The USFS Red Rock Ranger District is responsible for the caretaking and maintenance of more than 400 miles of recreational trails that meander through Sedona's Red Rock Country. Unfortunately, federal allocations cover less that 10% of the annual cost. Since 2014, what the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund has been the dependable resource for providing the essential cash resources to ensure safety and sustainability. Today the cost of maintaining the Sedona area trails approaches $1million yearly.

What does trail maintenance involve, and why does it cost so much? It's a lot of manual labor, executed with care, often in hard to reach places – brushing, debris removal. tread work, naturalization, construction of retaining walls and armoring, rock stair installation, draining structure installation/maintenance, signage installation. And more.

Trail crews also train and supervise volunteer teams which reduce the backlog of deferred maintenance throughout the district. In fact, about 25% of crew time is devoted to working with volunteers and partner organizations.

Cost for Fiscal year 2024 (Oct 1 - Sept 30) – $199,000 to provide a 14-member trail crew for the Red Rock Ranger District. The Sedona Red Rock Trail Funds is pursuing grants and awards and soliciting donations from individuals and businesses to meet this target.

Stewardship of our beloved trail system is only possible through the generous support of people like you.