Coconino National Forest Proposes Fee Increases for Recreation

News Summary

The National Forest Service announced proposed fee increases for recreation sites in Coconino National Forest starting May 12, including hikes in daily, weekly, and seasonal passes. New fees could be added to currently free sites for boating and cabin rentals. Public comments on these proposed changes will be accepted until September 5, 2025, amidst a backdrop of recent fee hikes across Arizona’s recreational areas. Key sites such as picnic areas, trailheads, and cabins are set to experience significant price changes, while some areas remain free for visitors.

Arizona – The National Forest Service has announced proposed fee increases for recreation sites within the Coconino National Forest, effective May 12. The proposed changes aim to raise the prices of daily, weekly, and seasonal passes at various picnic areas, day use venues, and trailheads. The changes would also introduce new fees at currently free sites designated for boating and rentals of cabins, pending approval by the Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory Committee.

If approved, the cost of daily and weekly fees at many sites could double, while seasonal fees may see a tripling in price. Public comments regarding these proposed increases are currently being accepted and will remain open until September 5, 2025.

This announcement follows a series of recent fee hikes in Arizona, including increases in entry fees at Arizona State Parks & Trails in February 2023 and campground fees at the Grand Canyon in April 2023.

Coconino National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres in central and northern Arizona, attracting visitors to its popular destinations such as Sedona and Flagstaff. Approximately 67% of this vast forest area remains free for visitors, while certain sites, particularly those requiring passes, will see an increase in fees. For example, the Red Rock Pass, which allows parking in select areas of Sedona, currently costs $5 for a day, $15 for a week, and $20 for a year. It is important to note that this fee will not be altered by the new proposals.

Proposed Fee Increases by Category

Boating Sites

Currently free boating sites like C.C. Cragin Reservoir and Knoll Lake are proposed to implement fees of $10 per day, $30 per week, and $60 per season. Additionally, the Narrows and Upper Lake Mary, which currently charge $15 per week and $20 per season, would increase their weekly fees to $30 and seasonal fees to $60. Daily fees at these sites would remain unchanged at $10.

Picnic Sites

Charges at picnic areas, including Banjo Bill, Bootlegger, Dry Creek Vista, Encinoso, and Halfway picnic areas, will see increases from $5 to $10 per day, $15 to $30 per week, and $20 to $60 per season. Increases are also anticipated for the Midgley Bridge Observation Site.

Day Use Areas and Trailheads

For the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River corridor, fees are set to increase significantly from $6 to $25 per vehicle per day, plus an additional reservation fee of $6. Other trailheads, such as Baldwin, Bear/Doe Mountain, and Cathedral Rock, will experience fee increases from $5 to $10 per day, $15 to $30 per week, and $20 to $60 per season.

Interpretive and Heritage Sites

Fees for sites such as Honanki Ruin, Lava River Cave, Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site, and the Palatki visitor center will also see a rise, changing from $5 to $10 per day, $15 to $30 weekly, and $20 to $60 for seasonal passes.

Cabins and Lookouts

Previously free cabins, including Buck Mountain Lookout and Mormon Lake Guard Station, will have proposed fees of $75 per night for up to four guests and $100 per night for up to eight guests, respectively. The fee for Crescent Moon Ranch Cabin is expected to increase from $200 to $235 for up to ten people, with an imposed reservation fee of $8.

The America the Beautiful Pass continues to be valid at sites that charge fees in Coconino National Forest, ensuring that visitors can still utilize this option for cost-effective access. Various methods for submitting public comments include mail, email, online platforms, in-person visits, and by phone.

Current holders of Grand Annual Passes are assured that these will be honored through 2025, with a new annual pass set to debut in January 2025 for $50, which will cover specific day-use sites in the forest.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• AZ Central: Coconino National Forest Fee Increases
• Google Search: Coconino National Forest fee increases
• KAFF News: Coconino National Forest Proposes New Recreation Fees
• Wikipedia: Coconino National Forest
• Red Rock News: New Annual Pass Coming for Sedona Rec Sites
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Arizona
• Signals AZ: Coconino National Forest Replacing Grand Annual Pass
• Google News: Coconino National Forest recreation