The Sedona Shuttle’s second parking lot opened up last week after delayed construction.

The West Sedona-based shuttle currently runs to Soldier Pass and Dry Creek trailheads. Starting on Thursday, May 12, the shuttle will also be running to the newly completed Mescal Trailhead.

In addition to the completed parking lot, the city also finished its shared-use path that leads from the parking lot down to Soldier Pass Road and Carruth Drive. According to the city, the project supports the city’s Transportation Master Plan and Get Outside [GO] to invest in walking and biking infrastructure.

“We’re so proud of this project. It not only addresses neighborhood and safety issues but also supports our city’s goal to add walking and biking facilities around Sedona. We hope residents and visitors enjoy this quality-of-life amenity for many years to come,” Assistant City Manager and Director of Public Works Andy Dickey said.

Both the lot and the shared-use path were results from a conversation in 2019 where residents in the Soldier Pass area requested that the city limit the car overflow from the small lot near the trailhead.

The shuttle, which opened to the public on March 24, ran seven days for the past few weeks as Sedona’s spring break tourist crowd descended on the city. The lot, adjacent to the West Sedona School, was expected to be completed by the opening of the shuttle.

While the lot was still under construction, the Sedona Shuttle used the lots near The Hub at Posse Ground Park as a temporary pick-up station.

“The shuttle itself had no issues,” city of Sedona Transit Administrator Robert Weber said. “The challenge as I understand it was that having the shuttle stop at that location was a draw for additional parking on that side of Posse Grounds Park, which did create some conflict with special events.”

The West Sedona shuttle should be about a 15 minute wait time between drop-off and pick-ups at any of the three current locations. This new lot can hold up to 39 cars.