The Coconino National Forest is moving forward with a permit system for commercial tour groups that take bathroom and photo breaks at developed recreation sites in the Red Rock Ranger District en route to other destinations.
On June 10, Coconino National Forest issued a decision memo narrowing down the details of the proposed permit system for commercial short stops.
The permits, which would go into effect a year after the final decision, would restrict commercial short stops to three sites in the district and increase the fees currently charged to commercial operators using the facilities. As part of the permit system, the forest would establish designated parking spaces for commercial tour vehicles, which operators would be restricted to.
The three recreation sites that are part of the initial short stop permit program are popular stops for tour groups passing through Sedona on their way to Grand Canyon National Park and other destinations: The Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center, the Bell Rock Vista and the Oak Creek Canyon Vista.
Because of their relatively ample parking areas, bathrooms and big views close to the parking lots, these have become popular places for tour operators to take 15- to 30-minute stops to let passengers get out to take photos, use the bathroom and stretch their legs. These activities are within the bounds of a “short stop,” as defined by USFS policy. During a short stop, tour operators are not allowed to take clients beyond the parking lot, because that would require a separate guiding permit.
Currently, commercial short stop users are only required to purchase a $5 Red Rock Pass — like any other visitor — to park. In effect, a bus filled with paying clients currently pays the same to park as a family in a small passenger vehicle.
According to the proposal letter, short stops by tour buses and other vehicles put “increased pressure on restroom and trash facilities” and contribute to “overcrowding at sites.”
In response to comments from tour operators and members of the public, Coconino National Forest has lowered the proposed commercial short stop fee from $5 per commercial passenger to a proposed $1.74 per passenger, but the exact fee level is subject to another round of comment. The Forest Service plans to create both a long-term priority use short stop permit for tour operators who use the sites regularly and an on-demand permit system for unplanned stops.
The commercial short stop fee would only affect commercial tour operators; no changes are proposed for the Red Rock Pass program.
