Sedona: What to Know Before You Go

Short answer: Sedona is not a gated national park, it is an open town surrounded by Coconino National Forest where you use the complimentary Sedona Shuttle to reach the five busiest trailheads (Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge, Soldier Pass, Boynton Canyon and Little Horse) from Thursday to Sunday and during peak weeks, display a Daily Red Rock Pass (or an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass) when parking your car at other Forest Service trailheads, and book popular dinner tables 30 to 60 days ahead.

1. How Sedona Is Laid Out: The 'Y' Intersection & 4 Zones

All traffic in Sedona meets at a single central roundabout called the 'Y' Intersection, where two scenic highways meet:

• 1. Uptown Sedona (North of the 'Y' on Highway 89A): the walkable shopping, jeep-tour and restaurant strip at the mouth of Oak Creek Canyon, connected down the hill to Tlaquepaque Arts Village.
• 2. West Sedona (West of the 'Y' on Highway 89A): where locals shop and dine, leading north up Dry Creek Road to Devil's Bridge, Boynton Canyon and Soldier Pass, and south to Airport Mesa and Red Rock Crossing.
• 3. Highway 179 & The Village of Oak Creek (South of the 'Y'): the 12-kilometre Red Rock Scenic Byway passing the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
• 4. Oak Creek Canyon (North on Highway 89A toward Flagstaff): a lush, shaded 25-kilometre river gorge home to Slide Rock and West Fork Trail.

2. The Golden Rule for Hikers: Check If the Free Sedona Shuttle Is Running

Whenever the Free Sedona Shuttle is operating (every Thursday to Sunday year-round, plus seven days a week during peak spring break and holiday weeks from early morning until late afternoon), the small car parks at Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass and Dry Creek / Mescal (Devil's Bridge) are closed to private cars. Simply park for free at Posse Grounds or SR-179 Park & Ride and ride the shuttle straight to the trailhead in 8 minutes.