The Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund, a volunteer-driven nonprofit that maintains and improves hiking trails in the Sedona area, raised a record $1.2 million in 2025, reflecting growing public support for preserving the red rock landscape that draws millions of visitors to the region each year.
The organization, which works in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, used the funds to complete 23 trail improvement projects, including erosion repair, trail rerouting in sensitive areas, new signage, and the construction of sustainable trail surfaces designed to withstand the pounding of millions of annual footsteps.
“Sedona’s trails are its greatest asset, but they’re under enormous pressure,” said trail fund executive director Kevin Adams. “The level of use we’re seeing demands a level of maintenance that government funding alone can’t provide.”
The Coconino National Forest lands surrounding Sedona receive an estimated 4 million recreation visits annually, making it one of the most heavily used national forest areas in the country. Popular trails like Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Bell Rock experience congestion that would have been unimaginable a decade ago.
The trail fund’s work goes beyond basic maintenance. The organization has pioneered techniques for building trails that can handle high traffic while minimizing environmental impact. Rock armoring, water bars, and carefully designed switchbacks help prevent the erosion that can scar hillsides and damage riparian areas.
“We’re essentially building trails to handle urban-level foot traffic in a wild landscape,” said trail crew leader Maria Santos. “It’s a unique engineering challenge.”
The record fundraising was driven in part by a successful matching gift campaign and growing support from the tourism industry. Hotels, resorts, and tour companies in the Sedona area contributed nearly $400,000 through a voluntary “trail stewardship” program.
“Our guests come here for the trails, and we have a responsibility to help maintain them,” said Enchantment Resort general manager Philip Chamberlain. “It’s the right thing to do, and it’s good business.”
The trail fund relies on more than 300 active volunteers who contribute over 15,000 hours of labor annually. Volunteer trail work days are held weekly and are open to the public. Information is available at sedonatrailfund.org.
