

silence, and a pristine environment are no 

longer found in some popular areas. Even so, 

protecting Red Rock Country’s fragile wilderness 

areas from further impact depends on you. Using 

these areas with the care and respect they 

deserve, will ensure these fragile lands 

remain wild.

Prehistoric Indian cliff dwellings in Red Rock 

Country offer vivid evidence of habitation at least 

1,500 years ago. According to archaeologists, the 

Sinagua (meaning “without water”) culture flourished

in the Verde Valley from around 600 AD to 1400 AD. 

Around 1400 or shortly thereafter, the Sinagua abandoned the Verde Valley. They migrated to the east and 

then north over the course of several generations, eventually becoming part of the Hopi and other puebloan tribes 

in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico. Sometime

near the end of the Sinagua occupation, the Yavapai and

Apache moved into the valley. Their descendants still live 

here today.

Rock art is one of the legacies left behind by the Sinagua.

Petroglyphs (pecked or scratched images) and pictographs

(painted images) are found on rock panels throughout

Red Rock Country. The true meaning of the rock art is 

unknown, but various interpretations exist. The rock art

could be clan signs, spiritual messages, calendars, commemorations of events, or a combination of these.

Sites open to the public

Montezuma Castle National Monument – 

Cliff dwelling by Wet Beaver Creek. Open 8 a.m. to

5 p.m. Take I-17 to Exit 289. Go past Cliff Castle Casino

and turn north at sign. (928) 567-3322 • www.nps.gov/

moca • Fee $.

Montezuma Well National Monument – Limestone 

sinkhole, cliff dwellings, and lush oasis by Wet Beaver

Creek. Take McGuireville/Rimrock Exit on I-17. Follow

signs to monument. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. (928)

567-3322 

Tuzigoot National Monument – Partially restored 

Indian pueblo and museum. Located in Cottonwood. 

Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (928) 634-5564 • www.nps.gov/

tuzi • Fee $.

Walnut Canyon National Monument – Narrow, deep 

limestone canyon holds more than 80 cliff dwellings.

Picnic areas, trails, and visitor center. Open 8 a.m. to 5

p.m. daily. Go 9 miles east of Flagstaff on I-40, Exit 204.

Fee. (928) 526-3367 • www.nps.gov/waca

Wupatki National Monument - Rock art, ruins, and 

scenery. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. North of Flagstaff

on Hwy. 89A. Fee. (928) 679-2365 • www.nps.gov/

wupa

V bar V Heritage Site – Rock art site and visitor center on the banks of Wet Beaver Creek. Open 9:30 a.m.

to 3:00 p.m., Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday

only. From Sedona, take Exit 298 off I-17, the FR 618

south and follow the signs for 2 miles to the entrance 

gate. No pets. Red Rock Pass required. Groups over 14

people must have reservations. (928) 592-0998 • www.

redrockcountry.org/recreation/cultural/v-v

Palatki Heritage Site – Cliff dwelling, rock art, and visitor center. Open 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. Reservation 

required – call (928) 282-3854. Go southwest on Hwy.

89A 5 miles beyond the last traffic light in west Sedona.

Turn right on FR 525, follow the signs for 6 miles and 

then take FR 795 for 1.5 miles to the entrance gate. No 

pets. Red Rock Pass required • www.redrockcountry.org/

recreation/culture/palatki

Honanki Heritage Site - Cliff dwelling and rock art. 

Open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Take Hwy. 89A southwest

of Sedona to Forest Road 525. Go southwest on Hwy. 89A

5 miles beyond the last traffic light in west Sedona. Turn

right on FR 525, follow the signs for 10 miles (unpaved)

to the entrance gate. High clearance vehicle recommended. Red Rock Pass required. No pets. (928) 282-4119 •

www.redrockcountry.org/recreation/cultural/honanki

Museum of Northern Arizona – Indian culture and 

natural history museum, gift shop, exhibits, nature trail,

art collection. Two miles north of Flagstaff on Hwy. 180.

Fee. (928) 774-5213 • www.musnaz.org

Sedona Heritage Museum – Highlights the history 

of Sedona, its pioneers and settlers. Historic buildings, trails and views. Located in uptown Sedona

at 735 Jordan Road. Fee. (928) 282-7038 • www.

sedonamuseum.org

Fort Verde State Historic Park – Located in Camp 

Verde, this was a major fort for General George Crook

during the Indian campaigns of the 1870s. Open 9 a.m.

to 5 p.m., Thursday-Monday. (928) 567-3275 • www.

azstateparks.com/Parks/FOVE • Fee $.

Collecting 

or relocating 

archaeological 

artifacts is 

unlawful.

Verde Valley’s History and Culture Lives

Defacing or 

destroying 

natural features 

or archaeological 

sites is unlawful.

Sitting, walking, 

pushing or climbing on ruin walls 

is unlawful.

Friends of the Forest

Sedona

Recreation Guide to 

Your National Forest

Address any comments or questions about this

publication to the Coconino National Forest

Red Rock Ranger District at (928) 282-4119.

Photography: Copyright ©Tom Johnson except

as noted

Cover Illustration: Raven © 1999 Zachery Zdinak

In Partnership With: The Friends of the Forest, 

City of Sedona, Arizona Natural History Association,

and Sedona Chamber of Commerce.

The Friends of the Forest, Inc. 

P.O. Box 2391

Sedona, AZ 86339

City of Sedona

102 Roadrunner Drive 

Sedona, AZ 86336

(928) 282-3113

Arizona

Natural 

History

Association

Arizona Natural 

History Association 

1824 S. Thompson Street

Flagstaff, AZ 86001

(928) 527-3450

Sedona Chamber of

Commerce 

P.O. Box 478

Sedona, AZ 86339

(928) 282-7722

Wilderness . . . 

Sedona’s Wild Backyard 

“Our wild lands are our most important endangered species.”

—Former Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson

J

ohn Muir wrote, “wilderness is the hope of

the world.” Wilderness has traditionally served as a romantic metaphor 

for the American spirit. In 1964, the

U.S. Congress passed the Wilderness Act,

setting aside 91.2 million acres of national

forests to remain in their natural state. 

Unlike other Federal public lands, areas 

designated “wilderness” are protected

forever from both development and 

motor vehicles. 

Over half of all American wilderness is in Alaska, 

where 56.5 million acres have been set aside as 

wilderness. About 6 percent of Arizona’s 

72 million acres has been designated 

as wilderness, or 4.5 million acres. 

Don't bust the crust

Sketch by Susan Kliewer

The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 

1979 protects cultural resources for the benefit of

all. Admire these sites, learn from them, but leave 

everything where it is. To do otherwise is not only 

disrespectful, it is against the law. 

Printed December 2012 • USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Check out the exciting variety of natural history

books, posters, cards, CDs, maps, and other 

natural and cultural education material for sale 

from ANHA at most visitor centers. Founded 

in 1988 as a nonprofit organization, ANHA

makes educational materials available to the 

public. Proceeds support programs that further 

the understanding and appreciation of the area’s 

natural and cultural heritage. 
General Information

Camping: National forest camping is limited in Red 

Rock Country. Campfires are prohibited outside of 

campgrounds. See page 5.

Commercial Tours: A variety of tour companies, 

authorized by the Forest Service, provide guided trips

on the national forest. For information, contact a 

visitor center. 

Fishing: Oak Creek is stocked with trout during summer 

months. Fishing licenses are required and are available at

most grocery stores.

Interpretive Programs: Red Rock State Park location:

Lower Red Rock Loop Road off west Hwy. 89A and Red

Rock Visitor Contact Center location: off Hwy. 179 at

mile marker 304.7, 6 miles north of the junction with 

I-17. Both locations offer intrepretive programs year 

round.

Driving: Driving any motorized vehicle off of designated 

roads is prohibited on the forest. Both scenic and recreational roads are available for use. For more information on 

how to get a free map, see page 4.

Recreation Pass, Interagency Passes (Annual, Senior 

and Access): See page 3 for details.

Woodcutting: Woodcutting is prohibited in Red Rock

Country except in designated areas. Contact the ranger

station for information and to purchase permits. 

Wildfire: Fire restrictions and closures may be imposed to 

reduce the likelihood of wildfire. Always make sure your 

Visitor Centers 

Help Make the Most 

of Your Visit

For convenient, accurate information about Red 

Rock Country, four visitor centers have been 

established in a partnership between the Forest 

Service, Sedona Chamber of Commerce, Recreation

Resource Management, and the Arizona Natural History

Association. 

Visitor centers offer:

• Restrooms and recreation information

• Chamber of Commerce information 

• Arizona Natural History Association maps 

and guidebooks

• Federal Pass information and sales 

Picnic/Camping Information ........... 2, 5, 7

Weather................................................ 2

Fee and Pass Information ....................... 3

Scenic Drives ......................................... 4

Red Rock Country Map...................... 6, 7

Hiking and Hiking Trails ................. 6, 7, 8

Mountain Biking and Horseback Riding... 8

Historic Photos........................................ 9

Wildlife and Plants................................ 10

Geology............................................... 11

Wilderness Sedona’s Wild Backyard .... 12

Rock Art and Ruins .............................. 12

Leave no trace

What’s Inside?

Important Phone Numbers

Recreation Guide to Your National Forest

Red Rock Country - Coconino National Forest - Sedona, Arizona

Red Rock Ranger 

District 

(928) 282-4119

Coconino National 

Forest Supervisor’s 

Office (Flagstaff) 

(928) 527-3600

Verde Ranger District 

(928) 567-4121

Sedona Chamber 

of Commerce 

(928) 282-7722 or 

1-800-288-7336

Sedona Parks 

and Recreation

(928) 282-7098

Oak Creek 

Visitor Center 

(928) 203-0624

Road Conditions

1-888-511-ROAD 

Highway Patrol

(928) 773-3600

Weather Forecast 

N. Arizona

(928) 774-3301

Sedona Police 

Department

(928) 282-3100

Yavapai County 

Sheriff Department

(928) 567-7710

Coconino County 

Sheriff Department

1-800-338-7888

Grand Canyon 

National Park

(928) 638-7888

Arizona Game and 

Fish Department

(602) 942-3000

Sedona Medical 

Center

(928) 204-3000

ARIZONA STATE PARKS

AZ State Parks

www.azstateparks.com

Red Rock State Park

(928) 282-6907

Dead Horse Ranch 

State Park

(928) 634-5283

Slide Rock State Park

(928) 282-3034

To report a

wildlife incident

or violation, call

Operation Game 

Thief: 1-800-352-

0700

To report Illegal

Dumping, call

(928) 771-3430

 LOCATIONS AND HOURS

Red Rock Visitor Center — (928) 282-4119

or (928) 203-2900. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

daily. Located off Hwy. 179 at mile marker

304.7, 6 miles north of the junction with I-17. 

Sedona Chamber of Commerce — (928)

282-7722. Open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday

through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on

Sundays. Highway 89A and Forest Road mile

marker 374.1 in Uptown Sedona in the Sedona

Chamber of Commerce.

Oak Creek Vista — Open from 9 a.m. to 4

p.m. daily. Closed in winter. Located on 89A

North at the Oak Creek Vista Overlook, mile 

marker 390. American Indian crafts market and Arizona Natural History Association 

bookstore.

Oak Creek Visitor Center — (928) 203-

0624. Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, at

Indian Gardens in Oak Creek Canyon, mile

marker 378.2. Closed in winter. Fishing

licenses and supplies available.

Litter lasts this long in the desert

Cigarette butts........................................5 years

Aluminum cans..................................100 years

Orange and banana peels .......................2 years

Plastic bottles .................................. indefinitely

DID YOU KNOW?

FOR EMERGENCIES, CALL 911

campfire is completely out and never throw cigarettes on 

the ground. If you spot a fire or unattended campfire, call 

911 to report it. For fire restriction information, call toll

free 1-877-864-6985 or visit www.azfireinfo.com.

Collecting: Collection of most natural objects (rocks and

plants) from national forest lands in Red Rock Country is

very limited and, if allowed, requires a permit from the Forest

Service. To protect the area’s beauty, please leave all natural

objects in place. Collection of cultural artifacts is illegal. 

Fishing, Hunting, and Firearm Use: Fishing and 

hunting on the national forest in Red Rock Country are 

allowed under Arizona Game and Fish regulations. Pick up

a copy of the regulations at any visitor center or go to www.

azgfd.com for more information. Shooting is prohibited

within 150 yards of any residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area and shooting across 

roads, trails, or bodies of water is prohibited. Hunting is 

prohibited within the city limits of Sedona. Fishing licenses

are available at most grocery stores and through the Arizona 

Game and Fish Department.

www.redrockcountry.org • www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino
Camping/Picnicking

2 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest A Message from 

the District Ranger

“It seemed to me to be the oldest country I had ever 

seen, the real antique land, first cousin to the moon.”

—-J.B. Priestly

On behalf of the Red Rock Ranger District of 

the Coconino National Forest, I welcome 

you to this 160,000-acre Red Rock Country. 

Despite its rugged appearance, Red Rock Country is 

a sensitive and limited living system in need of your 

help to sustain and enhance it. In this fragile desert, 

plants grow slowly and are easily trampled, and soils 

wash away from the impact of thousands of human 

footprints. New forest management policies are in 

place, but we need your help. 

People have lived here for at least 8,000 years,

and until recently, the human impact on the 

ecosystem was small. Now the area attracts 

4 million visitors annually, as many as visit 

Grand Canyon National Park. Because of this

popularity and greater Sedona’s growth, Red

Rock Country, with its scenic landscapes, hiking 

trails, and prehistoric ruins is in danger of being 

loved to death. 

Powerful natural forces, that began their work 350 

million years ago, have created a unique mosaic of

plant and animal habitats. I encourage you to take 

the time to experience and observe the beauties and

marvels of nature. 

I hope you enjoy your stay. Please take to heart 

the leave-no-trace commitment described in these 

pages. Your children’s children will thank you.

Sincerely, 

Heather

Heather Provencio, District Ranger

Red Rock Ranger District

Visitors explore Munds Wagon Trail. 

Tread on the trail

Leave No Trace

Volunteers Increase 

Our Caring Capacity

I

n Red Rock Country you will meet many people 

who help maintain and protect the national forest. 

Citizens from near and far provide the Red Rock 

Ranger District with more than 55,000 hours of volunteer service every year. These volunteers assist the Forest 

Service with maintaining and building trails, informing visitors, and restoring damaged areas. For more 

information contact the Friends of the Forest, Inc., P.O. 

Box 2391, Sedona, AZ 86339; Trail Resource Access

Coalition of Sedona (TRACS) at 50 Yucca St., Sedona,

AZ 86351; Keep Sedona Beautiful (KSB) at P.O. Box

1066, Sedona, AZ 86339; or the Sedona Chamber of

Commerce at (928) 282-7722.

Tell Us 

How We’re Doing!

If you have comments for the Forest 

Service, please log on at:

www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/contact

If you are lucky, you 

may meet a herd of 

javelina in Red Rock 

Country. Javelina 

(hah-vel-EEN-a), live

in desert scrub and 

feed mainly on prickly 

pear cactus. Javelina usually feed at night during 

hot summer months but are active in the day during cooler months. Javelina do not see well but 

have a great sense of smell which helps them find 

tubers deep underground. While not aggressive,

they have sharp canines that can inflict a nasty 

bite, so keep your dog leashed when in the forest. 

Javelina

Sketch by Susan Kliewer

Weather or Not?

Average Temperature

(degrees Fahrenheit)

Average Total 

Precipitation Sunrise/

Sunset

Month High Low Inches

January 55 30 1.7 7:35 5:39

February 59 32 1.5 7:13 6:10

March 63 35 1.7 6:37 6:36

April 72 42 1.2 5:55 7:00

May 81 49 0.6 5:23 7:24

June 91 57 0.5 5:13 7:43

July 95 65 1.9 5:25 7:41

August 92 64 2.4 5:48 7:15

September 88 58 1.5 6:10 6:33

October 78 48 1.1 6:33 5:52

November 65 37 1.3 7:02 5:22

December 56 30 1.7 7:27 5:18

Total Average Yearly Precipitation: 17.1"

Picnicking

An outdoor picnic is 

one of the best 

ways to enjoy Red 

Rock Country. There are 

many day-use areas with 

picnic tables and trash receptacles, or you can hike up 

to a vista with a picnic in 

your pack. Whatever you

pack in, please pack it out. 

Even crumbs can make a 

difference, so be careful not 

to leave traces of food. Don’t 

forget to bring lots of water. 

Picnic sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Picnicking is also allowed in campgrounds from 10 a.m. 

to 1 p.m. for a day-use fee ($8). After 1 p.m., the full

campground fee is charged ($16 to $18 depending on the campground).

Parking is very limited at most day-use sites. RVs, trailers 

and buses are not recommended.
 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest 11

BIOLOGICAL SOIL CRUSTS

Stop! Don’t step on that soil. It’s full of life.

© Wayne Ranney from Sedona Through Time

Some 4 million people visit Red Rock Country 

annually, a large number considering that one 

of the prime attractions is rust! Many visitors

ask why the red rocks are red. The answer is that the 

red color found in most of the layers is hematite, or 

iron oxide, a mineral found in great abundance in

sedimentary rocks. 

Rocks in Red Rock Country are old. From bottom 

to top layer, one can observe about 80 million years

of sediment deposition! Picture a giant layer cake, 

each layer being its own type of rock (sandstone,

limestone, siltstone). Each layer was deposited in

its own geologic era. Some layers were deposited in

shallow seas, some in river deltas and flood plains. 

Some layers are hardened sand dunes. All of these

strata (except the basalt) were laid down, one atop

another, during the Paleozoic Era. During this era, 

fishes dominated the oceans and plants and amphibians were just starting to live on land. T. Rex had

not even evolved yet! Amazingly, these rocks haven’t 

eroded away even though wind and water have been 

working on them for 275 million years. 

Solving the Mystery of 

the Red Rocks

Vortex Sites are Popular

ANorthern Arizona University study found that 

64 percent of visitors in a recent year came to 

Red Rock Country seeking some kind of spiritual 

experience. Part of the attraction is the inspirational and

regenerative nature of Sedona’s scenic beauty, as well as a

recreation destination. 

Sedona is believed by some to be a vortex meditation

site, places of power in the red rocks that enhance prayer, 

contemplation, and reflection for people of all faiths. 

Most Sedona bookstores have books on vortex beliefs

and methods for experiencing these aspects of spiritual

exploration. Vortex sites are some of the most visited 

and impacted sites on the national forest. 

It is important to protect the spiritual beauty of this 

landscape. Here’s how you can help: 

•	Treat the site and the trails to it as a fragile resource –

Leave No Trace. 

•	Do not move rocks and sticks to create “medicine

wheels.” For many, this detracts from the area’s natural

beauty and leaves an impact on the site. 

•	Stay on the main trail to the site. Do not create side trails.

•	When you depart, leave nothing behind – take with

you only memories and wisdom. 

•	Preserve the natural quiet by chanting, drumming, singing, or praying quietly. 

Because thousands visit these sites every year, each of us 

must help to keep the beauty of Sedona’s inspirational

landscape safe for many generations to come. 

The large, black patches of dark, knobby, 

brittle crust are actually a cryptobiotic crust. 

The crust is made of lichen, moss, cyanobacteria, liverwort and fungi. The crust prevents 

erosion and retains water and minerals for plants. 

Without the cryptobiotic crust, the red rock landscape would become barren sand dunes. The crust 

is easily broken, especially when it is dry. A single 

footstep can erase decades of growth. 

Don’t bust 

the crust

It’s Alive

Stay On The Trail

Typical Red Rock Country geologic cross section 

What can you do to preserve a 

healthy desert ecosystem?

Where trails do not exist, hike in washes or

on rocks. Text excerpted from USGS Fact Sheet

FS-065-01, July 2002, Reprinted April 2004.

Learn more at 

www.soilcrust.org

Stay on trails

Palatki Heritage Site waterfall following recent rain

How About a 

Commercial Tour?

Many commercial tours are offered on the 

national forest. Visitors can choose a 

tour company which provides a safe and 

informative tour of Red Rock Country for those 

interested in hiking, mountain bicycling, jeeping, 

ballooning, fishing, and many other activities. 

Legal tour companies are carefully managed under 

permit to ensure they offer quality services and

protect the environment. Fees generated by legal 

tour operators help maintain the national forest. 

A list of current, permitted guides can be found 

online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/projects/

outfitter/permitted-o-g.shtml. If you are unsure

about a commercial tour operator, you can ask to 

see their Forest Service permit.

Although the soil surface may look like dirt to 

you, it is full of living organisms that are a vital 

part of the desert ecosystem. This veneer of life 

is called a biological soil crust. These crusts are found 

throughout the world, from hot deserts to polar regions. 

Crusts generally cover all soil spaces not occupied by 

green plants. In many areas, they comprise over 70 percent of the living ground cover and are key in reducing 

erosion, increasing water retention, and increasing soil 

fertility. In most dry regions, these crusts are dominated 

by cyanobacteria (previously called blue-green algae),

which are one of the oldest known life forms. Soil crusts

also include lichens, mosses, microfungi, bacteria, and 

green algae.

These living organisms and their byproducts create a 

continuous crust on the soil surface. Immature crusts 

are generally flat and the color of the soil, which makes 

them difficult to distinguish from bare ground. Mature

crusts, in contrast, are usually bumpy and dark colored 

due to the presence of lichens, mosses, and high densi- ties of cyanobacteria and other organisms.

The crusts are important in the interception of rainfall, 

absorbing up to 10 times their volume of water. The 

roughened surface of the crusts slows runoff and increases water infiltration into the soil, which is especially 

important in arid areas with sporadic, heavy rainfall. 

In addition to stabilizing surfaces and increasing water 

harvesting, crustal organisms also contribute nitrogen 

and organic matter to ecosystems, especially important 

in desert ecosystems where nitrogen levels are low and 

often limit productivity. 

Unfortunately the crusts are not a match for the stress 

caused by footprints or bike and car tires. Even small 

impacts can have profound consequences. Crushed

crusts contribute less nitrogen and organic matter to 

the ecosystem and the soils are left highly susceptible to 

both wind and water erosion. Blowing sediment from 

disturbed areas can cover nearby healthy crusts. Burial 

can mean death because crustal organisms need sunlight 

to live. 

A single footprint has a long lasting effect on desert 

ecosystems: nitrogen fixation stops and underlying soil

connections are broken. Under good conditions, a thin 

veneer of cyanobacteria may return in 5 years. Recovery 

may take up to 20 years in places with higher rainfall 

and up to 250 years in places of lower rainfall (Red Rock

Country).
Scenic Drives

Red Rock Country has spectacular scenery and driv- ing is one way to see a lot of country. Here are some recommended scenic drives. 

Two Hours or Less:

Red Rock Loop Road

Magnificent views of Cathedral Rock, access to Red Rock

Crossing/Crescent Moon Ranch, and Red Rock State

Park. Paved, with one gravel section.

From Sedona, drive west on Hwy.

89A. Turn left on Upper Red

Rock Loop Road. This winding 

road has several scenic pullouts. 

At the bottom of the hill, turn 

left on Chavez Ranch Road to 

Crescent Moon Recreation Area

or bear right and continue on to Red Rock State Park.

Part of the road is gravel, and then becomes Lower Red 

Rock Loop Road 5 miles back to Hwy. 89A. Turn right

to return to Sedona on Hwy. 89A.

Boynton Pass Loop 

Stupendous views of Boynton Canyon and Dry Creek

and numerous trail access points. Mostly paved, with

unpaved and bumpy sections.

From Sedona continue 3 miles west on Hwy. 89A to Dry

Creek Road. Turn right onto Dry Creek Road and go 5 

miles. Turn left on Boynton Pass Road. Continue to Forest 

Road 525. Turn left and continue 8 miles to Hwy. 89A. A

left onto the highway will return you to Sedona. 

Page Springs Loop

Red rock views, fish hatchery, visitor center, desert grassland and return past Bell Rock and trailheads.

From Sedona, drive 12 miles west on Hwy. 89A to Page

Springs Road. Travel 3 miles to the entrance to Page Springs

Fish Hatchery. Continue to Cornville Road. Turn left and 

travel 4 miles to FR 120 (Beaverhead Flat Road). Turn left

onto Beaverhead Flat Road and travel 7 miles to Hwy. 179.

Turn left at Hwy. 179 and find theVillage of Oak Creek, Bell

Rock and trailheads. Total Trip: About 1 hour, 45 minutes and

40 miles. 

Half Day:

Oak Creek – Interstate 17 Loop

Scenic Oak Creek Canyon and breathtaking Verde

Valley views.

From Sedona, go north 15 miles on Hwy. 89A to the

top of Oak Creek Canyon, where there is a scenic viewpoint. Continue north 8 miles to the I-17 junction.

Turn left onto I-17 to visit Flagstaff, or right onto I-17 

to return to Sedona. Travel south on I-17 for 38 miles

to the Hwy. 179 junction. Exit and go on Hwy. 179 14

miles back to Sedona. Total trip: About 3 hours and

75 miles. 

Desert Canyon Loop

This is a drive through scenic desert country 

where you’ll see colorful canyons, cultural sites, 

lush oasis, picturesque ranches, and out-of-theway Indian ruins. The route skirts the lower 

elevations of Arizona’s rim country where red 

rock canyons spill out from under thick basalt 

flows. The road cuts two of these canyons and 

offers access to a third along the way. Roadside 

signs point the way to a number of hiking trails 

and a few spur roads leading off into the back 

country. Keep an eye out for roadrunners, coyotes and javelinas as you drive. The road is a bit 

rough, requiring slow speeds. FR 618 is graveled and

suitable for passenger cars; however, it can become soft

and slippery when wet. 

FromSedonatakeHwy.179tothejunctionwith

I-17, continue southeast under the highway 

onto FR 618. Follow this road along the

base of the Mogollon Rim 13 miles to Hwy.

260 (General Crook Highway) and turn

west (right) 9 miles back to I-17. 

One Day:

National Monuments Loop

Ancient ruins at three national monuments (Montezuma

Castle, Montezuma Well, and Tuzigoot) and rock art at

the V Bar V (Vee Bar Vee) Cultural Site.

From Sedona, travel west on Hwy. 89A to Cottonwood.

Tuzigoot Road to Tuzigoot National Monument is 2

miles past Old Town on the right. To get to Montezuma

Castle National Monument, get back on Hwy. 89A to

Hwy. 260 to I-17. Go north on I-17 to the Middle Verde

exit. Turn right (east). The Montezuma Castle access road

is one-quarter mile on the left. Get back on I-17 and go

north 11 miles to exit 293. Go straight (north) from the

ramp and follow the signs 5 miles to Montezuma Well.

From there continue north on Forest Road 119 about 2.5

miles, and turn right on Forest Road 618. Follow it about

1.5 miles to the turnoff for V Bar V Cultural Site (open

Friday through Monday). Follow signs to the site. Return

to Sedona via Hwy. 179.

Fire Lookouts and Wilderness Vistas

Enjoy views of West Fork, Oak Creek Canyon and

Sycamore Canyon from three vantage points. To reach

Harding Point, which overlooks West Fork, from

Sedona take Hwy. 89A to 1 mile north of Oak Creek

Vista. Turn left onto Forest Road 535 (gravel). Follow

Forest Road 535 to 535A for approximately 4.5 miles

for terrific views.

To go to the Turkey Butte and East Pocket fire lookouts, 

from Sedona go north on Hwy. 89A to Flagstaff. Turn

west onto Hwy. 66 and travel several miles to Forest 

Road 231, also known as Woody Mountain Road

(gravel). Follow Woody Mountain Road for approximately 13 miles to the junction of Forest Road 231A. 

East Pocket Lookout is another 6 miles down Forest 

Road 231. Turkey Butte Lookout is about 3 miles down 

FR 231A, a recommended high-clearance road. You will

need to walk the last quarter mile to get to Turkey Butte

Fire Lookout. When staffed, both lookouts are open to

the public. 

4 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest

High-clearance vehicles are recommended for primitive roads in Red Rock Country

Be a safe and courteous driver

•	Please don’t litter

•	Unpaved roads require slower speeds

•	Bicycles and pedestrians have the right-of-way

•	Stay on the road to minimize vehicle impacts on

 desert plants 

•	Avoid unsurfaced roads during wet weather

•	During periods of inclement weather, some roads

may be temporarily closed for public safety and 

resource protection. Please respect all posted 

closures and remember to “Tread Lightly.”

Leave no trace

Red Rocks Sycamore Canyon Loop

This route hugs the foot of colorful cliffs in the heart 

of Red Rock Country and offers scenic side trips. This 

drive takes you out to Robber’s Roost, where horse 

thieves once hid their contraband, and to Sycamore

Pass, the gateway to Sycamore Canyon Wilderness and

finally back to Red Rock Crossing on Oak Creek. 

Take Hwy. 89A through West Sedona to Dry Creek Road

(FR 152C). Turn north and proceed along FR 152C for

2 miles to Vultee Arch Road and another 2.5 miles to 

the intersection with Boynton Canyon Road. FR 152C 

continues southwest (left) onto an unpaved road (at some

places this road is a rocky, washboard, uneven surface). In

about 4 miles, FR 152C intersects FR 525. From here 

you turn north (right) to the Loy Butte spur or south

(left) to continue the drive. In another 4 miles FR 525

intersects FR 525C (Sycamore Pass Spur). This road will

take you to the east side of Sycamore Canyon. Continue

south 5.5 miles to Hwy. 89A and another 5.3 miles on

pavement back to Sedona. The Red Rock Loop Road,

which accesses Red Rock Crossing is located off Hwy. 

89A about 1 mile south of Sedona.

FR152C is paved to Doe Mountain Trailhead, and Red

Rock Loop Road is paved except for the last mile or

so. The rest of this route is unpaved and can become 

muddy and slippery when wet.

Red Rocks and Volcanoes 

This route includes views of Oak Creek Canyon, the 

San Francisco Peaks, cool ponderosa pine forests, many

hiking trails, picturesque picnic and camp spots, fall

aspen color, and views of elk and mule deer.

Drive north along Oak Creek Canyon on Hwy. 89A

from Sedona to Flagstaff. From Flagstaff drive north

on Hwy. 180 about 2 miles. Just beyond the Museum

of Northern Arizona, turn east on FR 420. Follow this 

route up and over Shultz Pass to Hwy. 89 where you’ll

turn right for the return trip to Flagstaff. Shultz Pass

Road may be closed during winter. 

Oak Creek canyon view from vista

New Rules for Motor Vehicles

On May 1, 2012, the Coconino National 

Forest began implementing new rules regarding 

where you can drive a motor vehicle on the 

national forest. The Agency has published a 

new motor vehicle use map (MVUM) which is 

free to all forest visitors. The motor vehicle use 

map indicates which roads, trails, and areas are 

open to motor vehicle travel. The MVUM also 

includes areas where visitors can drive off road 

up to 300 feet to camp in or near their motor 

vehicles. Roads, trails, and areas not shown on 

the MVUM are not supposed to be driven on 

with a motor vehicle. Driving off of roads or on 

roads not shown on the map may result in a fine. 

Motor vehicle use maps are available for free at all 

Coconino National Forest offices or on the Web 

site at http://go.usa.gov/PEB (this Web address is 

case sensitive). This Web site also has instructions 

for uploading a GPS enabled version of the map 

for all smartphones and Garmin GPS devices.
 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest 9

Don't bust the crust

to Cathedral Rock Trail) or Baldwin Trailhead on

Verde Valley School Road. Consult a map for trail

links. This is a challenging, slick rock hike where shoes 

with good soles and ankle support are a necessity. 

Loy Canyon (10 miles round trip) From the junction

of Hwys. 89A and 179, drive west on 89A about 5

miles past Sedona and turn right (north) on FR 525.

Follow the signs toward Loy Butte 9.3 miles to the

trailhead. Watch for signs on your right and a parking

area on your left just before crossing a cattle guard into 

Hancock Ranch. FR 525 past the junction with FR 

795 is normally passable for any high-clearance vehicle

but should be avoided in wet weather. This provides 

a more remote hike in Red Rock/Secret Mountain

Wilderness.

Horseback Riding Trails

Cockscomb (multiple trails, mileage varies) From the

junction of Hwys. 89A and 179, take 89A west 3.2

miles to Dry Creek Road on the right. Go 2.9 miles

to a “T” and turn left on Boynton Pass Road. Go 1.6

miles to another “T” and turn left onto FR 152C.

Continue for .8 mile to the Cockscomb and Fay

Canyon Trails trailhead parking area on the left. Fay 

Canyon Trail is short and not appropriate for horseback riding, but Cockscomb Trail connects to Dawa, 

Rupp, AZ Cypress, and Girdner Trails increasing the 

distance and variety for a nice ride. This area features 

rolling terrain with picturesque old trees, views of red

rock cliffs and the Cockscomb rock formation.

Bruce Brockett Trailhead (multiple trails, mileage

varies) For access take I-17 to the Hwy. 179 junction.

At this junction, take FR 618 east for 2 miles away

from Sedona. At the top of the hill just before the

Beaver Creek Ranger Station, turn left (north) and

drive to the trailhead at the end of this small gravel 

road. This turn is marked by a sign indicating horse 

trailer parking. There is adequate room for up to 12

large trailers. There are toilets, and camping at the 

trailhead is allowed. A half-mile trail from the recently 

constructed Bruce Brockett Trailhead accesses Bell Trail 

which goes up Wet Beaver Creek and provides access

to Wet Beaver Creek Wilderness. Once on Bell Trail, 

you have access to the Apache Maid and White Mesa 

Trails. All of these trails are good equestrian trails and

allow long rides taking one day or more. No Red Rock 

Pass is required. Trails in this area feature sweeping

vistas in limestone mesa country with hidden pockets 

of red rock. 

hiking continued from page 8

Trail Length Elevation 

Gain Description

Basalt .1 50 Connects Coconino Trail to Yavapai Vista. Allows for a loop of almost .5 mile including Yavapai Vista, Basalt, and Coconino

Trails.

Coconino .3 50 Connects Yavapai Point to the south half of Slim Shady Trail. Starts across the pavement from Hermit Trail at Yavapai Vista. The

lower half swoops in and out of a wash before ending on a flat, slick rock bench.

Coconino Spur .1 0 A very short connection.

Hermit .3 100 Smooth and flowing trail. Connects Yavapai Point to Templeton Trail

Kaibab .1 50-100 Connector trail from Yavapai Point to access the northern half of Slim Shady Trail.

Made in the

Shade

1 150 Offshoot of Slim Shady Trail. Follows several slick rock ledges. Allows for a loop from the Village of Oak Creek/Bell Rock Trailhead with Slim Shady Trail

Slim Shady 2.5 200 Connects the Village of Oak Creek with Templeton Trail. The south half weaves around contour lines; the north half follows a

wash with several slick rock drops.

Yavapai Vista .3 100 The bottom half is not open to bicycles. The first 200 feet are at minimal grade (<7 percent) and has a small viewing area just up

from Yavapai Vista at the end of this section. Add Kaibab Trail for a <1/4 mile loop from Yavapai Point Trailhead.

SR 179

Courthouse

Butte Bell 

Rock

Big Park Loop

Big Park Loop

Bell 

Rock

Vista

Made in the

S had

e

Trail

Munds

Mountain

Wilderness

(No Bicycles)

L al m

a

Trail

Llama Trail

Bail Trail

Slim

S hady Trail

Slim Shady Trail

Phone

Trail

Baby Bell

Trail

Breezy Trail

Breezy Trail

Bell

Rock Pathway

Bell Rock

Pathway

HT Trail

Little Horse

Courthouse

Vista

Yavapai

Vista

apai

Vist

Easy

HT TrailHT TrailHT Trail

Little

Horse Trail

Templeton TrailTempleton Trail

P

P

P

P

P Trailhead

Parking

N

Middle

Trail Courthouse Butte

Loop

Village of Oak Creek Trail Map

Yavapai Point System Trails
10 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest

Coyote (Canis latrans)

Very adaptable mammal sometimes 

called a “songdog” because of their

barks, howls and yips. 

ARIZONA CYPRESS (Cupressus 

arizonica) The Arizona cypress tree

is common in dry washes and has a 

curly, paper-like bark, blue color to 

the scales, and a round cone. 

SPINY LIZARD (Sceloporus magister)

A stout lizard that can be 10 inches long. 

They are shy and will circle around the 

opposite side of the tree trunk as someone 

approaches.

CANYON

TREE FROG

(Hyla arenicolor)

A small frog 

with a loud 

mating call 

that sounds 

like short blasts 

of a rivet gun. 

Tree frogs rarely 

climb trees, but 

are found in 

rocky drainages 

with some 

water.

Raven (Corvus corax)

This large black bird has a distinctive croak, 

and makes a variety of other calls.

Tarantula (Aphonopelma chalcodes)

This slow-moving, large hairy spider 

can be blonde or brown. Males are

most common since females stay in 

burrows. 

PINYON PINE (Pinus edulis) A pinyon tree has needles that are about 1” 

long. The cones are sticky with pitch 

and produce pinyon nuts. 

CENTURY PLANT

(Agave parryi)

Agave, or century plant, 

grow a tall stalk that sports 

bright yellow and orange 

flowers in the spring. Agaves 

are important habitat for 

birds and insects. 

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

This large black soaring scavenger has 

white underwings and adults have a 

featherless head. A summer resident in 

Red Rock Country, it migrates south in 

ONE SEED JUNIPER

(Juniperus monosperma)

A tree with leaves called 

scales instead of needles. 

Juniper berries are 

small, highly 

aromatic blue 

berries. 

BANANA 

YUCCA

(Yucca baccata)

A member of the 

agave family with 

rigid spine-tipped 

leaves up to 3 

feet long. Creamy 

white, waxy

flowers become the 

“banana” fruit.

PRICKLY PEAR

(Opuntia engelmannii)

Prickly pear cactus has bright yellow blossoms that turn to bright red fruit in late 

summer. Many wild animals eat the fruit,

despite the tiny sharp spines called glochids. 

Observe animals from a distance.

Early morning and evening are the best times to observe wildlife.

COTTONWOOD

(Populous fremontii)

Cottonwood trees 

are found near 

water; they like to

keep their roots wet. 

Gray bark is deeply

furrowed and seeds 

disperse on cottony 

fluff.

RED TAIL HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis)

A large and common hawk with a red 

tail. The call is a distinctive “keeer!”

SYCAMORE

(Platanus 

wrightii)

Beautiful mottled 

green and white 

barked trees 

found along 

dry streambanks, 

with large palmate 

leaves and round 

fuzzy seed balls. 

POINTLEAF 

MANZANITA (Arctostaphylos pungens)

A common, beautiful shrub in this area 

is the pointleaf manzanita; it has very

smooth, dark red-brown bark. 

Scorpions, though seldom seen, are 

found under rocks and in shady places, so 

never put your hands where you can’t see 

them. Empty shoes and shake out clothes 

before putting them on. 

Never feed wild animals. Wild

animals who are fed will associate humans 

with food, and may become aggressive toward 

humans. Do not leave food scraps anywhere. 

Snakes and other small animals find 

shade under rocks. Watch where you are

walking especially when stepping on and 

over boulders.

Cases of rabies have been reported 

recently. Observe wildlife from a distance. Keep dogs leashed at all times.

Wildlife Safety

All Illustrations ©Zackery Zdinak

Common Plants and Wildlife 

of Red Rock Country

QUAIL (Callipepla 

gambelii)

Gambel’s quail are

distinguished by 

the prominent teardrop shaped feather 

plume on the top 

of the head. In 

spring they can be 

seen with their tiny 

chicks, sometimes 

numbering a dozen 

or more.

Pets on leash

(Corynorhinus townsendii)

This rare bat uses caves, 

sinkholes, and mines for 

roosting and hibernating. 

When they hibernate, they

curl their large ears up to 

keep them warm. 

Townsend’s Big Eared Bat 
Buying A Red Rock Pass 

Protects Red Rock Country

The mission of the Red Rock Pass Program is to 

conserve, protect, and restore the natural and 

cultural resources on national forest in Red Rock 

Country. This program was authorized by Congress as 

the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA)

in 2004 (P.L. 108-447). The program authorizes fees

to be collected to pay for the care and maintenance of 

recreation areas like Sedona’s Red Rock Country.

Are Fees Really Needed?

For every dollar in the Federal budget, only .00018 of

a penny goes to national forest recreation, heritage and 

wilderness programs nationwide which is a fraction of 

the funds needed to care for the increasingly popular 

Red Rock Country.

FEE BASICS FOR 

RED ROCK COUNTRY

A valid recreation pass is required within the recreation fee

area. The pass must be displayed in the windshield of the 

vehicle. Revenue from the pass helps provide information, 

education and natural resource protection. See “Federal

Interagency Passes” section below.

Daily Red Rock Pass........................................... $5

Valid for one calendar day. 

Weekly Red Rock Pass...................................... $15

Valid for 7 consecutive days.

Annual Red Rock Pass..................................... .$20

Valid for 12 consecutive months. The passes above 

are 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).

Grand Annual Red Rock Pass........................... $40

Valid for 12 consecutive months. This pass is valid 

for use as a parking permit to recreate in Red 

Rock Country including heritage sites, as well as 

Grasshopper Point, Crescent Moon, and Call O’ the

Canyon. This pass is NOT valid for the use of other 

fee areas or developed campgrounds.

 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest 3

Leave no trace

One of America’s national treasures

Public Lands - 

Our National Treasure

Public lands are one of America’s great treasures. 

Nearly one-third of the country belongs to its 

citizens—a national inheritance unrivaled in the 

world. Public lands are celebrated for their recreation 

and spiritual values, for economic benefits, for what 

they preserve of pristine America, and for their role 

as a vast recreational playground and classroom for all 

Americans and foreign visitors. 

Where to Get a Red Rock Pass

Red Rock Passes are available at most visitor 

centers, heritage sites, and many local stores 

and hotels within the surrounding area. Grand

Annual Passes can be purchased at the Red 

Rock Ranger District Visitor Center and Sedona

Chamber of Commerce. Daily and Weekly Passes

are available at the following self-service machines 

at these national forest locations: 

Baldwin Trailhead

Banjo Bill Picnic Area

Bear/Doe Trailhead

Bell Rock Pathway Parking

Bootlegger Picnic Area

Boynton Canyon Trailhead

Cathedral Rock Trailhead

Encinoso Picnic Area

Halfway Picnic Area

Huckaby Trailhead

Indian Gardens Parking

Jim Thompson Trailhead

Jordan Trailhead

Little Horse Trailhead

Midgley Bridge Parking

They all accept credit cards or cash, $1, $5, and

$10 only.

How Are the Fees Used?

Ninety-five percent of the fees collected from the Red 

Rock Pass Program stay in Red Rock Country. 

Red Rock Pass funds help to achieve important tasks 

on the Red Rock Ranger District to help care for the 

land and serve visitors. These include:

• visitor contacts made at the visitor center and in

the forest

• thousands of pounds of trash, abandoned vehicles, and graffiti removed from the forest 

• fallen trees removed from trails

• numerous public assists

• interpretive signs installed

•	 roads and trails maintained

•	 trash picked up and recycling service

•	 toilets serviced and cleaned

•	 resource protection and visitor exhibits at three

unique archaeology sites

•	 law enforcement and safety

 Other Local Passes

AZ State Parks Passes...............................$10 - $125

Available at all Arizona State Parks for the use of Arizona

State Parks only. For information call: (602) 542-4174

or visit www.azstateparks.com or 800-285-3703.

Recreation Resource 

Management the Big “3” Pass................... $8 - $40

Available at Crescent Moon, Grasshopper Point, Call O’

the Canyon and the Recreation Resource Management

Visitor Center (seasonal).

PASS ON YOUR PUBLIC LAND LEGACY

RED ROCK PASS

Federal Interagency Passes

The following passes are valid in place of the Red 

Rock Pass and are available at all Forest Service 

offices, Sedona Chamber of Commerce, and Oak 

Creek Vista (seasonal). Federal Interagency Senior 

and Access Passes allow a 50 percent discount at most 

national forest campgrounds.

Federal Interagency Senior Pass...........................$10

A Federal Interagency Senior Pass may be purchased by

any U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United

States who is at least 62 years old. It is valid for the lifetime of the pass holder. It is valid for the pass holder and 

accompanying passengers in a private vehicle. Federal 

Interagency Senior Pass holders are also eligible for free

entrance to most Federal recreation fee areas. 

Federal Interagency Access Pass...........................Free

A Federal Interagency Access Pass may be issued to any 

U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States

who is permanently disabled and eligible for disability 

benefits. It is valid for the lifetime of the pass holder. It 

is valid for the pass holder and accompanying passengers 

in a private vehicle. Federal Interagency Access Pass 

holders are also eligible for free entrance to most Federal 

recreation fee areas. 

Federal Interagency Military Annual Pass..........Free

A Federal interagency annual military pass may be 

issued to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident of

the United States who is active duty military and/or

dependents with proper identification. It is valid for 12 

consecutive months and is accepted at most national 

forest fee areas and many other Federal fee sites.

Federal Interagency Annual Pass ........................ $80

A Federal Interagency Annual Pass may be purchased 

by anyone, is valid for 12 consecutive months, and is 

accepted at most national forest fee areas and many other 

Federal fee sites.

These passes are NOT transferable.

How Your Red Rock 

Pass Funds Are Spent
8 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest

Leave no trace

Plan ahead and prepare

Check with a Forest Service visitor center for updates and

information. Use maps, stay on the trails, and be prepared 

for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

The Red Rock Country offers great mountain biking 

for all skill levels, with most trails being moderately 

to very challenging. To protect the fragile cryptobiotic soil, it’s important for bicyclists to stay on the trail 

and not create new tracks. While bicycles are prohibited

in wilderness, there are many excellent trails outside wilderness open to bicycles.

Here are a few trails recommended 

for mountain biking. For more trail 

information, contact a local bike shop.

Bell Rock Pathway (Easy) This wide, flat to rolling 

pathway wraps around the base of Bell Rock and parallels the Munds Mountain Wilderness boundary. It offers

closeup views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, 

and links up to the more narrow 

Big Park Loop and Little Horse 

Trail. 

Distance: 3.5 miles one way. 

Directions: Hwy. 179 to Little

Horse Trailhead or Bell Rock 

Vista just north of the Village 

of Oak Creek. 

Big Park Loop (Easy 

to Moderate) This 

single-track trail 

loops south of Bell 

Rock and Courthouse Butte 

and links up with Bell Rock Pathway for a longer ride. 

Distance: 4 miles.

Directions: Hwy. 179 to Bell Rock Vista just north of

the Village of Oak Creek. This trail starts a quarter mile

north on Bell Rock Pathway. 

North Urban Trail System (Moderate to 

Strenuous) Access from Jordan Road Trailhead, Soldier

Pass Road Trailhead, and Andante Drive Trailhead.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park (Easy to Strenuous)

Trails wind along the Verde River and in the grasslands 

of this state park. Lime Kiln Trail, Thumper Trail,

Bones Trail and Raptor Hill Trail offer easy to strenuous 

bicycling, much of it single track.

Distance: Varies.

Directions: South on Hwy. 89A to Cottonwood.

Follow signs to state park. 

Baldwin Trail (Moderate) 1.5 miles one way. Trail 

loops around a large butte and then follows Oak Creek 

for a short stretch. Constantly changing grade with 

fast, curvy single track and sections of rocky dry wash. 

Access across from end of Verde Valley School Road

parking area. 

HT/Templeton Trails (Moderate) 6 miles round trip. 

Ride includes two highway underpasses, rocky wash crossings, curvy single track, slick rock, Oak Creek and views 

of Cathedral Rock. Can be connected with Baldwin Trail 

for extended ride. Access from Little Horse Trailhead on

Hwy. 179. Follow Bell Rock Pathway to junction with HT

just past the foot bridge.

Little Horse Trail (Moderate to Strenuous) 1.6 

miles oneway. Singletrack climbstoChickenPointthrough

pinyon and cypress forest. Some steep, rocky climbs.

Access from Little 

Horse Trailhead on 

Hwy. 179. Links

with Broken Arrow 

and Mystic Trails for

extended loop.

Red Rock Country

Needs Your Help

Many popular areas have become crowded and 

show signs of damage to vegetation, cryptobiotic soil, water, archaeological sites and wildlife 

habitat. It is important for each of us to “Leave No

Trace” when traveling through this unique ecosystem.

There are seven actions you can take to Leave No Trace: 

Be considerate of others

Remember to share the trail, be a safe and courteous 

driver and keep noise to a minimum in the forest where 

people seek to experience the sounds of nature.

Leave what you find

Plants, flowers, animals, rocks, pottery 

shards and other natural and cultural treasures need to stay where you find them. 

Take nothing but photos and memories.

Respect Wildlife — This is their home

Watch wildlife from a distance. Never

approach, feed or follow a wild animal. 

Do not remove lizards, tarantulas, snakes or other animals from the forest. Do not leave 

any food on the ground. 

Dogs can fatally frighten wild animals—

leash your dog.

Dispose of waste properly

Pack out what you bring into the forest. If you see trash 

left by others, please pick it up too. Dispose of human 

waste responsibly—bury it 6 inches deep at least 200 feet 

from water and trails. Pack out toilet paper. Cigarette butts 

are trash, too!

Travel and camp on durable surfaces

Always walk on the main trail—creating new trails 

destroys the fragile cryptobiotic soil crust, desert vegetation and animal habitat. If you must travel off the trail, 

choose rock, gravel or sand surfaces. 

Minimize campfire impacts

When camping in arid country, a stove is better than

a fire. Trees and shrubs grow slowly in arid lands, and 

dead wood is vital to the desert ecosystem. Minimizing

campfires keeps the area more natural, the air cleaner and 

the risk of wildfires to a minimum. Wildfires have been

started by campfires thought to be completely out. 

Designated as an “Outstanding Arizona Water,” Oak Creek offers 

recreation enjoyment

Oak Creek has exceptional recreational and ecological significance and is designated an “Outstanding Arizona Water.” 

Even with this special protection, Oak Creek water contains a 

bacteria and too much of this bacteria poses a health concern. 

We can all do our part in keeping Oak Creek pristine and 

healthy by disposing of waste, using designated restroom facilities, packing out trash (especially baby diapers!), and cleaning 

up after our pets. Thank you for doing your part.

Hiking

 Getting to the trail

Sedona has many trailheads that offer

parking and trail information. Some

trailheads are small and located within residential areas. Please:

•	Respect private property rights.

•	Don’t park in front of a driveway or outside of

the trailhead parking lot. 

•	Pack out your trash.

A few suggested hikes:

Lower Chimney Rock (1 mile round trip) From

the junction of Hwys. 89A and 179, take 89A

west 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road on the right. 

Go north .5 mile to Thunder Mountain Road on

the right. Go .6 mile east to the turnoff on the left

for trailhead parking. A fun family hike!

Big Park (1 mile round trip) From the junction

of Hwys. 89A and 179 in Sedona, take 179 south

6.5 miles to a short roadway on the left marked 

for Bell Rock Vista, milepost 307.1 An easy 

access trail for hiking or mountain bike riding 

with views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.

Mystic (2 miles round trip) From the junction

of Hwys. 89A and 179 in Sedona, take 179

south 3 miles and turn onto Chapel Road. The 

trailhead is located on the left at the intersection 

of Antelope Drive. This trail connects with Little 

Horse Trail and Bell Rock Pathway by a marked 

trail on residential streets. A great trail for hikers 

who want a less remote experience.

Cathedral Rock (1.5 miles round trip) From

the junction of Hwys. 89A and 179, take 179

south 3.5 miles to Back O’Beyond Road on 

the right. Go .6 mile to the trailhead parking

turnout on the left. Parking is limited and when 

the trailhead is full, parking is not permitted on 

Back O’Beyond Road. Alternate access points are 

Little Horse Trailhead on 179 (using Bell Rock

Pathway to HT Trail to Templeton Trail to get 

No matter what time of year, hikers must carry water. One gallon per person per 

day is recommended. Dehydration is one of the 

biggest dangers of hiking in Red Rock Country. 

Bring trail mix or snacks, even for short hikes.

Also: 

•	 Wear a hat and sunscreen.

•	 Wear hiking boots or

good walking shoes.

•	 In your pack, carry:

first aid kit, map, flashlight, toilet paper 

and plastic bag, rescue whistle, compass, 

pocket knife, extra food.

•	 Keep dogs on a leash and clean up after

your pet.

•	 Use toilets before you hit the trail.

If nature calls, leave no trace. Choose a 

spot at least 200 feet from water or trails. 

Bury waste 6 inches deep. Pack out toilet 

paper.

•	 Trailheads are targets of theft.

Never leave valuables in your car.

•	 Get a weather report.

•	 Tell someone where you are going.

 Hike with a friend.

hiking continued on page 9

Bicyclists:

Yield to all other trail

users. Thank you for 

sharing the trail! 
Dispersed Camping

Because of intense use of Red Rock Country, the 

area around Sedona is closed to camping except 

in developed campgrounds (see chart, page 2). 

Specific boundaries for dispersed camping are shown on

the map on pages 6 and 7. 

Backpacking is permitted in wilderness areas. In Red 

Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness and Munds 

Mountain Wilderness, hikers must be in at least 1 mile 

from the trailhead before camping. In Sycamore Canyon

Wilderness, camping and campfires are prohibited at and 

downstream of Parsons Springs. On the West Fork Trail,

camping is allowed only after 6 miles in from the Hwy. 

89A trailhead.

No services are available at dispersed sites. Pack out all 

trash and put fires out, cold to the touch.

Other Areas 

Available for Camping

South of Sedona

Beaver Creek Area: East of I-17. Dispersed campers 

must be 1 mile away from Beaver Creek Campground. 

Camping and/or campfires are prohibited in the Bell Trail

area. No Red Rock Pass required.

Lawrence Crossing: East of I-17, take Forest Road (FR)

618 for about 2 miles, then go west on FR 121 about 1.5

miles, then south on FR 121A. This area is designated for 

walk-in tent camping only.

Bull Pen: East of I-17 take FR 618 south for about 8

miles, then go east on FR 215 for about 2 miles. Or go 

east on Hwy. 260 from Camp Verde for about 5 miles to 

FR 618 and travel north about 2 miles, then east on FR

215 for about 2 miles.

West of Sedona

Travel 3 miles west of Lower Red Rock Loop Road on 

Hwy. 89A to Forest Road 525. After 2 miles, much of FR

525 and 525C are open for dispersed camping.

North of Sedona

Off Hwy. 89A north of Oak Creek Vista.

East of Sedona

Camping is allowed along Schnebly Hill Road east of

Schnebly Hill Vista, 6 miles from Sedona.

 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest 5

Leave no trace

Campfire Safety

“Nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by people. Do your

part, don’t let one start.”

Drown! Drown the fire with water and dirt.

Stir! Stir the remains. Be sure all burnable

materials are extinguished.

Feel! Feel all materials 

with your bare hands. Make sure

your fire is out cold!

Take responsibility . . .

If you have a campfire, remember 

to never leave it unattended. If it is 

too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave!

Only YOU can 

prevent wildfires.

Refer to the free motor vehicle use 

map . . . pick one up at your nearest 

Forest Service office.

To FLAGSTAFF

12 miles

Red Rock

State Park

Red 

Rock

Loop

SEDONA

Boynton Pass Rd.

Slide 

Rock

State Park

Oak 

Creek 

Vista

Cornville Road 119 

Beaverhead Flat Rd.

Montezuma Well

Nat. Monument

Dead Horse Ranch

State Park

Tuzigoot

Nat. Monument

Clarkdale

COTTONWOOD

Montezuma Castle

 Nat. Monument

To PHOENIX

CAMP VERDE

Page

Springs

Fish 

Hatchery

Beaver Creek

Campground

V Bar V 

Cultural

Site 

(Red Rock Pass 

Required)

To

PAYSON

FR

618

Page Sprin

gs R

d. 134

N

Travel on Schnebly Hill 

Road requires a highclearance vehicle.

Primary Highway

Area within closed to camping 

and/or campfires except within

developed campgrounds

Recreation Pass Required

Dirt Road

Red Rock Country

Vicinity Map

Village of

Oak Creek

Paved Road

Schnebly Hill Road

LEGEND

NORTH

SOUTH

FR 525C

FR 525

Plan ahead for these 

scenic drives by purchasing 

a Coconino National Forest 

map at any visitor center.

Dry

Cre

ek Rd.

Red Rock 

Ranger Station

Exit 337

Airport

Oak Creek 

Visitor Center

Honanki 

Cultural Site

Palatki 

Cultural 

Site

Red Rock 

Crossing Chapel of the 

Holy Cross

Airport

Jerome

Exit 287

Exit 289

Exit 293

Exit 298

Fort Verde 

State Park

Clear Creek 

Campground

FR 214

FR 215

FR 152

Call ’O

the 

Canyon

Grasshopper 

Point

Crescent 

Moon

Long Canyon Rd.

Recreation

Pass Required

Campgrounds

J

ord

a

n

R

oad

Points of

Interest Roundabout

Cave Springs

Campground Pine Flat

Campground

Manzanita

Campground

Chavez Group

Campground
6 Recreation Guide to Your National Forest

TRAIL INFORMATION

W = wilderness

Trail Name W Miles 

One Way

Elevation 

Gain

Map 

Coordinates

SEDONA AREA

Airport Loop 3.3 200 F7

Bandit 0.5 20 F6

Brins Mesa W 3.0 600 E7

Broken Arrow Road 2.1 300 F8

Broken Arrow Trail 1.7 300 F8

Brewer 0.6 20 F7

Carroll Canyon 1.8 100 E6

Centennial 0.2 30 F5

Chapel 0.7 100 G7

Chimney Rock W 1.1 150 E5

Cibola Pass W 1.0 250 E7

Girdner 4.5 360 F5

Jim Thompson 3.0 100 E7

Jordan 1.2 200 E6

Little Horse 1.5 300 G7

Lower Chimney Rock 1.2 100 E5

Margs Draw W 2.0 100 F8

Mystic 0.9 150 F7

Old Post 2.6 100 F6

Pigtail 0.6 100 F7

Ridge 2.8 480 F6

Soldier Pass W 2.4 450 E7

Soldier Pass Wash Trail System 8.0 E7

Sugarloaf Loop 0.5 200 E6

Teacup 2.0 200 E6

Thunder Mountain 1.6 50 E5

RED ROCK ROAD AREA

Herkenham 1.1 100 E6

Ramshead 1.5 50 G6

Red Rock Loop 1.7 250 F5

Red Rock State Park 6 short easy trails G4

Scheurman Mountain 0.9 350 F5

VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK AND BELL ROCK

Bail 0.4 100 (see pg. 9)

Baldwin 1.6 150 G6

Bell Rock Pathway 3.7 50 G7

Big Park 1.0 50 H8

Cathedral Rock 0.7 600 G6

Courthouse Butte Loop W 4.2 250 H8

Easy Breezy 2.0 (see pg. 9)

Hot Loop W 9.0 2,000 H9

HT 0.7 50 G7

Jacks Canyon W 6.8 2,000 H9

Phone 0.4 50 (see pg. 9)

Slim Shady 2.4 (see pg. 9)

Templeton 3.4 200 G6

Turkey Creek 3.4 600 H5

Woods Canyon W 5.3 400 I8

Yavapai Point Trail System 5.0 (see pg. 9)

DRY CREEK BASIN AND POINTS WEST Aerie 2.8 250 E3

Arizona Cypress 9.5 2,500 E4

Bear Mountain W 2.5 1,800 D4

Bear Sign W 3.2 650 C6

Boynton Canyon W 2.5 450 D4

Chuckwagon 3.4 150 D6

Cockscomb 2.5 160 E4

Dawa 2.0 10 E4

David Miller W 1.0 800 C5

Deadmans Pass 1.2 150 D5

Devils Bridge W 0.8 350 D6

Doe Mountain 0.6 400 E4

Dry Creek Loop W 6.2 500 C6

Fay Canyon W 1.1 150 D4

HS Canyon W 1.5 800 C5

Llama 2.7 140 G7

Long Canyon W 3.7 580 C4

Loy Canyon W 5.0 1,700 B2

Mescal 2.2 150 D5

Mooney W 4.2 1,000 D2

OK 0.5 100 E5

Rupp 2.8 200 E5

Secret Canyon W 5.5 600 C5

Secret Mountain W 5.3 2,000 C3

Vultee Arch W 1.5 400 C7

OAK CREEK CANYON AND SCHNEBLY HILL

A. B. Young 2.4 2,000 B7

Allens Bend 1.0 50 E8

Casner Canyon 2.0 1,800 E9

Cookstove 0.7 800 A8

Cow Pies 0.5 E8

Harding Springs 0.7 700 A8

Huckaby 2.6 170 E8

Munds Mountain W 2.8 400 F8

Munds Wagon 4.0 1,100 F8

Purtymun 0.9 1,000 B8

Schnebly Hill 1.7 400 E9

Sterling Pass W 2.4 1,000 C7

Telephone 1.1 1,000 A8

Thomas Point 1.0 850 B8

West Fork W 3.3 150 A7

Wilson Canyon W 1.2 500 D7

Wilson Mountain W 5.5 2,400 D7

N. Wilson Mountain W 2.2 1,600 1 D8 2 3 4 5 6 7 

Red Rock 

Country

No motorized or mechanized vehicles 

including bicycles allowed in wilderness

FR 525

Oak Creek

Red Canyon

Rd.

Thunder Mtn. Rd.

FR 525

FR 795

FR 152A

FR 9513

Lower Red

Rock

Loop

Rd.

Verde Val el y

School Rd.

Wilderness Boundary

Wilderness

Boundary

RED ROCK

SECRET MOUNTAIN

WILDERNESS

SYCAMORE

CANYON

WILDERNESS

Cathedral

Rock

Sec ret Cyn.

Be

Ro

Long

C

anyon Rd.

VILLAGE

OF

COCONINO

NATIONAL

FOREST

High

School

FR 538B

S

oldier Pass Rd.

Dry Creek

Rd.

Airport Rd.

Back

O'Beyond

Rd.

SEDONA

JordanRd

FR 525C

Brins Mesa

Sterling Pa

Secret Cyn.

David Miller

Long Cyn.

Boynton Cyn.

Scheurman Mtn.

We

A.B. Young

Dry Creek

Bear Sign

Loy Cyn.

Wil

Bear Mtn.

Chimney Rock

Soldier Pass

W

Jim Th

Mooney

Casner Mountain

Dogie

Girdner

HS Cyn.

Secret Mtn.

Fay Cyn.

West Fork Oak C

Boynton

Pass Rd.

2

FR 152

Turkey Creek Rd.

R. 120

Forest Rd.

Cibo

Jordan Trail

Teacup

SOUTH

Baldwin

Turkey Creek

Boynton Pass Rd.

To Cottonwood

(8 miles)

Yield

To

1 2 3 4 6 7 

Shelby Rd.

Upper Red Rock

Loop Rd.

16

Chapel

Templeton

Red Rock Loop

Ridge

Carroll Cyn. 

Old Post

Airport Loop 

Herkenham 

Brewer

Bandit

Thunder Mtn.

Little Elf

Cockscomb Rupp

Dawa

AZ Cypress

Vultee Arch

HT

T

T

T

T

T

T

Sanborn

Coffee Pot

Centennial

Mystic Pig

Ramshead

Brewer

Rd.

Ok

Doe Mtn.

?

Wilderness Area

Paved Road

(FR) Forest Service

or Dirt Road

Primary Highway

Oak Creek

Trail

Trail Name

Recreation Pass Required

LEGEND

Campground

Day Use Recreation Site

? Visitor Information

T

Trailhead

No fee, no pass needed

Red Rock Pass required

(can substitute with Interagency

Annual, Senior, or Access Pass)

Deadmans Pass

Devils Bridge

13

Coconino National Forest

0 1 2 3 miles

Map Scale

N

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

A

Mescal

Chuckwagon

T

T

T

T

T

12

Aerie

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T T

T

T T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

15

14

Area within is closed to camping and/or 

campfires except in developed campgrounds

8

See blowup on page 9

Soldier Pass 

Trail System

Cathedral

Easy 

Breezy 

T

Made in

the Shade

Slim

Shady
Recreation Guide to Your National Forest 7

Recreation Site Information

Site Name Fee Drinking 

Water

Toilets/

Showers

No. of 

Sites

Max. 

Vehicle 

Size

Open Season

Visitor Centers

Red Rock Ranger Station 

and Visitor Center

0 Y Flush Toilet 0 45' All Year

Sedona Chamber of Commerce 0 Y Flush Toilet 0 15' All Year

Oak Creek Visitor Center 0 Y Flush Toilet 0 45' All Year

Oak Creek Vista 0 Y Compost 

Toilet 2 picnic 30' All Year, Weather 

Permitting 

Day Use Sites

Call 'O the Canyon (West Fork 

Trailhead)

$9 N Vault Toilet 6 30' All Year

Slide Rock State Park $10-20 Y Compost 

Toilet

15 Picnic

2 Group

36' All Year 

Bootlegger RRP * N Vault Toilet 10 15' All Year 

Banjo Bill RRP * Y Vault Toilet 12 15' All Year 

Halfway RRP * N Vault Toilet 8 15' All Year 

Encinoso RRP * N Compost 

Toilet

12 15' All Year 

Grasshopper Point $8 N Vault Toilet 3 30' All Year

Crescent Moon ^ $9 Y Compost 

Toilet

14 Picnic

1 Group

30' All Year

Red Rock State Park $10 Y Flush Toilet 3 Group 36' All Year

Palatki Heritage Site RRP * N Vault Toilet 0 All Year, Weather 

Permitting 

Honanki Heritage Site RRP * N Vault Toilet 0 All Year

V Bar V Rock Heritage Site (see map 

on page 5) (open Friday, Saturday, 

Sunday, and Monday only)

RRP * N Vault Toilet 0 All Year

Campgrounds

Chavez Group

Campground ^

$65-

200

Y Vault Toilet 3 40' limited All Year

Manzanita Campground ^ 

(tents only) (some sites are 

reservation only)

$18 Y Vault Toilet 18 0 

(tent only)

All Year

Cave Springs Campground ^ 

(some sites are reservation only)

$18 Y Vault 

Toilet Yes, 

Showers

82 36' Mid-April to 

Mid-October

Pine Flat Campground ^ 

(some sites are reservation only)

$18 Y Vault Toilets 58 36' Mid-March to 

Mid-October

Beaver Creek Campground 

(see map on page 5)

$16 Y Vault Toilets 13 22' All Year

Clear Creek Campground 

(see map on page 5) 

$16 Y Vault Toilest 18 32' All Year

Clear Creek Group Campground $65-

110

Y Vault Toilets 1 32' All Year

Dead Horse Ranch State Park 

(camping, cabins, hiking/biking trails, 

fishing) (see map page 5)

Varies 

by Site

Y Flush 

Toilets Yes, 

Showers

160 Camp

8 Cabins

12 Picnic

45' All Year

Key: RRP - Red Rock Pass

^ Reservations accepted. Call the National Recreation Reservation Service at (877) 444-6777 or 

visit www.recreation.gov

* Interagency National passes, annual, military, senior, and access passes are accepted as a 

substitute with the Red Rock Pass.

Note: Red Rock Pass is NOT valid for other fee areas or developed campgrounds and is NOT valid 

for state park entry. 

9

A

B

C

D

E

F

H

I

G

ek

Uptown

To Flagstaff (12 miles)

Wilderness

Boundary

Wilson Mtn.

Wilderness

Boundary

MUNDS MOUNTAIN

WILDERNESS

Sombart Ln.

Chapel

Rd.

Morgan Rd.

ell

ock

Courthouse

 Butte

Chicken

Point

OAK

CREEK

Jacks Cyn. Rd.

1

Rd.

Broken Arrow

ass

Purtymun

West Fork

Thomas Point

Telephone

Harding Springs

Cookstove

North Wilson Mtn.

lson Mtn.

Huckaby

Munds Wagon

Margs Draw

Wilson Cyn.

hompson

Woods Cyn.

Creek

4

Midgley Bridge

3

ola Pass

NORTH

Camping and/or 

campfires are 

permitted only 

in campgrounds.

Oak Creek Canyon

8 9 

8

Little Horse

Courthouse Butte Loop

Big Park

Jacks Cyn.

Casner Cyn.

Munds Mtn. 

T

Allens Bend

Llama

Bell Rock Pathway

gtail 

Cow Pies Schnebly Hill Rd.

?

5

6

?

11

?

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

T

Schnebly Hill 

 Vista

Schnebly Hill 

 Vista

19

18

7

8

9

17

10

Baby Bell

Bell Rock 

Pathway

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19