Coconino NF Boosts Fees, Restricts Free Access to Key Sites

The Coconino National Forest is proposing changes to recreation fees at various sites within the forest. These adjustments aim to enhance maintenance at popular locations and standardize the recreation pass program for all visitors.

While most recreation sites in the forest will remain free—over 67% will continue to offer no-fee access—the proposed changes focus on a select few areas.

The Forest Service will maintain the “America the Beautiful” Interagency Passes and Red Rock Passes at standard fee sites, as well as provide several fee-free days throughout the year. Furthermore, the Sedona Shuttle program will continue to offer free transportation from two parking lots to popular recreation sites.

In accordance with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act passed in 2004, at least 80% of the collected fees will be retained locally. These funds will be used to operate, maintain, and improve recreation sites.

The proposed fee adjustments include:

• Boating site fees at CC Cragin and Knoll Lake will change from free to $10 per day, $30 per week, and $60 per season. For Narrows and Upper Lake Mary, weekly fees will increase from $15 to $30 and seasonal fees from $20 to $60.
• Picnic site fees will rise from $5 to $10 per day, $15 to $30 per week, and $20 to $60 per season.
• Midgley Bridge Observation Site fees will follow the same structure as picnic sites.
• Day use area and trailhead fees within the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River corridor will change from free to $25 per vehicle per day.
• Other trailhead fees will increase from $5 to $10 per day, $15 to $30 per week, and $20 to $60 per season.
• Fees for interpretive sites like Honanki Ruin and Lava River Cave will also change, matching the fee trend.
• Nightly fees for Buck Mountain Lookout and Mormon Lake Guard Station will introduce charges of $75 and $100, respectively.

Public comments on these proposed changes are invited until Sept. 5. Feedback can be submitted via mail, email, or in person:

Mail to:
Coconino National Forest
Attention: Brian Poturalski
1824 S. Thompson St.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Email: comments-southwestern-coconino@usda.gov

Public comments will be reviewed by the Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory Committee. This committee, comprising members from various recreation interest groups, will ensure the proposed fees are reasonable and acceptable before submitting recommendations to the Regional Forester.

For more information, visit the Coconino National Forest’s official site.