Getting Around Sedona: Your Guide to the Free and Paid Shuttles

Did you know you can’t just park at the most popular trailheads in Sedona? Planning to hike Sedona’s iconic trails like Cathedral Rock or Soldier Pass? The first thing you need to know: you can’t drive up and park at several of the most popular trailheads during shuttle hours.

I’m not joking, don’t waste your time like I did; private vehicle access is restricted to protect the environment and reduce traffic congestion. If you’re visiting in spring, summer, or fall (especially March–May or September–November), you’ll need to use Sedona’s shuttle system to reach these breathtaking spots.

Fortunately, its easy and the city of Sedona offers two smart solutions to make your adventure seamless: a free fixed-route trailhead shuttle and a paid on-demand shuttle that functions like a local Uber. Together, they make it easy to explore without the stress of parking, traffic, or unreliable rideshare apps.

Want the full breakdown, including schedules, costs, and how they pair with recreation passes? Keep reading — and I’ll help you arrive prepared, so your trail experience feels effortless from the moment you step off the shuttle.

First things first, you’ll need the app whether you want the free or paid shuttle:

The Free Sedona Shuttle (The Dots)

Designed to reduce congestion and preserve Sedona’s natural beauty, the Sedona Shuttle runs fixed routes to several of the area’s most popular trailheads. It’s completely free, with service operating seven days a week during peak seasons — typically spring, summer, and fall.

Trailheads served include Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek, Little Horse, and Mescal. You’ll find frequent service during daylight hours, and vehicles are clean, comfortable, and equipped with real-time tracking via the TransLoc app (linked above).

To be perfectly clear: For trailheads like Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, and Dry Creek, private vehicle access is restricted during shuttle hours, making this service required if you plan to visit during high season. Trust me — it’s smoother than battling for parking and far easier on the nerves.

Link to app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.transloc.microtransit&hl=en_US&gl=US

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/transloc/id1280444930

Important info about “The Dots”
Operating Times by Season

Sedona Shuttle Trailhead Routes

• Standard Season (Thurs–Sun): 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• Summer (June): 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Peak Seasons (Spring Break, Holidays): Daily service, same hours as above

Frequency

Trailhead Routes: Every 15–45 minutes depending on demand and trail

The Stops

Park & Ride Lots

• (Orange) North SR 179: Access to Cathedral Rock & Little Horse Trailheads
• (Turquoise) Upper Red Rock Loop Road: Access to Mescal & Dry Creek Vista
• (Red/Green) Posse Grounds (Carruth Drive): Access to Soldier Pass, Dry Creek, Mescal
  • Note the Route 12, (Red) does not operate in the summer.

Trailheads Served

• Cathedral Rock (Orange)
• Little Horse (Orange)
• Soldier Pass (Green)
• Dry Creek (Devil’s Bridge, Chuckwagon) (Turquoise)
• Mescal (Long Canyon, Girdner) (Turquoise)

Sedona Shuttle Connect — Your On-Demand Option “The Golden Zone”

Think of this as Sedona’s local answer to Uber — except more predictable, more affordable, and focused entirely on helping visitors connect with hotels, trailheads, and lodging zones. This curb-to-curb shuttle service is:

• Just $2 per ride
• Available Thursday through Sunday
• Running from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM
• Booked via the TransLoc app

It’s especially handy for travelers without cars, or anyone staying in central Sedona looking to avoid the hassle of rental vehicles or unreliable rideshare apps.

While Uber and Lyft exist in Sedona and, when available, do provide a great service, the coverage can be spotty and unpredictable. Sedona Shuttle Connect is predictable, priced at $2, and very convenient.

Need to venture further? Enter Verde Shuttle "The Green Line"

For $2 per trip, Verde Shuttle will get you to and from Sedona to central Cottonwood 7 days a week with hourly service, 6 AM to 10 PM.

Important Notes:

 $1 for Senior (60+), Veteran (with ID), Certified LITS and Persons with Disabilities.

Free within Cottonwood Area Transit (CAT)

$3 all day on and off access

Before You Go: Know Your Passes

Both shuttle systems deliver you straight to some of the best hiking and leisure spots Sedona has to offer — but don’t forget about trailhead and site access passes. Depending on where you’re headed, you may need a Red Rock Pass, an America the Beautiful Pass, or a Coconino Annual Pass.

Guess what? Most likely, you don’t need one. Read our guide to know when, where, and why you may need one. — it breaks down the Red Rock Pass, America the Beautiful, and Coconino Pass in simple terms to help you save money and avoid surprises.