Passes
The Coconino National Forest offers many free activities such as hiking, biking, camping, birding, scenic drives and more, but some locations require a fee to help maintain, manage and improve the amenities you enjoy. If you travel often a recreation pass may save you money instead of paying onsite each time. The best pass for you depends on how often you'll visit and other criteria.
The Best Recreation Pass for You
You may need to pay a recreation fee depending on which sites you plan to visit. You will know a site has a fee because it will be listed on each recreation site's webpage.
Does the site you plan to visit charge a fee:
- Check the site's recreation page
- Identify the fees section
- Fees are listed in the "fees" section
Recreation passes cover the fees at day-use sites that have standard amenity fees (day-use fees)
Day-use site examples (fees covered by passes)
- Picnic sites
- Fishing areas
- Recreation complexes
- Trailheads
- Observation areas
Sites not covered by passes
Sites that charge expanded amenity fees such as:
- Campgrounds
- Highly developed boat launches and swimming areas
- Cabin or lookout rentals
- Concessionaire-managed sites
There are several ways to pay the day-use fee to help maintain facilities and resources.
- Pay each time you visit the site (at a drop-box on site).
- Purchase a site-specific pass, like the Red Rock Pass.
- Buy an Interagency (aka: America the Beautiful) pass.
The Forest Service waives day-use fees at many recreation sites nationwide on certain days of the year. Fee-free days may vary by forest.
The Coconino National Forest's fee-free days for 2026 include:
- January 17-19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend
- February 14-16: Presidents Day Weekend
- May 23-25: Memorial Day Weekend
- June 13: National Get Outdoors Day
- June 19: Juneteenth
- July 4: Independence Day
- August 4: Great American Outdoors Day
- September 5-7: Labor Day Weekend
- September 17: Constitution Day
- September 26: National Public Lands Day
- October 12: Columbus Day
- October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday
- November 11: Veterans Day
- November 26: Thanksgiving Day
- December 25: Christmas Day
- January 1 (2027): New Year’s Day
Red Rock & Coconino Passes
Both the Red Rock Pass and Coconino Pass cover the fees at many recreation sites in the Sedona area of Coconino National Forest. There are some differences, so click the button below to get more details and have what you need to make your experience epic!
America the Beautiful Pass
The America the Beautiful Pass provides access to 2,000 recreation areas managed by federal land management agencies across the country. They can be purchased online or at one of our offices. Free and discounted passes are also available.
Free Passes for Volunteers
Volunteers come together to be part of something greater than themselves. The perform crucial work that will make an impact now and for generations. Volunteers are eligible for a Volunteer Pass (Interagency Pass) accepted by six federal land management agencies.
Why Purchasing a Pass Locally Matters
The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) (16 U.S.C. 6801-6814) states that 95% of recreation fee revenues are retained locally by the national forest unit, where the fee is paid.
The fee revenue is used for the repair, maintenance, and facility enhancement directly related to visitor enjoyment, visitor access and health and safety at recreation fee sites. Learn how recreation fees are reinvested into the Coconino National Forest!
Permits
Looking for forest permits?
Permits may be required for firewood, forest product collection (such as rocks, wildings or Christmas trees), commercial photography and filming, large parties and weddings, research, and outfitting and guiding services.