Do You Need a Red Rock Pass? Sedona Trail Permits Explained (With Map & Prices)

If you’re planning to hike, bike, or sightsee in Sedona, you’ve probably heard about the Red Rock Pass—but what exactly is it, and when do you need one?

At Arroyo Pinion, we help guests make the most of their time outdoors, and that starts with knowing how Sedona’s trail permits work. Here’s your simple guide to passes, maps, and where your money goes.

1. What Is the Red Rock Pass?

The Red Rock Pass is a recreation permit required for many trailhead parking areas within the Coconino National Forest around Sedona. The funds support trail upkeep, restroom maintenance, and protection of Sedona’s fragile desert ecosystem.

If you park at a signed Red Rock Pass site—even just for photos—you’ll need one displayed on your dashboard.

2. When You Need It (and When You Don’t)

You’ll need a Red Rock Pass for:

• Popular trailheads like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Doe Mountain, and Boynton Canyon

• Scenic overlook parking areas within national forest land

• Day-use picnic or vista sites managed by the Forest Service

You don’t need a Red Rock Pass when:

• Parking at city lots or private properties (like your stay at Arroyo Pinion)

• Visiting State Parks such as Slide Rock State Park — those have their own entry fees

• Hiking areas accessible by shuttle routes (where your shuttle fare covers the permit)

3. Red Rock Pass Prices (2025 Rates)

Passes can be purchased at most trailhead kiosks (credit card only), Sedona visitor centers, gas stations, or online through recreation.gov.

4. Map: Where the Red Rock Pass Applies

Nearly all trails within Coconino National Forest near West Sedona, Uptown, Village of Oak Creek, and Dry Creek Road fall under Red Rock Pass areas.
Keep an eye out for posted signs—if you see the brown Forest Service emblem and a “Red Rock Pass Required” notice, display your permit.

Many guests at Arroyo Pinion love using the Forest Service’s interactive map before setting out—it’s the easiest way to confirm which trailheads require a pass.

5. Where Your Money Goes

Every dollar collected through the Red Rock Pass program goes back into Sedona’s landscape—funding trail repairs, erosion control, new signage, and clean facilities. When you buy a pass, you’re directly helping preserve the red rock trails you came to explore.

6. Arroyo Pinion Tip: Simplify Your Day

Most of Sedona’s top hikes—like Fay Canyon, Devil’s Bridge, and Sugarloaf Loop—are just minutes from Arroyo Pinion. Pick up a daily pass in the morning, keep it in your car all week, and explore freely without worry.

If you’re unsure whether a trail needs a pass, our front desk can point you to current maps and restriction updates before you go.

Explore Responsibly, Stay Comfortably
Sedona’s trails are some of the most photographed in the world—help keep them that way. From easy access to information to eco-minded amenities, Arroyo Pinion makes exploring Sedona simple, safe, and inspiring.