– Final phase of $188,000 project begins Dec. 22, Enchantment donation closes the funding gap to $69,740 –
Sedona, AZ (December 16, 2022) – The fourth and final phase of a $188,000 restoration project for Cathedral Rock Trail, one of the Sedona area’s most visited
recreation destinations, is slated for completion by March 23rd, 2023. On December 13th, the Enchantment Resort’s Managing Director Stan Kantowski presented the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund with a $15,000 donation to help close the funding gap for completion of the project.
“Enchantment Resort’s longstanding support to honor and preserve our Red Rock country and its trails, which is coming up to its third decade, is instrumental in our ability to partner with the Forest Service on projects such as the Cathedral Rock Trail” stated Kevin Adams, SRRTF president. “I’m thrilled to see this project come to completion in the upcoming months via Enchantment and other generous donors’ support”.
Enchantment’s Managing Director Stan Kantowski added, “Enchantment Resort and its team prides itself on ensuring the longevity of Sedona's natural surroundings in order to allow coming generations to share the same experience and opportunity for exploration. Over 20 years ago, the property created Boynton Canyon Foundation that supports development and maintenance of the trails in the greater Sedona area. Part of the proceeds from every tour offered at the Resort is allocated to that Fund. We were fortunate to be able to support many projects via Red Rock Trail Fund, Chamber of Commerce and other groups and supporting efforts of USFS team. We are truly honored to be able to be a part of the restoration of the Cathedral Rock Trail, the iconic Sedona rock formation."
Beginning in late December, trail crews will start work to restore parts of Upper Cathedral Rock Trail, from the switchback staircase to end of the trail, that requires intensive reconstruction. Equipment and materials will be manually hauled to the work sites. Rock will be harvested on site, cut and shaped by hand.
Cathedral Rock Trail has unique qualities that make it a place like no other in the Coconino National Forest, including specific rock construction not seen elsewhere in the district. Erosive soils, steep terrain, slick rock and frequent washouts make it particularly challenging. Rock work is always intensive and time-consuming, but conditions on Cathedral are extreme.
This reconstruction project required specialized expertise of professional trail consultants, USFS work crews and Youth Conservation Corps workers trained in trail restoration. Materially, it required 1,400 feet of fencing, 350 feet of rock work, new signage and cairns.
About Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund (SRRTF)
The organization’s mission is to gather donations to maintain and enhance the non-motorized National Forest trails in the greater Sedona area, and to educate the public regarding their use and management.
In 2013, the SRRTF was established by local citizens to address the critical need for ongoing maintenance to protect the renowned trails in the Sedona area. With the support of residents, businesses, government entities and non-profits, the SRRTF has raised in excess of $2.7 million to date. The Cooperative Funds Act of 1914 authorizes the USFS to accept money from organizations such as the SRRTF. SRRTF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and an Official Partner of the US Forest Service Red Rock Ranger District.
