As an Arizona Elopement Photographer, I have been able to explore some of the most beautiful and scenic trails and parks. Especially when it comes to trying to find the perfect photo location for either your elopement or engagement session, finding your perfect place can be tough. However, one thing that has stayed consistent throughout my years as an Arizona Elopement Photographer is the Sedona Shuttle. Known as the free, easy, and eco-friendly way to explore some of Sedona’s trails. Whether you’re looking to elope in Arizona or want to have some Arizona engagement photos, I am going to share with you tips on how to navigate the Sedona Shuttle.
What Is The Sedona Shuttle?
First off, we need to first understand what exactly the Sedona Shuttle is! The Sedona Shuttle is a public transit bus that the City of Sedona offers. It allows anyone access to some of Sedona’s most popular and breathtaking trails with ease. Not everyone will want to hike miles to get to their Sedona destination location, which is why the Sedona Shuttle was born!
When Does The Sedona Shuttle Run?
Lucky for you, no matter what time of year you’re going to be in Sedona, Arizona, the Sedona Shuttle runs Thursday-Sunday all year round! Keep in mind that the Sedona Shuttle also runs every day during Spring Break (March 1st – April 17th). The Sedona Shuttle also runs on select holidays, so keep an eye on their website for an up-to-date schedule!
Does Every Trail Need Access To The Sedona Shuttle?
The short answer is no! Not every trailhead in Sedona requires access to the Sedona Shuttle. There are several trailheads that you will definitely need access to the shuttle in order for you to access. These trailheads are Cathedral Rock, Little Horse, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek Vista, and Mescal.
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is one of the five trails that are accessible via the Sedona Shuttle. It’s a gorgeous trail that will give you beautiful views of our famous red rocks. Below is some important information about Cathedral Rock that you may want to know!
- The first shuttle for Cathedral Rock starts at 7 am, and the last shuttle picks you up around 5:12 pm
- On the days that the Sedona Shuttle is running, the road to Cathedral Rock is closed. However, before 7 am and after 5:12 pm, you are able to access the parking lot!
- For couples who want to get married at Cathedral Rock at Sunset: the best way I’ve found (since the shuttle stops way before the sun sets), is to arrange for a ride to come and pick you up from the Trailhead. The road opens back up after 5:30 pm, so have a friend, guest, Uber, or private shuttle come to pick you up.
- The busiest season to go to Cathedral Rock is in Summer.
- The best season to go to Cathedral Rock is Spring through the Fall!
- Cathedral Rock is a hiking-only trail and is not safe for horses or biking
Little Horse
Next up we have the Little Horse trailhead, another trailhead accessible by the Sedona Shuttle! Like all of these trailheads, you will get stunning views of scenic Red Rock Country. Below is some important information about Little Horse that you may want to know!
- Little Horse Trailhead Parking is not to be used as an overflow parking lot for the Cathedral Rock Trailhead.
- During the Winter months, roads leading to the area are closed to vehicles
- The Little Horse Trailhead is open all year round and because of this isn’t heavily crowded.
- This trailhead takes about 2 hours round trip to complete!
Soldier Pass
Next up we have the Soldier Pass trailhead, accessible by the Sedona Shuttle! At Soldier Pass, you are able to have a diverse experience. Where you begin with a more urban setting and then lead into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness. Below is some important information about Soldier Pass that you may want to know!
- The parking lot located at the Soldier’s Pass trailhead will be closed to the general public whenever the shuttle is operating.
- Both the trailheadandparking lot at Soldier’s Pass are ALWAYS closed between 6 p.m.- 8 a.m.
- There are no trash or restroom facilities on this trailhead. You can find restroom facilities at the Jim Thompson Trailhead.
- Hiking time takes around 2.5 hours roundtrip
- You are allowed to hike, horseback ride and bike the Solider Pass Trailhead. However, bikes are only allowed within the first 1.3 miles to Wilderness Boundary.
Dry Creek Vista
Dry Creek Vista is a trail that is semi-remote that often that will give you a truly remote feel. There is a ton of shade here which makes it the perfect trailhead for Summer hikes! Below is some important information about Dry Creek Vista that you may want to know!
- The road on the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead can be rough, so they recommend only high-clearance vehicles drive on this trailhead
- You will not be able to drive the entire trailhead. Instead, you will find a small sandy opening where you can park and hike the remaining distance of the trail.
- Hiking time for Dry Creek Vista is between 4-5 hours round trip
- Make sure you watch for poison ivy in the dry creek crossings.
Mescal
Mescal is a moderately challenging trail that is about a 6-mile roundtrip. Below is some important information about the Mescal Trailhead that you may want to know!
- The Mescal Trailhead takes an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete
- This trailhead is very popular for hiking and mountain biking, so if you’re looking for a more private trailhead this is not one of them
- Mescal Trailhead is dog-friendly (must be leashed) and kid-friendly
Where Can You Board The Sedona Shuttle?
If you’re wanting to use the Sedona Shuttle for your next excursion in Sedona, Arizona, you’re in luck! There are three park-and-ride lots that give people easy access to the Sedona Shuttle.
- North SR 179 Park and Ride, 1294 SR 179 with service to:
- Cathedral Rock Trailhead
- Little Horse Trailhead
- Posse Grounds Park and Ride, 20 Carruth Dr. (in West Sedona), with service to:
- Soldier Pass Trailhead
- Dry Creek Trailhead
- West SR 89-A, 905 Upper Red Rock Loop Road
- Mescal Trailhead
- Dry Creek Trailhead
How Many Cars Can Park In Each Of The Designated Parking Areas?
Like many parking areas, there are a certain amount of spots that are available for each park-and-ride lot for the Sedona Shuttle.
- North SR 179 Park and Ride – 65 vehicles
- Posse Grounds Park & Ride – 260 vehicles
- West SR 89A Park and Ride – 91 vehicles
Note: RVs, campers, and buses are not able to park in the shuttle park and ride lots.
Are There Parking & Shuttle Fees?
One of the many benefits of using the Sedona Shuttle is that there are no fees for both parking and the Sedona Shuttle. You have complete access to the Sedona Shuttle and parking at one of the three park-and-ride lots at no cost – woohoo!!
Is The Sedona Shuttle ADA Accessible?
If you or someone you know has been wanting to explore one of the many beautiful trailheads in Sedona, but worry about ADA Accessibility well I have some good news for you! The Sedona Shuttle is ADA-accessible and can accommodate up to two wheelchairs on their shuttle bus.
Can I Bring My Dog Onto The Sedona Shuttle?
If you are planning on bringing along your pup onto the Sedona Shuttle there is some info that you’re going to need to take note of.
- They do permit service animals to accompany individuals onto the Sedona Shuttle
- All pets shall be transported in a pet carrier or other vessel that is suited to properly contain the animal
- Dogs (nonservice animals) are allowed onto the service in either an appropriate carrier or with a muzzle and the animal must be on a leash.
- Dog muzzlesor masks must be properly fitted to fit over the snout to prevent the animal from biting other animals or humans.
- Pets must remain under the control of the owner at all times and shall not be left unattended. Pets shall not block the aisleway or passenger doors.
Alternatives To The Sedona Shuttle
If you are someone who does not like the idea of using the Sedona Shuttle for whatever reason, you have another alternative. Plenty of my couples have opted to rent a private shuttle, especially if they plan on having a lot of people attend their Sedona elopement. One company that we have used in the past and I recommend is Zeus M. Tours.
If you are planning on using Zeus M. Tours for your Sedona elopement, they have a limit of around 30 guests for their tour bus. So just keep that in mind when it comes to how many guests you are wanting to attend your Sedona elopement.
How to Navigate the Sedona Shuttle | Arizona Elopement Photographer
Trying to learn how to navigate the Sedona Shuttle may seem impossible, but trust me when I say it’s not! Knowing how to navigate the Sedona Shuttle just takes a bit of research and time but let me tell you, it’s 100% worth it. If you enjoyed reading all about how to navigate the Sedona Shuttle and are looking for more helpful tips, click here!
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