The Mescal Day Use Trailhead is officially open to the public.
This past Monday, April 18, the trailhead was opened after four months of construction on the Coconino National Forest’s parking lot. This trailhead and parking lot gives access to many trails including Mescal, Chuckwagon, Long Canyon and Devil’s Bridge and the whole of the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness Area.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, the number of cars that regularly park along Dry Creek Road has become a major traffic issue as they block the road or cause accidents. Previously the lot was empty, but easily accessed.
Construction began with Colorado-based contractor Medved Global on Jan. 10.
Initially, the USFS announced that the lot would be completed by early summer. But luckily, as spring is one of the busiest times for Sedona tourism, the lot was completed ahead of schedule.
The trailhead will also be part of the Red Rock Pass program, the payment program for Coconino National Forest trailheads and parking lots, and will include picnic tables, restrooms, patrolling by law enforcement, trash facilities and access to the Sedona Shuttle.
The Red Rock Pass used to be required in most of the Sedona area, but a 2010 lawsuit by a Sedona hiker James T. Smith resulted in a judge mandating that in order to apply, parking areas needed six key elements: Designated developed parking; a permanent toilet facility; a permanent trash receptacle; an interpretive sign, exhibit or kiosk; picnic tables and security.
The Sedona Shuttle will add the Mescal trailhead from the Posse Grounds shuttle parking lot starting May 12. Currently the shuttle in West Sedona also takes passengers to the Dry Creek and Soldier Pass trailheads. The shuttle estimates stops every 15 minutes.
The lot accommodates 40 cars, as well as two oversized parking spaces and one allocated for handicap parking.
