Hi Everyone,

I saw an update about Soldier Pass Trail in Sedona on my FB feed today - the decision has been made to keep the trail open to both private and public entities! Looks like they're going still going to install a gate and require some sort of permit to limit access, but at least Red Rock Jeep isn't going to get an exclusive monopoly on use.

Big thanks to everyone that provided feedback to the USFS on this topic, without that we'd surely see this trail closed to motorized public use!

Maybe Calichaos can come up with a link for me here as all I could find was a Facebook page.

Cheers!

Here is a link to the full announcement and details about the permit system.

www.dropbox.com/s/as1z...9.pdf?dl=0

Thanks for posting this good news! It's on the list for next visit....which may be delayed due to foot surgery

As of March 27th, 2017:
SOLDIER PASS CLOSURES Soldier Pass roads (FRs 9904, 9904B, and 9904C) are closed to public motorized use until a permit system is established. We are currently working on the new permit system, and anticipate permits for public use will be available in late 2017. Once implemented, the permit system will allow limited public motorized access. Read the Final decision released on Soldier Pass motorized use press release for full details on the closures and project.




Final decision released on Soldier Pass motorized use proposal
Release Date: Mar 27, 2017
Contact(s): Red Rock RD Recreation Special Uses: Julie Rowe 928-203-7516, Red Rock RD Permit Administrator: Adam LaDell 928-203-2928, Media Contact: Brady Smith or George Jozens 928-224-8306

Update: Roads remain closed to motorized use by the general public until the permit system mentioned in the article is implemented. The trailhead and parking lot are open.
The Decision Notice directed the Red Rock Ranger District to work with a collaborative group of stakeholders to develop the public permit system for Soldiers Pass Road. We are currently working through this process. The permit system is anticipated to be in place in late 2017. Project details, maps and additional information are available on the Soldier Pass Motorized Use Project website.
Sedona, Arizona — A final decision has been made by Coconino National Forest regarding the Soldier Pass motorized use proposal, which should reduce the volume of motorized traffic in the area and reduce the conflicts that are occurring as a result of this use.
Based on the Environmental Assessment (EA), Finding of No Significant Impact and public comments, Coconino National Forest Supervisor Laura Jo West has issued a final decision notice, which is Alternative C.
The final decision allows motorized use of Soldier Pass road by Red Rock Western Jeep Tours and up to 12 unguided public vehicles each day after a permit system has been established. The Red Rock Ranger District will convene a collaborative group on April 20 to begin developing parameters for the public permit system. This will occur within the framework of the existing Off-Highway Vehicle Working Group, which is a partnership of the City of Sedona, the Forest Service and stakeholders interested in OHV issues.
“As the popularity of motorized recreation increases, so do concerns over impacts to other recreational uses and to the quality of life in adjacent residential areas,” said West. “Moving in this direction represents a balanced approach and will reduce impacts to residential areas while still maintaining recreational opportunities for motorized travel on a four-wheel drive road.”
Red Rock Western Jeep Tours, the currently-permitted outfitter/guide company, will continue to have motorized access to the road. However, Soldier Pass road will be closed to motorized use by the public beginning this week Monday, April 3 when gate installation starts, and will remain closed to public motorized use until a permit system is established. The Soldier Pass Trailhead and parking lot will be closed for up to three days during gate installation, starting April 3.
Hikers wanting access to the Soldier Pass area during the closure (early the week of April 3) can still enter from other trailheads, such as Jim Thompson and Adobe Jack during the parking lot closure. See Red Rock Ranger District recreation information for maps, trail guides, and other useful information.
The project was co-funded by the City of Sedona and Coconino National Forest in response to public concerns about the effects of increasing motorized use and impacts along Soldier Pass road.
The Soldier Pass area is surrounded by private homes, located northwest of Sedona and the road totals 1.2 miles of Forest Roads 9904, 9904B and 9904C. The EA considered four alternatives in detail:
Alternative A was the “no action” alternative, and would continue current management.
Alternative B would have restricted motorized use of Soldier Pass Road to an outfitter/guide service and adjusted the outfitter/guide use authorization to improve consistency with other motorized outfitter/guide use on the District.
Alternative C was the proposed action, which would have adjusted the outfitter/guide use authorization to improve consistency with other motorized outfitter/guide use on the District and established a free permit system to limit public use to 12 permits per day.
Alternative D would have closed Soldier Pass Road to all recreational motorized use.
These alternatives were developed with the help of public involvement over the last several years. The EA contains additional information about these alternatives, the project’s background, and analysis of the potential effects of implementing these alternatives.
Members of the public wishing to participate in the collaborative group to develop parameters for the public permit system should contact Adam LaDell, special uses permit administrator for the Red Rock Ranger District, at 928-203-2928 or aladell @ fs.fed.us.
For more information on this project please contact Julie Rowe, recreation special uses program manager for the Red Rock Ranger District, at 928-203-7516 or by email at jrowe @ fs.fed.us. Project details, maps and additional information are available on the Soldier Pass Motorized Use Project website.

that's crap so the company gets 12 runs per day, and the public has only 12 permits available per day?? no word on cost

The permits are typically free but, yes, limited in number.

Hey at least they didn't close the trail completely to all non-commercial use.