Sedona’s Recreation Passes Explained: America the Beautiful vs. Red Rock vs. Coconino

Most Sedona trailheads won’t require a pass 

Especially if you’re using the city shuttle and not parking a vehicle. During peak seasons (March through May and September through early November), shuttle service is mandatory for accessing top trailheads like Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, and Little Horse. Private vehicles aren’t allowed at these sites during shuttle hours, so transit planning is essential.

Looking to hit the notable trailheads, here’s a map of park & rides and which trailheads the service. Need more info than a map, here’s our full guide to getting around Sedona.

As with most things, it’s not always so blank and white; a few high-value destinations do require a separate pass — even if you arrive by shuttle, bike, or foot. These sites are managed by concessionaires and not covered by the America the Beautiful Pass or Red Rock Pass. The five locations are Crescent Moon Ranch, West Fork (Call of the Canyon), Grasshopper Point, Beaver Creek, and Lower Lake Mary. Each requires a Coconino National Forest Pass, which can only be purchased on site at the entrance kiosk or fee station.

So if you're sticking to shuttle-accessible hikes, you're likely in the clear. But if your plans include one of these premium day-use areas, be ready to pay the entry fee when you arrive — no exceptions, no online options.

Now as with most things, it’s not so blank and white; a few high-value destinations do require a separate pass — even if you arrive by shuttle, bike, or foot. These sites are managed by concessionaires and not covered by the America the Beautiful Pass or Red Rock Pass. The five locations are Crescent Moon Ranch, West Fork (Call of the Canyon), Grasshopper Point, Beaver Creek, and Lower Lake Mary. Each requires a Coconino National Forest Pass, which can only be purchased on site at the entrance kiosk or fee station.

So if you're sticking to shuttle-accessible hikes, you're likely in the clear. But if your plans include one of these premium day-use areas, be ready to pay the entry fee when you arrive — no exceptions, no online options.

Quick breakdown of the passes

America the Beautiful Pass

This is the powerhouse pass for national park lovers and road trippers. For $80 a year, it grants access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the U.S., including most trailheads within Coconino National Forest in Sedona. That means spots like Bell Rock, Fay Canyon, and Courthouse Butte are all covered.

You can purchase it online at the USGS Store, through federal offices, or from authorized retailers like visitor centers. However, this pass doesn’t cover certain local sites like Slide Rock State Park or popular day-use areas such as Crescent Moon and West Fork — that’s where the other passes come in.

Red Rock Pass

If your itinerary is focused on hiking around Sedona, the Red Rock Pass is a cost-effective option. It’s just $5 for a day, $15 for a week, or $20 for the full year. This pass covers parking at most trailheads managed by the Coconino National Forest in Red Rock Country — places like Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and more.

You can buy it at vending machines near trailheads, visitor centers, or online via Recreation.gov. Just keep in mind: it doesn’t grant access to any of the five day-use picnic sites in the area, nor does it work at state parks like Slide Rock. And remember, during peak seasons (March through May and September through early November), shuttle service is mandatory and this pass isn’t required.

Coconino Annual Pass

This site-specific pass is tailored for leisurely creek-side getaways and family outings. It costs $50 annually and is valid only at five day-use picnic areas: West Fork at Call of the Canyon, Crescent Moon, Grasshopper Point, Beaver Creek, and Lower Lake Mary.

You’ll need to purchase this one in person — either at one of the sites or at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. It doesn’t apply to hiking-focused trailheads, and it’s not interchangeable with the Red Rock or America the Beautiful Passes.

Final Tips

• If you’re not parking, other than the 5 Coconino sites, you don’t need a pass.
• Planning on hiking at multiple trailheads across Sedona or visiting Grand Canyon, America the Beautiful offers broad value during off-peak season or off-shuttle times.
• During off-peak season or off-shuttle times, the Red Rock Pass is great for short-term Sedona hikes — especially if you're not venturing beyond the region.
• If your plans include picnicking or swimming at scenic day-use spots like West Fork or Crescent Moon, the Coconino Annual Pass is essential. Purchased on-site.
• Important to note, none of these passes work at Arizona State Parks like Slide Rock or Dead Horse Ranch — you’ll need a separate Arizona State Parks pass for those that are purchased on-site. Also, get there early or you may not be able to get in. Seriously, these spots are hot and once the lot fills up they don’t even let you wait in line.