Hike through the West Fork Trail in Summer or Winter

Drive south 17.5 miles south from Flagstaff or north 9.5 miles from Sedona to about halfway between milepost 385 and 384. The trailhead is on the west side of the highway down a paved lane that leads behind a few creekside houses. Park at the Call O' The Canyon day-use area.

It is $10 per vehicle or $2 per person if you walk in, bike, or take the bus in.

The hike is a big draw for people all over the world. It's an easy 3.5 mile trail that crosses Oak Creek multiple times before you come to a giant vortex similar to the Subway in Zion, but not as enclosed, that will continue on for another 14 miles (camping allowed about 8 miles in at a campsite). If you're lucky, the water will be high enough to have developed deep pools (they reflect off the canyon walls) that will help keep you cool. The summer offers brighter canyon colors mixed with a lot of green that contrast each other really well.

If you hike during the winter, I very much recommend going a day or two after it snows. The trail turns into a winter wonderland, with most of Oak Creek freezing over. It's such a different contrast to the summer I recommend trying both. Instead of being overcrowded with partiers and drinkers, it becomes a very quiet, somber place where all you can mostly hear are your own footsteps.