Verde Valley & Sedona Shuttle
Sedona's most popular trailheads have tiny lots that fill before breakfast — so the city runs a free Sedona Shuttle to the busiest ones, and the regional Verde Lynx bus connects Sedona with Cottonwood. Riding either one trades parking stress for an easy seat to the trail.
What it is
The Sedona Shuttle is a free, fare-free service that runs from park-and-ride lots to several of the area's most congested trailheads — including Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek/Mescal, and the Little Horse trailhead. When a shuttle route is operating, those trailhead parking lots are closed to private cars, so the shuttle is genuinely the way in. The Verde Lynx is a separate, low-fare regional bus that links Sedona with Cottonwood through the Verde Valley.
How to use it
Park free at the designated park-and-ride lots (such as the one off AZ-179 near the Village of Oak Creek, and a West Sedona lot) and hop the shuttle to the trailhead. Routes run on set days and seasons — typically Thursday through Sunday in the busy periods — so check the current schedule before you plan a hike. No reservation is needed; just show up at the lot.
Good to know
The shuttle is the simplest fix for Sedona's parking crunch — skip circling a full lot and don't risk a citation for parking illegally at a closed trailhead. Bring water, sun protection, and start early. For the latest routes, hours, and park-and-ride locations, check the official Sedona Shuttle page.
