Red Rock Ranger District Outfitter/Guide Program

This page provides information on the outfitter/guide program for the Red Rock Ranger District. For information on the Flagstaff or Mogollon Rim Districts, please contact those offices directly. This page will be updated as new information becomes available.

 

Prospectus Opportunities

Due to high levels of competitive interest, opportunities for priority use permits will be offered by prospectus only.  Prospectuses will be issued based on current priorities or need.

• There are currently no prospectus opportunities open.

 

The Prospectus Process

Each prospectus will be open for 45 days, during which applications will be accepted. The prospectus materials will be available on this page or via email. If you wish to be on a mailing list for prospectus opportunities, please use the contact information at the bottom of the page to sign up.

Each prospectus is an opportunity for new guides to apply for permits, or for existing permittees to request additional use and/or locations.

After a prospectus closes, applications will be reviewed by a neutral panel of Forest Service employees. The panel will generally make a recommendation to the selecting official (District Ranger) within 30 days. The District will then review the recommendation and make final selections for permits. All applicants will be notified of the decision.

This notification initiates a 45 day appeal period, during which applicants may appeal the selection decision. After this appeal period is over and any appeals are resolved, the District will analyze the environmental impacts of issuing the new permit, as required by the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA).

While each prospectus is unique, this sample prospectus shows the typical format.

 

Prospectuses by Activity

• Rock climbing/canyoneering The District must conduct an Environmental Assessment to identify areas where climbing and canyoneering will be authorized.  It must also complete an outfitter/guide capacity analysis of these areas, to determine how much outfitter/guide use may be issued.  Once these processes are complete, a prospectus will be issued for rock climbing and canyoneering.
• Hiking/Interpretive/Educational This would cover any hiking-based tours, such as nature walks, photography, art classes, and other educational programs. [A prospectus for these activities is planned for Feb 2, 2015. Read the news article]
• Short Stops: The District is developing a program for short-duration tour stops at Bell Rock Vista, Oak Creek Canyon Vista, and the Red Rock Visitor Center in the Village of Oak Creek.  Short stops are defined as a stop at one of these locations that has a duration of 30-45 minutes. Visitors making such stops typically exit the tour vehicle, take a few photos, and use the restroom facilities.  Typical vehicles making short stops are coach-sized tour buses or vans, but other vehicles may be included.

When this program comes online, a permit will be required for commercial tour companies using these locations.  This program is designed to provide on-demand permits and will not require a prospectus. Companies wishing to be notified of this program or to apply for a permit should contact the District using the information below.

• Jeep Tours  The District has determined that motorized outfitter/guide activities are at capacity within the “Amendment 12” area [link to map].  No additional use will be authorized for this area.  Public need for these activities outside the Amendment 12 area has not been established.
• Metaphysical Uses   The District issued a prospectus for these uses in 2010.  There are no plans to provide additional opportunities at this time.
• Mountain BikingThe District issued a prospectus for this use in 2010.  There are no plans to provide additional opportunities at this time.
• The District continually examines the need for additional outfitter/guide opportunities and will plan additional prospectuses accordingly.

 

Proposed Actions and Opportunities to Comment

There are no actions open for comment at this time. 

 

Decision Documents

• Decision Memo - Pink Jeep Tours Permit Reissuance (914kb .pdf)
• Decision Memo - M Diamond Route Proposal (338kb .pdf)
• Decision Memo - Metaphysical Permits (368kb .pdf)
• Decision Memo - Mountain Biking (189kb .pdf)
• Decision Memo - Reissuance of Outfitter/Guide Permits (309kb .pdf)

 

Red Rock Ranger District: Permitted Outfitter/Guides

In order to ensure quality recreation experiences for the guided public, the Forest Service requires that any commercial outfitter/guides operating on the National Forest have a permit. [More] 

 

Contact Us

If you have questions about the program or wish to be on our mailing list for any of the above projects, please contact the Recreation Special Uses Staff Officer, Mark Goshorn, at 928-203-7525.