What is a Red Rock Pass?

If you are visiting Sedona’s Red Rock Country and you want to do some exploring, you will most likely need to purchase a Sedona Red Rock Pass.  A Red Rock Pass is a user/parking permit that is required when you are visiting the Sedona trails system on the National Forest Land.  The Red Rock Pass is $5 for the day, $15 for seven days or $20 for the year.  If required, the pass must be displayed prominently in the windshield of your vehicle or if you have purchased online, your car’s license plate number must match your registration.  If you plan to make a quick stop for a photo or to take a rest, no pass is needed for visits lasting under 15 minutes.  However, citations are given to those who choose not to purchase the pass when required. 

Where can I find a Red Rock Pass?

Here is a partial list of trailheads and recreation areas that require a Red Rock Pass;

• Bell Rock Pathway
• Courthouse Rock Trailhead
• Little Horse Trailhead
• Back O’Beyond & Cathedral Rock Trailhead
• Midgley Bridge Parking Lot
• Encinoso & Halfway Picnic Areas in Oak Creek Canyon
• Boynton Canyon Trailhead
• Airport Road Trailhead
• Palatki Cultural Site
• Huckaby Trailhead

You may purchase the Red Rock Pass at self serve machines located at most of the trailheads, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center in Uptown Sedona, the Ranger Stations or at local hotels and businesses around Sedona.  If you have an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, Golden Age Pass or the Golden Access Pass, purchasing a Red Rock Pass is probably not necessary.

Not all areas require a Red Rock Pass, but charge a separate admission fee.  These areas include the Grasshopper Point Picnic Area, Crescent Moon Day Use, West Fork Trailhead, Arizona State Parks like Slide Rock State Park and Red Rock State Park and many other areas not mentioned here.

Buy Your Red Rock Pass Online

Most trailheads now have a QR code that you can scan in order to purchase your Red Rock Pass online.  You can also purchase your Red Rock Pass online using this link on Recreation.gov https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74387  It is so simple to use.  All you need is the dates you’ll be visiting, your vehicle’s license plate number and your credit card.  You can buy your pass anytime and you can even purchase for future dates.  Buying online does not guarantee a parking place at trail heads.

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