USFS Greenlights Phase I of Exciting Red Rock Trails Access Plan

The Coconino National Forest announced on Friday, Aug. 2, the approval of Phase I of the Red Rock Trails Access Plan.

Construction will commence near Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Doe Mountain, Oak Creek Elementary School, and Sedona Red Rock High School. This phase aims to introduce 4.06 miles of new trails, officially recognize 4.07 miles of existing trails, and close 0.17 miles.

District Ranger Alex Schlueter mentioned, “While work on trail layout and flagging might begin earlier, significant construction will probably start in late October or November when our seasonal crew arrives.” The anticipated construction duration is just a few months.

Phase I’s timeline includes:

* Fall 2024: Singletrack Bypass and Rector Connector, Hardline

* Spring 2025: Doe Mesa Loop and Schuerman Mountain Trail at Red Rock High School

* Fall 2025: A new 3.02-mile multi-use trail at Oak Creek Elementary School to enhance bicycle recreational activities

The Forest Service does not foresee trail closures during any of these projects. New signage will be installed upon completion.

Several local groups, including Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund, Wheel Fun, Verde Valley Cyclist Coalition, and Friends of the Forest, have shown interest in supporting the project, highlighting the community’s dedication to trail development.

Additionally, a new 500-foot Schuerman Trail Connector will be constructed to prevent hikers from needing to traverse through a parking lot. This includes the user-created Hardline trail linking Hiline Trail to Easy Breezy and Templeton Trail junctions.

A 0.98-mile mountain bike loop adjacent to Oak Creek Elementary School will also be officially recognized, with 3.02 miles of connecting trails and a small parking area added. The plan will also formalize a bike path entry from East Fern Drive through Yavapai County-owned property.

The Doe Mountain plan includes a two-mile ‘figure 8’ loop by adopting 2.06 miles of new trails on top of the mountain for scenic access. The original plan will eliminate an existing trail through the center of the loop and add a new 0.15-mile connector.

An additional 0.73 miles of new trail will connect Bell Rock Singletrack Bypass to Courthouse Loop and Bell Rock Vista Trailhead. A 0.11-mile unofficial trail connecting the northern end of the Rector Connector Trail to Bell Rock-Pathway will also be acknowledged.

The Red Rock Trails Access Plan’s Phase I was partly separated from Phase II due to public concerns about changes in the Turkey Creek area, where 20.17 miles of new trails and 10.9 miles of unofficial trails are proposed.

Key issues from a December public meeting included proposed equestrian closures south of Turkey Creek, an area used by the Verde Valley School’s equestrian program since 1948, and concerns about a trail running past one of its dormitories.

Verde Valley School’s Head of School Ben Lee mentioned that Forest Service staff suggested the updated Phase II will adopt a trail further from the dorm. Schlueter did not confirm this but expressed a desire to work towards a mutually beneficial trail system.

Phase II actions related to Turkey Creek will undergo re-scoping with a second round of public comments in fall 2024. This will be followed by an environmental analysis and decision on the matter.

The Forest Service acknowledged public discomfort with the proposed equestrian closures, suggesting improved communication over strict closures to allow users to make informed decisions.

However, the Forest Service could not cite any previous safety incidents involving equestrians in the proposed closure area in a previous interview with the Sedona Red Rock News.