First “off the trail trailhead” supports trail user education

Sedona News – The first installation of a new “off the trail trailhead” concept is the result of a collaboration between the proprietor of Sedona Beer Company, Mac Crawford, and the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund (SRRTF). Dubbed the Trail Mapper program, it provides trail users with adventure planning info, businesses with a highly visible way to connect with customers, the USFS with a new educational touchpoint and the Trail Fund with needed funding for trail maintenance.

In 2023, Crawford approached the SRRTF with the idea as their new beer garden on Dry Creek Road was under construction. Given the Sedona Beer Company’s longstanding support of the trails and interest in promoting responsible use, Crawford floated the idea of an “off the trail trailhead”. His idea was that it would provide a high-level overview of Sedona’s trail many options to help offset the heavy use of trails heavily promoted on social media.

The Basecamp beer garden and taproom features the “off the trail trailhead” in a prominent plaza area that draws attention to the familiar USFS-style maps alongside a bike repair station.

“The goal – from a business standpoint – isn’t a marketing tool or revenue center; it’s to help change how the public interacts with the space around my business”, explained Co-owner Mac Crawford. “To me, a healthy business community is not about how full my parking lot is – it is about the incidental and casual interactions that happen when customers wander between neighboring businesses and feel comfortable lingering. I hope this encourages anyone in the area to do a little more than hop out of their car, run their errand and drive off again. If they stick around a little longer for a beer and a bite that’s a bonus.”

The SRRTF is in discussions with a few other local businesses, and hopes to see the Trail Mapper concept become as successful as their Trail Keeper, Trail Champion and Trail Bucks sponsorship programs.

“I was really impressed with what Mac was trying to do. First to create a public service to help customers learn about the trails and what they needed before hitting the trailhead, and second to gift something to SRRTF that could be duplicated at other like-minded businesses that want to help prepare their customers for a safe day on the trails”, stated VP Sandi Heysinger. She added “Their enthusiastic commitment to responsible use to protect our trails for the future is inspiring.”

Businesses interested in sponsoring a customized “off the trail trailhead” for either an interior or exterior area at their premises can contact Program Director Camille Cox at camille4trails@gmail.com.

About
The Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund mission is to gather donations to maintain and enhance the non-motorized National Forest trails in the greater Sedona area, and to educate the public regarding their use and management. With the support of residents, businesses, government entities and non-profits, the SRRTF has raised in excess of $3.0 million. SRRTF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and an official partner of the US Forest Service Red Rock Ranger District. Learn more about the SRRTF at redrocktrailfund.org.