First peek of new Turkey Creek trail system

Sedona, AZ (June 4, 2025) – In April, the newly constructed Del Sol Trail opened for use – the first trail in the ambitious Turkey Creek trail system that has been under development and for more than four years.

Del Sol is a key connection from the Transept trailhead and parallels Verde Valley School Road, wrapping around the Verde Valley School and terminating at Turkey Creek Trail. Not only will this trail have two system connections with the school, but it’s planned that Del Sol will ultimately have 10 intersections for new trails, providing ample connectivity to the system and recreational opportunities.

The Del Sol Trail offers a wonderful user experience – gentle inclines, photo-op views of Cathedral Rock and the wider expanse of the Turkey Creek area, turn-outs for thoughtful lingering, and welcome shade from the summer heat. Del Sol adds a new easy-to-access trail experience with the option to explore into the Turkey Creek area or just enjoy a refreshing nature break.

In the Fall, work will resume on the Turkey Creek Trail System, with an initial emphasis on a new main trailhead and parking lot that will accommodate approximately 35 vehicles, in addition to an equestrian-only lot accommodating approximately five horse trailers. The Turkey Creek project involves 21.2 miles of new non-motorized trails, rerouting of 1.72 miles of National System trails, adopting 10.38 miles of social trails, and closing/naturalizing 10.42 miles of social trails. The Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund is Caption: The Del Sol trail, first part of the Turkey Creek trail system opened for users in April. 2 working to raise more than $700,000 to fund this project to a projected completion in FY2027.

With respect to government funding, it is expected that fiscal year 2026 (October – September) will be even more difficult than 2025. No relief is predicted for the staff hiring freeze that has been in place since 2023 or the suspension of hiring seasonal workers implemented in September 2024. In coming months, further staff reductions are likely. With more than 410 miles of non-motorized heavily used recreational trails, the Red Rock Ranger District’s heavy reliance on cash funding from the non-profit Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund (SRRTF) and volunteer workers from the Sedona Friends of the Forest has escalated.

“While we were able to tap into reserves this year to hire the seasonal crew at a cost of $360,000, fiscal year 2026 will necessitate increasing our annual fundraising efforts upward of $100,000”, reports Dick Williams, SRRTF president.” It comes as a surprise to most folks that our vibrant trail system is made possible primarily with philanthropic support – businesses, grantors and individual donors. This next fiscal year alone SRRTF contribution will be around $500,000 for trail maintenance, enhancement and user education…all made possible through donor generosity”.