Ambitious Renovation Projects Announced by Trail Fund for 2025

Sedona, AZ (Jan 24, 2025) – The Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund (SRRTF) announced the projects that are cued for FY2025 (October 1 – Sept 30). The new project announcement has been delayed by five months due to a USFS directive that suspended the hiring of seasonal workers nationwide. Seasonal workers provide essential manpower to accomplish maintenance across the Red Rock trail system and specific improvement projects.

Through a new agreement between the Red Rock Ranger District, SRRTF and the non-profit Wheel Fun, a team of seasonal workers was hired directly by Wheel Fun and in place by December 4th. The crew is being funded by SRRTF at a cost of $360,000.

On December 31st, the USFS issued the final decision memo on the long-anticipated Turkey Creek project that will ultimately involve miles of exciting new and rehabilitated trails, and improved trailhead parking. SRRTF has been involved in this project for more than two years, having provided the $45,000 in funding for the archeology study as part of the NEPA process.

Hardline Trail This much anticipated trail promises to provide hikers and bikers with a highly desirable experience, including a challenging alignment in a steep slick rock wash. Work will involve adoption and improvement of a one-mile social trail to serve as a link from the Hi-line trail to the junction of Templeton and Easy Breezy trails. Estimated completion February 1.

 Doe Mesa Trail Currently, the 0.8-mile Doe Mountain Trail climbs to an abrupt end at the mesa top. Beyond that, numerous social trails have developed as people fan out to unofficial overlooks and climbing access. A new 2-mile “figure 8” trail on the mesa will provide a loop to access panoramic views. This Spring, the trail up to the mesa will be reconstructed with rock check steps and social trail closures. Volunteers and FS crews will then begin work atop the mesa. Funding still to be raised: $160,000.

Schnebly Hill Trail A major section of this trail was destroyed by erosion and historic flooding. Reconstructing the trail as it contours the hillside will require 100 feet of trail benching and switchbacks. Extensive rock work will be done to construct drainage systems and sustainable tread, including drainage structures and 100 feet of retaining walls and rock armoring. An environmental review will be required for this 2026 Project.

Bell Rock Single Track Bypass Trail A 0.73-mile route to extend the existing trail that parallels Bell Rock Pathway. This will provide an alternate route between Courthouse Vista and the Bell Rock Vista trailheads. The extension is intended to attract the fastermoving cyclists to achieve their desired experience, while reducing conflict on Bell Rock Pathway. Mostly complete, awaiting rain to finish.

Turkey Creek Trail System This is the first large scale trail project since completion of the Cathedral Rock Trail. It involves 21.2 miles of new non-motorized trail, 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. All constructed by hand, managed to maintain a narrow tread with a rugged character, and closed to motorized use.

A new main trailhead and parking lot will be constructed to accommodate approximately 35 vehicles, in addition to an equestrian-only parking lot accommodating approximately five horse trailers. The current Turkey Creek East trailhead at the intersection of Verde Valley School Road and FSR 216B will close and the area restored. Additionally, the plan will improve the existing Turkey Creek West Trailhead to accommodate 8-10 vehicles, and formally adopt the existing Transept Trailhead. Start date is Fall 2025. Funding still to be raised: $600,000.

“We were very fortunate to have the funds on hand for the emergency funding of the Seasonal Crew this season. Substantial efforts are under way to raise the necessary funds to cover the cost for Doe Mountain and Turkey Creek, including individual donations, business sponsorships and a flurry of grant applications,” says SRRTF.

President Dick Williams. “We ask everyone to consider the stewardship needs of the spectacular Sedona landscape and find a way to partner with us.”