West Fork Trail

Oak Creek
5.0
14 Reviews
West Fork Trail
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Details

Distance
6.49 miles
Elevation Gain
1102 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Scenic
Family Friendly
River
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
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About this place

Added by wendy wernet

A Beautiful canyon, rich in color. There are Several places to have a picnic on a rock, bask in the sun, or hide in the shade.

This is one of the most beautiful hikes in Sedona, Arizona. It is a fairly easy hike, although it is 6 miles roundtrip. A lot of families come here, and children love to play in the water. There are various stream crossings, but for most of them, you should be able to keep dry.

The canyon walls are majestic and vivid in color, and you'll twist and turn your way through the canyon. Fall would be a great time to go, with the aspen changing color.

If you plan on backpacking, you'll go an additional 1.5 miles downstream, where there is supposedly a campground. It is also possible to continue another 11 miles after the end of the marked 3 mile trail to reach a forest road, but you'll be wading through water and boulder hopping.

Getting there: Take 89A, either south from Flagstaff, or north from Sedona. This is a paid parking spot, and you'll have to be patient, because the parking lot fills up quickly, and it is controlled by a booth attendant. It is worth the wait.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
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Crystal Sibson
8/10/2020
Beautiful Hike
Hiking the West Fork of Oak Creek is one of my favorite trails in the fall. The trees combined with the red rocks ...
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Laura Hill
7/1/2020
Absolutely Stunning
This is a wonderful trail, very very busy. Make sure to get there right when it opens, otherwise, you'll be a part of ...
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Megan Kendrick
1/21/2019
Amazing
Just beautiful several people but not crowded. Where the mountain meets the red rocks
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Geiselle Pacheco
12/28/2018
Perfect Fall Hike!
Lovely hike in October with all of the changing colors! Lots of people but totally worth it. Lots of cars parked in the parking ...
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Skye Malmberg
7/21/2018
Favorite Friendly Arizona Hike
This is my favorite hike to take Arizona visitors on. The West Fork Trail is absolutely beautiful, and it's very fun to cross back ...
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Kate Gnerer
12/7/2016
Favorite Spot
3 miles to the end of the trail, but you can find even more beautiful canyon scenery if you continue past the marked trail. ...
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Jason Hatfield
11/27/2016
Stunning Falls Colors
This year wasn't the best example but during a great season the fall colors here are unmatched in the Southwest. The vibrant reds and ...
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Olivia Bennett
10/27/2016
Wonderful Woodland Walk
This walk was so beautiful. As it is autumn/fall the colours on the trees were magnificent, the deep reds and yellows gave the perfect ...
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David Mortenson
8/24/2016
Easy/Beautiful Hike!
Easy and beautiful hike, you cross the river multiple times as you hike the trail which makes it a lot of fun! The scenery ...
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Dan Deublein
7/20/2016
Red Rock District!
The West Fork Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in Arizona. It also has some interesting history with the Mayhew Lodge. One ...
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Jared Blitz
7/8/2016
Favorite trail in Arizona
Missing the West Fork Trail if you're passing through Sedona should be considered a crime. It's an easy hike, beautiful all the way ...
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Jose Gonzalez
3/6/2016
A Hiking Must!
Put this trail on your bucket list. It's an easy trail great for kids and dogs with nice shade for summer hiking. A few ...
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Beaux Kapr
3/1/2016
Amazing Sites!
If you are in the Sedona area, then you should definitely try and visit the west fork. It is generally touristy at times, but ...
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Michael Ratcliff
1/22/2016
My All Time Fav
This is my all time favorite hike. I grew up just a few miles from the trailhead and hiked it often with my family. ...
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