On March 24, 2022, the city of Sedona launched the first phase of the Transit Implementation Plan. The new transit system, the Sedona Shuttle, began operation with routes to four of the area’s most popular trailheads: Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek and Little Horse.
Beginning service in the midst of the busy spring break season, ridership was high from the first bus out of the lot at 8 a.m. on Thursday morning. In the first four days of service, the system logged over 8,500 boardings, as thousands of hikers discovered the free, easy and eco-friendly way to explore some of Sedona’s favorite trails.
Two days before the launch, the region’s leaders gathered to celebrate the launch of the Sedona Shuttle. Speakers at the ribbon cutting event included Sedona Mayor Sandy Moriarty, City Manager Karen Osburn, U.S. Forest Service Ranger Amy Tinderholt and Sedona Chamber Interim CEO Michelle Conway. They represent the critical partnership which has made the service possible.
“The Sedona Shuttle’s trailhead routes are just the beginning of a plan to provide an array of transit services that will improve mobility for residents and visitors, reduce traffic and parking congestion and help meet the city’s sustainability goals,” said Moriarty.
Osburn stressed the fact that this is only the first step in implementing the Sedona Area Transit Implementation Plan. Service to Mescal trailhead will be added this summer, an app-based demand response service will be launched later this year and additional services are planned for the future.
The trailhead shuttles pick-up from two park and ride lots. Both parking and the shuttle ride are free. A Red Rock Pass is not required at the trailhead.
- Trailhead shuttles serving Cathedral Rock and Little Horse trailheads pick up from the North State Route (SR) 179 park and ride Lot located at 1294 SR 179.
- Service to Soldier Pass and Dry Creek trailheads operates from the Posse Grounds park and ride lot at 20 Carruth Drive in west Sedona. While the permanent lot is currently under construction, parking is available at other lots at the park.
All trailhead shuttles normally run Thursday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. However, during peak visitation periods, including March 31 – April 17, 2022, the shuttles will run seven days a week. Shuttles will run frequently throughout the day (every 15 to 45 minutes).
During periods when the shuttles are running, the parking lots at the Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass trailheads will be closed. All visitors are asked to use the shuttle to access these trailheads.
Sedona Shuttle buses are free and open to the general public, will accommodate up to 20 passengers and are wheelchair accessible. Each shuttle has a bike rack for up to three bicycles. All shuttle stops will have restroom and trash facilities. Please note that TSA currently requires that all public transit passengers wear masks while on board the vehicle. If you do not have a mask, the driver will provide one. As the rules evolve, Sedona Shuttle will comply with the latest TSA guidance.
Complete information including maps and schedules is available at www.SedonaShuttle.com. Real-time departure information will be available by downloading the TransLoc App from Google Play or the App Store.
The Sedona Shuttle is a public transit service provided by the city of Sedona.
