West Fork Trail

Sedona, Arizona

5.0/5

based on 14 reviews

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Distance

6.49 miles

Elevation Gain

1102 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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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West Fork Trail Reviews

Beaux Kapr

West Fork Trail

03/01/16

If you are in the Sedona area, then you should definitely try and visit the west fork. It is generally touristy at times, but if you can get there when there is minimal traffic on the trail, the views are amazing. You will have to pay to park directly at the trailhead, if not you can park in other areas along the roadside and walk. The creek flows through and you will have to cross it a few times, but it is generally pretty low with rocks to help you cross. The trail is also pet friendly, so bring your friends!

5.0

Michael Ratcliff

West Fork Trail

01/22/16

This is my all time favorite hike. I grew up just a few miles from the trailhead and hiked it often with my family. The fire in 2014 was heartbreaking but happily left the trail and canyon mostly unaffected. As it is my favorite hike in Az, I make sure to visit it once a year, in spite of living hours away now. If you have the ability to make it here in the fall, it can be the most beautiful, color filled hike in all Az. Highly recommended! Oh and start early before the masses show up and the parking lot gets full. I usually arrive about 6 and am 3rd or 4th to arrive.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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West Fork Trail

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West Fork Trail Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Climbing at Oak Creek Canyon

Hike up Cookstove Trail

Picnic at Banjo Bill

Dispersed Camping in Coconino National Forest (Edge of the World)

Camp at East Pocket (Edge of the World)

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