Friends of the Forest, Inc.
P.O. Box 2391
Sedona, Arizona 86339-2391
Helping to protect
National Forest Lands
October 1, 2014
New trail map resource for the Red Rock District
The Sedona Friends of the Forest organization is pleased to announce its sponsorship of a new internet website which provides a wide variety of information about the Red Rock District of the Coconino National Forest. Visitors to SedonaRedrockTrails.com will have direct access to Forest Service system trail maps and information about the trails, sites of interest and scenic road routes in our area.
The intent of the new website is to provide up to date, accurate and free information for all National Forest recreation users in the Red Rock District and Sedona area. The new website complements the current Friends of the Forest website, Friendsof theForestSedona.org, which is primarily used by members or by those seeking information about the organization and its activities.
A highlight of SedonaRedRockTrails.com is a series of maps, in both .SVG and .PDF format which can be viewed online, printed or downloaded to computers, smart phones or other electronic devices. Access to all the maps is free of charge. As of October 1st, all trail maps and guides are available on the site. Other functions of the site are being fine-tuned during coming weeks.
The maps are geo-referenced and geographic coordinates of specific locations on each map can be identified by pointing with computer browser to the location on the map. Each map has trailheads highlighted, with distances noted along the trails and relative difficulty identified by symbols. The trails are identified as to whether they can be used by hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers or in the case of Wilderness area trails, limited to hikers, equestrians and back packers.
The creation of the maps was assisted by a grant provided by the Keen Footwear Company as part of the Keen Effect Program. Sedona Friends of the Forest is one of twenty U.S. and foreign organizations receiving support this year via the Keen Effect Program.
In the very near future, access to the website and maps will be enhanced through the distribution and public posting of information about the website with printed QR codes that will allow immediate access via Smart Phones and similar electronic devices. The QR codes will be posted at Forest Service sites including the Red Rock Ranger Station Visitor Center, trailhead parking areas and in publications.
In addition to trail maps, view-able and printable trail guides are available in PDF format for almost all Red Rock District system trails. The guides include maps of the trail area, distances, difficulty, access information, requirement for a Red Rock Pass, estimated hiking times, seasonal suitability and usage suitability for hikers, bikers and equestrians.
The website features scenic drives on an interactive map from which users can select highlighted routes, both paved and unpaved. Information pages for each route indicate directions to and along the route, distances, seasonal suitability, recommended vehicle requirements, representative photographs, and features of interest along the route.
A section dedicated to the Red Rock District Visitor Information Center includes images and descriptions of the interactive displays at the Center and a link to the National Forest Red Rock Recreational Guide which can be viewed on line or downloaded and printed at your convenience. A “Things to do and see in Sedona” section provides web based links to many national, state and other locations of interest to visitors to our region.
A further enhancement of the website in the very near future will feature a forest safety and equipment guide, with recommendations for equipment, supplies and procedures for forest users recreating in remote areas.
The information provided on the SedonaRedRockTrails.com website will enable both local residents and visitors to plan and safely enjoy the beauty of the Sedona area. Please take the time to visit the website and find new information which can enhance your enjoyment and safety.
As prime time for hiking approaches, yet another way to hone one's recreation preparedness, is to attend the October 3 "First Friday" presentation at 11:00am at the Red Rock District Visitor Center on Highway 179 south of VOC. Local wilderness expert Al Cornell will present "Wilderness Preparation: Exploring the Wilds with Safety and Skill". This is an opportunity to learn how to "stay found" from a twenty year search and rescue volunteer, as well as gain essential skills in safe and smart techniques for wilderness recreation. This is a free, public talk and no registration is required.
Sedona Friends of the Forest is currently celebrating twenty years of service and support to the Coconino National Forest. Please visit SedonaFriendsoftheForest.org to review our activities and learn how you can become involved.
Serving Sedona, written this week by Spence Gustav, President of Friends of the Forest, appears Wednesday in the Sedona Red Rock News.