Hike the West Fork Trail
Details
Distance
6 miles
Elevation Gain
340 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
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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Reviews
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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 and creek makes for the perfect fall destination. The trail is very popular so the parking lot fill up fast. Get there early if you want to snag a parking spot. There is often a backup of traffic near the trail from visitors parking and looking for spots along the highway.
5.0
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 a line of cars waiting to get in. Water shoes are a must, bring enough water. Easy trail, lots of families. STUNNING in winter (but call before, since it does close occasionally). Fall is also beautiful, with lots of color.
5.0
Amazing
Just beautiful several people but not crowded. Where the mountain meets the red rocks
5.0
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 lot so either wait in line until people return from the hike to their cars to gain access to the lot, or park on the side of the highway.
5.0
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 and forth over the creek. Bring a hammock, bring lunch, and bring the family. It's more than a hike; it's a discovery. There are beautiful fall colors that last into the winter, and gorgeous spring flowers that last into the summer. Though it is a popular hike, it's long enough that it's usually not very crowded- especially the farther you go. Something I would note that hasn't been shared: I love hiking this trail in the fall and winter! However, it becomes extremely cold compared to the rest of the canyon. Bring extra warm layers. (And if you're coming from Sedona, stop at the Indian Garden Cafe! It's my favorite restaurant in AZ! Healthy and delicious lunch and desserts with an adventurous atmosphere! They also have food for the go to take along on the hike!)
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
Nearby Adventures
Climbing at Oak Creek Canyon
Hike up Cookstove Trail
Picnic at Banjo Bill
Dispersed Camping in Coconino National Forest (Edge of the World)
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