The Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District plans to begin improvements to the Turkey Creek area trail system later this year.

Phase 2 of the Red Rock Trails Access Plan was signed last week after an environmental analysis, a lengthy project scoping process, and multiple rounds of public comment that concluded in November.

As part of the plan, the district will construct new trails, strengthen existing trails, rehabilitate some unapproved trails and improve trailheads in the Turkey Creek area, located near the Village of Oak Creek.

District Ranger Alex Schlueter said, “We are excited to embark on this initiative that we believe will significantly improve the recreational experience for those visiting Turkey Creek.” “We would like to thank the public for providing valuable insight during this process and our partners who have committed to working with us on this effort.”

During construction, the district will construct 21 miles of new non-motorized trails, reroute approximately 2 miles of existing trails, adopt over 16 miles of social trails, and close/naturalize an additional 16 miles of social trails. There are plans to improve the trailhead facilities.

The existing Turkey Creek East parking lot will be closed and a new Turkey Creek East trailhead with an estimated capacity of 35 spaces will be constructed. Additionally, a dedicated equestrian parking lot will be built nearby that can accommodate five horse trailers.

The existing Turkey Creek West Trailhead will also be improved and several additional parking spaces will be added.

The planned work will provide positive benefits to local ecosystems and limit impacts to sensitive areas by sustainably concentrating use on existing and maintained trail corridors.

The decision memo, including a complete description of the planned project work and maps, can be accessed from the project web page at https://tinyurl.com/RedRockAccessPhaseII. The Red Rock Trails Access Plan was created as part of a public trail planning process that concluded in October 2013. As part of that process, trail users around both Sedona and Oak Creek Village expressed a desire to enhance trail links and connectors. Add user-created routes of interest to your existing trail system.

The first phase of the plan was approved in August 2024 and included work underway in nearby areas of both Cornville and Sedona.

No closures are expected for planned trail construction, but if a closure occurs, it will be announced in advance through Coconino National Forest communication channels.