The Park & Ride lots are operated by the City of Sedona to help mitigate the traffic and parking snarls in the Back O’ Beyond, Soldiers Pass and other neighborhoods by providing recreationists a free, easy and safe way to access popular trailheads. In operation since spring break 2022, as of April 2023 more than a quarter million passengers have been served.

The information stations feature the same USFS approved maps and messaging that are displayed at the trailheads throughout the Red Rock Ranger District. The cost for the three stations was $6,100, not including installation which was provided by city staff.

“The idea came to us that while waiting for the bus, recreationists could use the time to get oriented, consider the many options at the trailhead and learn about safety, courtesy and forest stewardship”, explains Sandi Heysinger, vice president of the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund. “It turned out the City already had a similar approach in mind, so our collaboration went very smoothly. In addition to raising funds for the maintenance and enhancement of the non-motorized trails in the Red Rock District surrounding Sedona, we also support select user education projects, and this collaboration with the City’s shuttle program was a perfect fit.”

“We were delighted to embark on this collaboration with the Red Rock Trail Fund (RRTF)”, says Robert Weber, transit administrator for the City of Sedona. He added, “With over 300,000 passenger boardings on the trailhead shuttle system each year, it is our hope that this effort will help to educate our visitors on environmental stewardship and hiker safety while providing them with the opportunity to give back to our trails with their donations to the RRTF.”