Red Rock Ranger District Launches Major Revamp of Turkey Creek Trail System

The Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District is set to upgrade the Turkey Creek area trail system later this year. This initiative marks the commencement of Phase 2 of the Red Rock Trails Access Plan, which recently received the green light following an extensive environmental analysis and public comment period that concluded in November.

The enhancements will entail the construction of new trails, improvements to existing ones, rehabilitation of unauthorized trails, and upgrades to trailheads in the Turkey Creek vicinity near the Village of Oak Creek. District Ranger Alex Schlueter expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting its potential to enhance visitors’ recreational experiences. “We’re excited to get started on this work,” Schlueter stated, also acknowledging the valuable feedback gathered from the public during the planning process.

The upcoming construction efforts will encompass 21 miles of new non-motorized trails, the rerouting of roughly 2 miles of current trails, the adoption of over 10 miles of social trails, and the closure of an additional 10 miles of social trails. Furthermore, improvements to trailhead facilities are set to take place.

The current Turkey Creek East parking lot will be closed to make way for a new Turkey Creek East Trailhead, designed to accommodate approximately 35 vehicles. In addition, an equestrian-only parking lot for five horse trailers will be established nearby. Enhancements at the Turkey Creek West Trailhead will also result in an expanded parking area.

This project is expected to benefit local ecosystems by concentrating trail use on existing corridors, thereby minimizing impact on sensitive natural areas. Details of the planned work and maps are available on the project webpage, providing transparency into the decision-making process that informed these developments.

The Red Rock Trails Access Plan originated from a public planning effort that concluded in October 2013. Feedback from trail users in the Sedona and Village of Oak Creek areas voiced a strong desire for improved trail links and connectors. The first phase of the plan was approved in August 2024, focusing on regions around Cornville and Sedona.

While no trail closures are anticipated during the forthcoming work, any necessary closures will be communicated in advance through Coconino National Forest channels.