If Yavapai RAC approves increase, fees could go into effect by March
ncreased user fees for public land sites across the Coconino National Forest and Red Rock Ranger District could take effect on Monday, March 1.
The cost of a Red Rock Daily Pass may double from $5 to $10, while weekly passes increase from $15 to $30 and annual passes rise from $20 to $60.
Crescent Moon Ranch cabin rentals could increase from $200 to $235 per night, and vehicle fees for Fossil Creek may rise to $25, following the upcoming Yavapai Resource Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m.
The U.S. Forest Service created the Red Rock Pass in 2000.
“It was launched, and the price has never changed,” Red Rock Ranger District’s District Ranger Alex Schlueter said to Sedona City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Schlueter said the proposed increase was proposed in 2024 but has not had a committee to hear it until now.
The per-vehicle fee for the Midgley Bridge Observation Site is proposed to increase to $10 daily, $30 weekly and $60 annually.
“Per-vehicle fees for other trailheads are proposed to change from $5 to $10 per day, $15 to $30 per week and $20 to $60 per season,” the Coconino National Forest announced May 12, 2025. “This includes the Baldwin, Bear/Doe Mountain, Bell, Bell Rock Vista, Boynton Canyon, Bruce Brockett, Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Vista, Fay Canyon, Huckaby, Jim Thompson, Little Horse, Mescal and Yavapai Vista trailheads.”
Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site, Palatki Heritage Site, Honanki Ruin and the Lava River Cave outside Flagstaff are all proposed to increase from $5 to $10 a day for vehicles, $15 to $30 per vehicle for a week and $20 to $60 per season.
Nightly fees are proposed to increase from $0 to $75 for Buck Mountain Lookout and to start charging $100 for Mormon Lake Guard Station.
“Should the proposed fee schedule be received successfully by the Resource Advisory Committee on Nov. 19, the proposed fee changes will be sent to both our forest supervisor and regional forester for approval,” Coconino National Forest public affairs officer Randi Shaffer wrote. “At that point, we will prepare to implement the changes by updating signage, adjusting fees on recreation.gov and beginning a public outreach campaign.”
The proposed rates will be heard by the committee, along with a request by Kaibab National Forest to make the Grandview Cabin outside of Grand Canyon National Park available for rent as part of the “Rooms with a View” program.
“We hope to propose these fees and hopefully bring in more revenue that will go right back into managing the local area,” Schlueter said.
“The forest will continue to honor the suite of America the Beautiful Interagency Passes and Red Rock Passes at all standard amenity fee sites and provide several fee-free days throughout the year,” the 2025 announcement reads. “Also, the Sedona Shuttle program, which provides free transportation from two Park-and-Ride lots to popular recreation fee sites, will continue to operate.”
“Fossil Creek permits will become available for purchase on March 1, and that is our target date for implementation” of the proposed rates, Shaffer wrote.
To give speak at the meeting, register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, by emailing rebekah.blakley@usda.gov or mailing Rebekah Blakley, Yavapai RAC Coordinator, 735 N. Highway 89, Chino Valley, AZ, 86323.
For more information visit www.fs.usda.gov/r03/prescott/working-with-us/committees.
