You’ll want the Sedona Red Rock Pass before you wander into those cinnamon-colored canyons and sunlit juniper groves—because a crowded lot can turn into a ticket if you park without the right pass. The pass helps fund trail and facility upkeep, and it spreads impact across a landscape that’s both stunning and fragile.
As of , the Red Rock Pass is a day-use pass for signed fee sites on the Coconino National Forest around Sedona (see the U.S. Forest Service Red Rock & Coconino Passes Program). Many sites also accept an America the Beautiful (interagency) pass instead. Separate fees apply at Arizona State Parks, and five concessionaire-managed sites use a different pass called the Coconino Pass.
Key takeaways
- If a trailhead or pullout is posted as a fee site, have a Red Rock Pass or a valid America the Beautiful pass before you leave your vehicle.
- Red Rock Pass prices are $5 (daily), $15 (weekly), and $20 (annual). The Coconino Pass (only at five sites) is $25 (weekly) or $50 (annual).
- Buy at on-site kiosk fee machines or online; if you purchase a Red Rock Pass online, it’s tied to your license plate (no printable pass).
What the Red Rock Pass Covers and Why It Matters
The Red Rock Pass covers standard day-use fees at many Coconino National Forest fee sites in the Sedona area—think trailhead parking, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks. It helps keep trails maintained, restrooms serviced, and visitor facilities safer. It also helps protect sensitive soils and cultural sites.
Two quick clarifiers: (1) the Red Rock Pass applies to Forest Service fee sites, not everything in “red rock country.” (2) It doesn’t cover expanded-amenity fees like campgrounds, cabins, or most concession-run sites.
Where and When the Pass Is Required
Use a Red Rock Pass (or an America the Beautiful pass where accepted) any time you park at a posted fee site and leave your vehicle to recreate. Fee sites are clearly signed and often have a kiosk or fee machine.
Common Sedona-area examples that require a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful pass include Cathedral Rock Trailhead, Bell Rock Pathway/Vista, Boynton Canyon Trailhead, Dry Creek Trailhead, Little Horse Trailhead, and Yavapai Vista. Some cultural heritage sites (like Palatki and Honanki) are also fee sites.
Not everything uses the Red Rock Pass. Slide Rock State Park and Red Rock State Park charge state-park entrance fees. And these five concessionaire-managed sites require a Coconino Pass instead: Call of the Canyon/West Fork, Crescent Moon, Grasshopper Point, Beaver Creek, and Lower Lake Mary.
Parking rules can also change when shuttle service is running. For example, the City of Sedona has operated free park-and-ride trailhead shuttles to popular trailheads during busy periods, and the shuttle can replace trailhead parking when lots are closed.
Types of Passes and Pricing Options
Choose the pass that matches your trip style:
- Daily Red Rock Pass — $5 (best for a single day of trailhead hopping).
- Weekly Red Rock Pass — $15 (great for a long weekend or week in town).
- Annual Red Rock Pass — $20 (a solid value if you’ll return).
If you already have an America the Beautiful pass, you can use it in lieu of a Red Rock Pass at many Sedona-area Forest Service fee sites. The cardholder must be present. The pass covers everyone in the vehicle.
If your plans include West Fork, Crescent Moon, Grasshopper Point, Beaver Creek, or Lower Lake Mary, price out the Coconino Pass instead: $25 weekly or $50 annual (covers up to five people per vehicle).
How to Buy, Display, and Validate Your Pass
Buy your pass before you leave the vehicle. You have a few options:
- On-site kiosk/fee machine: Many fee sites have a kiosk where you can buy a daily, weekly, or annual Red Rock Pass.
- Online purchase: Red Rock Passes are sold through Recreation.gov. If you purchase online, there isn’t a printable pass; your license plate number is recorded.
- In-person sales points: The Sedona Chamber of Commerce sells Red Rock Passes, and the Red Rock Visitor Center sells daily and weekly passes.
Display: If you buy a physical pass, follow the instructions on the pass and place it where it’s easy to see (typically on the dashboard). If you purchased online, keep your confirmation handy and make sure your license plate matches your order.
Tips for Respectful and Easy Exploration
With your pass squared away, the best “permit” is good trail behavior. Stay on designated routes to protect fragile soils, follow posted signage at cultural sites, and pack out everything you bring in. Bring water, sun protection, and layers. Sedona’s weather can change fast.
- Stay on trail: Shortcutting damages vegetation and soil crust that can take years to recover.
- Give wildlife space: Observe from a distance; never feed animals.
- Be a good trail neighbor: Yield on narrow sections, keep noise low, and share viewpoints without blocking access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are refunds or exchanges available for unused Red Rock Passes?
Refund and exchange rules depend on where you buy the pass (and, for online purchases, the terms shown during checkout). If you need to request a change, start with the place of purchase or the Recreation.gov help resources.
Can the pass be transferred between vehicles during a visit?
If you buy a Red Rock Pass online, it’s connected to the license plate you enter at purchase. If you switch vehicles, you may need to update that plate information through Recreation.gov support. If you’re traveling with multiple cars, plan on a pass for each vehicle.
Is the Red Rock Pass valid for commercial tour operators?
Recreation passes cover standard day-use fees for personal visits. Commercial guiding, outfitting, filming, and similar activities may require separate permits from the Forest Service.
Are pets or service animals covered by the pass rules?
The pass only covers the day-use fee. Pet rules and access rules depend on the specific trailhead or site. Keep pets leashed where required, clean up waste, and follow posted restrictions. Service animals are allowed where the public is allowed, but site-specific rules still apply.
Does the pass allow backcountry camping or overnight parking?
No. The Red Rock Pass is a day-use fee pass and doesn’t cover campgrounds, cabins, or other expanded-amenity fees. For camping or overnight options, follow the site’s posted rules and permit requirements.
Conclusion
Grab a Red Rock Pass (or use your America the Beautiful pass where accepted), and you’ll spend less time worrying about parking rules and more time watching light spill across sandstone. Buy the right pass for the site, display it correctly, and follow Leave No Trace basics. That’s how Sedona stays beautiful—one respectful stop at a time.
