Red Rock Crossing Trail 2. This is also a great area for birding. My boys all loved the water crossings, which are shallow but still can be challenging if the goal is to keep your feet dry. There are many spots where you have to cross the creek but there are strategically placed rocks in the water for you to hop across. The West Fork Oak Creek Trail is the best choice for all skill levels. Your email address will not be published. Sedona Airport Loop Trail 5. 928-284-1226 16. r/arizona. The nice thing about this hike is you can make it a long hike or a short slow scenic one. I have heard and read so many beautiful things about Arizona and Sedona. This year wasn't the best example but during a great season the fall colors . What is this? Cheers, Julie. We saw people of various ages and hiking skills. West Fork trail is the perfect place for that. What hotels are near West Fork Oak Creek Trail? This. Look no further than the stunningly beautiful West Fork Oak Creek Trail. For the other 5 best hikes in Sedona see this list here. The hike The marked trail is about 3.3 miles each way, making your total mileage approximately 6.6. only about 600 feet elevation gain. No, West Fork Trail is a mostly easy hike to do with very low elevation gain. Plus a great Trail. Well it all depends on what time of year you visit this trail Alice. I highly recommend going further, even if its only a couple hundred feet. I did 7 miles at least twice already and I think I can do 9 miles. We hiked just over a mile in before turning around (because 3 year-old) so cant speak for the trail after that. The West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead is located in the Coconino National Forest, just a short 30-minute drive from our Sedona Bed and Breakfast. Rather than exposed in the sun throughout the hike you got to go along the river, trees, and rock formations it has some very nice photo opportunities along the hike. As for trekking poles, yes when they are used correctly, you will get a full body workout, but also take away stress from your knees and legs. The area of Oak Creek, where this hike is located, is known as a hiker's paradise. This is an easy out and back trail with gorgeous views "looking up". Theres not too much of a heads up for the turn into the parking lot, but it will be on your left if youre coming from Sedona. You can go on further if you wish (another several miles will lead you into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness), although the hike becomes more strenuous and involves trekking through water. Hiking to Robbers Roost Cave Sedona. Hiking The West Fork Of Oak Creek. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Trail that follows a creek at the bottom of a 1,000-foot canyon. The trees combined with the red rocks and creek makes for the perfect fall destination. The steep canyon walls and the shade of trees make this a perfect trail if you're looking to avoid the heat of the Arizona sun. But as you continue walking upstream, youll come across what I think is the campground area later on. Length: 6-9 miles in and out (if you do the add on, it'll be 9 miles). Unfortunately, the summer months are extremely busy which can make for some difficult fishing. Deadman's Pass. Bring shoes you dont mind getting wet, and a change of socks for the car ride back! These can sometimes be tricky, but they are well worth the effort. In the heart of red rock country, the region is teeming with moderate day hikes that make it an accessible spot for all hikers, families included. West Fork Trail Guide. But as much as I enjoy beautiful scenery, I dont think I am up to the challenge of getting wet during a hike, lol. Length: 3.7 miles; rating-easy/moderate; season-all year; hiking time-2.5 hours. The rocks are very slippery and usually wobbly, so dont be surprised if you lose your footing and end up ankles deep in the creek. Im a big fan of using them on long distance hikes. As one of the only hikes in the area with leafy trees and water views, the West Fork definitely earns a place amongst the top hikes in the region. The West Fork Trail is one of the most picturesque trails in all of Sedona. The hike gently works its wayinto the recesses of a stunningly tallcanyon, alongside a shallow stream that flows into Oak Creek. This is more of an in the valley walk with very little elevation but the views are great. The trailhead is on the west side of the highway down a paved lane that leads behind a few creekside houses. Once I reached the same sign warning about those areas, it was an easy hike back to the parking lot. Airport Mesa. Youll drive past the little Dairy Queen and Slide Rock. In case the lot is not open is there any parking available near by ? For service to the Dry Creek Vista and Devils Bridge area, catch the blue Number 11 or brown Number 12 shuttle in West Sedona at the Posse Grounds Park and Ride. Their website says 8AM. This well-liked hike, which is 2.3 kilometers long overall, is a practical and handy nature outing for the family. This fun family hike runs through an evergreen forest, following Oak Creek with dramatic canyon walls looming overhead. You will reach a sign; it said maintained trail ends at narrow canyon pool ahead. If you don't want to get wet then 50% of the time you can stay dry and just cut in and out from the trail down to the creek and visa versa throughout the hike. 99% of travelers recommend this experience. Got some beautiful canyon shots along the creek. Id like to ask this, because Im definitely a hill-top guy rather than a valley guy. At the end of the day, when youre tired and looking forward to a bit of solitude and recovery, theres no better place to unwind than our Sedona Bed and Breakfast. Did you happen to write an article about why and how to use trekking poles, pros and cons and such? Parking for West Fork will be on your right after 15 miles. TRAILHEAD: 89A, Sedona DIFFICULTY: Easy DISTANCE: 3 MILES (6 MILES RT) APPROX. After reading such highly favorable reviews of the West Fork Trail in Sedona, I decided to hike it myself and see if it was truly that good. Speaking of our Sedona Bed and Breakfast there is no better escape in the desert for fall getaways! This hike is considered moderate due to the challenge of crossing the creek 13 times. You will see lots of people (all ages) and pets on this hike. Most of the time, we only hike 5 to 10 miles back, but if you're adventurous you can take camping gear and stay overnight. Location: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179 in Sedona, take 179 south 3.6 miles to a paved turnout and trailhead parking on the left (east) at milepost 309.8, 0.2 . Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 54 min to complete. So many sights that you will be on overload and speechless. West Fork of Oak Creek. The trailhead to West Fork at Oak Creek is located at the Call of the Canyon Picnic Area, around mile marker 384. I believe it opens at 7 but people start lining up prior. Fay Canyon Trail 6. What's considered early? Main pros: Very easy hike (mostly), scenic views and even a Subway/Narrows type hike in the end. You'll pay $10 to park here. These are both great spots to take pictures at. There are stunning views all around after summitting four different steps to get to the top of this mountain. I am planning to be there my 6:30. more. If you want to enjoy the best fall hike in Sedona, the West Fork Oak Creek Trail won't disappoint. Boynton Pass Rd. Location: 17.5 miles south of Flagstaff (9.5 miles north of Sedona) on paved roads in scenic Oak Creek Canyon. Several people mentioned arrive early due to this trail being very popular, the trail says opens at 8am. This is also a great hike to take your dogs on since its mainly shaded and has the water for them to cool off in. While my opinion is that the best part of the West Fork Trail is towards the end which adds another 3-4 miles to your total trip, you should decide if this is something you are comfortable doing. Our family will be traveling to Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon, and Flagstaff 3/5-3/11 . You know those days where you just need to get lost in nature, splash through a babbling brook and surround yourself with greenery? Whether inside or outside out, youll enjoy the view of iconic red rock formations that tower just behind our Inn. Bell Rock Trail. See our description, photos and practical information for Chilkoot Trail and join in with our trekking and hiking forums to find out why we think so! From the desert red rocks to the lush, riparian zone along the creek where there are a diversity of tree and plant species, youll be able to experience and explore these various habitats of the Coconino National Forest along the way. Though the trail is gentle, it doesn't sacrifice on views. Youll cross an old house ruins area, then a bridge and begin the trail. GPS ( Map ): 3459'26.5N 11144'34.6W. We found this hike a nice change for all the other ones we had been doing. We walked through an old orchard that was in bloom, crossed a bridge, and then meandered through a canyon along a creek. This 7-mile moderate hike includes mild elevation changes and 13 creek crossings. One of the most popular hikes so arrive early. A visit to this trail usually takes 2-3 hours round trip. The parking lot fills quickly, and parking along the highway is dangerous, so be sure to get there early. Explore this 7.9-mile out-and-back trail near Lake City, Colorado. Hi I'm Vitaliy, creator of TheNatureSeeker.com, thanks for stopping by! As you continue you'll enter the West Fork Trail that winds over 20 miles through the Sedona wilderness. Best Fall Hikes in Sedona Westfork A favorite fall hike is the West Fork Oak Creek trail. 15 Best Sedona Hikes for All Hiking Levels Full Hiking Guide. No matter how long a hike you take here, you'll enjoy it best if you come at a time when the trail is least crowded. Sedona View Trail. His name is Bill if you meet him - very nice guy. However, most of the hike is covered by forest which helps with avoiding the sun if you do hike during the hotter parts of the day. There is one section towards the 3rd mile where you can either cross underneath a Narrows type area or over it. Soldier Pass We recommend booking West Fork Oak Creek Trail tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Chiricahuas Grotto from Echo Canyon Hiking Trail. The pathcriss-crosses the shallow stream multiple timeson random stepping stones and fallen logs. West Fork Trail West Fork Trail, Sedona West Fork Trail Fast Facts Length: 7.5 miles Elevation gain: 1053 ft. Directions From the intersection of 179 and 89A (in Sedona) head north on 89A for 9.5 miles. Devil's Bridge Trail. The distance is merely 2 miles, and there is only a slight height rise. Regardless, we enjoyed the peaceful, easy trek through nature. Best Time to Hike in Sedona. If you arrive very early, West Fork Trail will not be busy, but in the afternoon, the parking lot and trail fills up with crowds almost every day. West Fork. Mornings and weekdays are best, better yet if they're in the off-season. 8 Beautiful Sedona Hikes Without the Crowds Gore Tex. Earth Gear 2018-10-07T22:58:30+00:00 Bell Rock Loop Trail 4. Here's what we personally think the best hikes are in Sedona for various categories: Easy Hike - Birthing Cave via Long Canyon Trail Moderate Hike - Munds Wagon Trail Hard Hike - Cathedral Rock Trail Sunrise Hike - Chimney Rock and Little Sugarloaf Trail Sunset Hike - Airport Mesa Sedona View Trail Cave Hike - Keyhole Cave Trail Some places around Bell Rock are rocky and rough. The West Fork Oak Creek Trail is a great alternative place to beat the heat. 9 Easy Sedona Hikes with Kids: The Best Beginner-Friendly Trails. Get here early, especially if youre not into crowds like me. West Fork Trail 7. Meandering through adizzyingly beautifulcanyon, this trail plays hopscotch with a gentle stream. Keep going to where the canyon narrows. It is one of our favorite family-friendly, short treks in Sedona. We passed a good amount of other hikers but not so many that we felt it was too crowded. After a small cross-bridge, it passes through thecenturies old Mayhew Lodge homestead,where gnarled apple trees, acrumbled foundation, defunct chicken coops and a cold-storage cave dot the path. Yes it's worth $10. People also park along the side of the road on Route 89A near the trailhead. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Probably one of our favorite hikes of our trip. To request permission for use email us at lisa@azutopia.com. NOTE: Have $11 cash with you for the parking fee. I had to frantically switch lenses, but was excited to finally get some photos of Coatimundi yesterday. The trailhead is located 11 miles north of Sedona, along 89A towards Flagstaff. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer. In my opinion the best time of year to go for a hike on the West Fork trail is the fall season which begins in Mid September and winds up in late October. I can't remember how long we were out there but there were sections that were covered in ice that slowed us down a lot. And if you are new to exploring Sedona, here are a few other trails you may want to check out too (ones Ive personally done): If you have any questions about hiking West Fork Trail, let me know! 272. Ironically, most people miss out on this last 2-3 miles because it involves getting into deeper, colder water, so they stop and return home thinking they saw the best parts of the West Fork Trail, when in fact, they actually missed it. The shade and water . I was wishing that I had worn my water shoes. The trail starts at the ruins of the . West Fork Trail is a very popular hike anytime of the year, but during the fall months, this one can't be beat. Rating: 4 out of 5 for the first part, 5 out of 5 if you do the add on. . This is by far the most uniquely beautiful hike Sedona has to offer. There is a small parking lot where you pay the day fee, but parking fills up early especially on weekends. A pleasant little stream runs along the canyon floor and high cliffs rise above it. There are picnic tables, toilets and trash cans available for use. The West Fork of Oak Creek Trail (#108) is a 6.5 miles out and back hike near Sedona, Arizona. This is one of those hikes where you get a little sad when you see the parking lot because you have to go home now. Im now looking into going abroad to do some hiking, and Sedona does look like an amazing place to start some hikes! Lower Chimney Rock Trail Best Sunrise Locations in Sedona Easy Hikes in Sedona Arizona This climb has stunning vistas, and you can also sense the power of a strong vortex. Is it safe to hike alone in Sedona? The point of this West Fork Trail article Im writing is to help you avoid that mistake and get the most out of this amazing hike. Thank you! The first thing that you will have to do after that sign that warns you about the deep water is youll have to get into that water. I'm guessing daybreak as there is limited parking? Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. This is top on my list as a favorite. The best time to visit Sedona is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is warm. Would you like to stay up to date with all my adventures? Fortunately the views quickly become amazing as you are crossing an area that looks very similar to the Subway hike you find in Zion National Park. MAP: Sedona Trails PERMITS: There is a parking fee ($10, cash or check only) for this hike. As you cross the bridge and begin this hike, youll basically walk parallel to West Fork creek with giant mountains around you. The scenes you experience here are similar to those found in Zion National Park, Utah and are sure to impress. You have toilets and picnic table and trash cans. It runs along the base of a 1,000-foot canyon and is a beautiful green area. There are numerous spots to take breaks at if needed. The 1.8-mile (2.9km) round . This is about a 7-mile hike, it has a steady incline you dont really notice and the hike goes by rather quickly. Description. If youre curious about how hard the creek crossings are, Ive uploaded a couple of pictures with my review. All copy and images contained in this website are the property of AZ Utopia. Up until now, you could avoid getting wet by rock hopping but if you elect to try this part of the trail, you WILL get wet 100%. The trail from the moment you enter this area becomes very wild, mixing together rock hopping, water walks and having to navigate as best as you can to avoid getting wet (which is impossible in certain areas). Wear water shoes. Best Time to Go: Spring, Summer, and Fall. Sedona's West Fork of Oak Creek is one of the top-rated trails in Arizona for its lush, riparian environment, and generally regarded as Sedona's best hike. Mescal Trail 3. Every part of this hike is stunning. Ive just got a couple of questions though, one regarding the hike itself: Im seeing quite a lot of pictures on your page where youre walking in between the rocks, you are mentioning some amazing views, but do you mean hill-top views or views like waterfalls running down the mountains and into the creeks? . over 200 5 star reviews. . West Fork is the most popular hiking trail in the Coconino National Forest and possibly the most scenic in Arizona. This is a super popular hike, so try coming out as early as you can so you can actually snag a parking spot! West fork trail is about 25 minutes from central Sedona. Water and snacks are a must for this since it should take you about 2-3 hours. The West Fork Hiking Trail officially ends at the 3-mile mark, beneath some of the canyons highest walls. Sugarloaf Loop. There are quite a few alternative trail options in the area that take you around Bell Rock as well for a more leisurely hike! West Fork Trail is Sedona's best easy hike. In Oak Creek Canyon, the trail winds it way back and forth across the creek with trees with orange, gold and brown leaves almost the entire way. Just north of Sedona, the West Fork of Oak Creek Trail is a hidden gem that meanders through a stunning canyon and crosses Oak Creek 13 total times. Sedona, Arizona, AZ 86351, United States. The trailhead is on the west side of the highway down a paved lane that leads behind a few creekside houses. 4 Easy Hikes Amid the Vortexes of Sedona The Virtual. While in Fall, the canyon fills with a brilliantexplosion of red and orange leaves. During most days out of the year, the only fork flowing into Oak Creek is a gentle stream meandering beneath towering ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, and steep red rock and cream colored sandstone canyon walls. West Fork Trail in scenic Oak Creek Canyon is possibly the number one Sedona hiking trail in popularity, and certainly her most famous. See below for information on fees, parking, camping, fishing and tips on maximizing your time in the West Fork: The trail begins on a paved path that drops over Oak Creek and along the exterior canyon wall to the Wilderness Boundary (.35 miles : 5,302'). It has a creek and while hiking you are constantly walking through water. When it comes to fall hikes in the Sedona, Arizona area, all of us at Sky Rock Sedona would agree that West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon is the one that shouldn't be missed! Thanks in advance. A great way to end a week of hiking Sedona! The trail starts on the far side of the parking area, furthest away from the entrance. Also good for kids and teenagers, as you have to cross many times a creek; always fun hopping from one stone to the other. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Once youve parked and prepped for your hike, youll find the trailhead, and follow that. As you meander through this canyon, youll get to enjoy many of the best parts about Sedona towering red rocks, plenty of shade, the vivid colors of fall, and a beautiful creek to admire. Adobe Jack Trailhead. Leading through Oak Creek Canyon, the West Fork Trail offers an unforgettable hiking experience. Sedona Hiking - West Fork Trail Situated in Oak Creek Canyon 10.5 miles north of Sedona along SR 89A, The West Fork Trail is one of the most beautiful Sedona hiking trails. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Great hike of about 7 miles; moderate. Red Rock Crossing. Baldwin Trail. You have some great recommendations for equipment though to prevent that. If so, then sign up to The Nature Seeker Newsletter (it's completely free): Im so happy I came across this article/website. Location: Sedona, Arizona. 5 Things to Know About The Cathedral Rock Hike in Sedona, How to Hike The Robbers Roost Trail in Sedona Correctly, Fay Canyon Trail in Sedona Why You Need to Hike Here, There is actually a 2-3 mile add on to that trail towards its end and thats. We are going to try the West Fork Trail hike as it is advertised as one of the better Summer hikes. The trail is an easy stroll, but you have to cross the stream in a number of places. Spring: Spring is the best time to visit Sedona. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular doses of beauty and delight. Arizona means wide-open landscapes and awe-inspiring rock formations, and the hike to Devil's Bridge near Sedona is a great way to experience a glimpse of this beauty. To reach the West Fork Trailhead, an access trail first followsthe banks of Oak Creek. West Fork. The Thorofare Trail is one of the top walks in USA, Western: Yellowstone NP, and one of the world's best walk, treks, hikes and climbs. There are several parking spaces outside the gates, which means you dont have to wait for the attendant. Best for an Adventurous Hike: Bear Mountain Trail A hard, out, and back, 6-mile hike that you should plan to spend 4 to 5 hours on. Tips for a fantastic hike *Plan your time accordingly. The trailhead to this incredible hike in Sedona is located just off Highway 89A, just minutes north of Slide Rock State Park in case youre interested in extending your day with more terrific hikes in Sedona! Huckaby Trail. I did also bring my Showers Pass waterproof socks for a plan B in case they were needed. I know some people might think Im weird or something. The free shuttle runs Thursday through Sunday, 7:00 am to 5:30 pm, and operates seven days a week during peak season. This is a long hike time-wise (at least 2.5-3hours). For more elevation, mountain scrambles in Sedona, I have provided several ideas in the article above with other hikes Ive done there for that. Sedona sits on Highway 89 in Arizona, about 30 miles south of Flagstaff and I-40. Book your room today! Wear water shoes and bring a hiking stick to enjoy the day. We can't wait to bring grandkids for the fun climbing and exploring on this trail. Bigger kids love this hike as they'll get to cross Oak Creek several times using a series of stepping stones. The Oaks and Big tooth Maple trees along the trail and canyon bottom in particular put on a brilliant fall display. For more hikes, and a little more info on the West Fork Trail, check out our Sedona Hiking Guide. I went closer to years end so it was chilly and even freezing when I started, so I didnt sweat a lot, but for sure the best experience in the West Fork trail is on the additional sections of it where you do need to get wet. One of the nicest and easiest trails except for the multiple streams to cross. Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular trails in Sedona. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If youre up for extending your trip in this canyon, you can continue past the marked section of the trail into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness. And then something about the equipment. 5.97K subscribers West Fork Trail in Sedona Arizona is a 7.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back hiking trail that features a river and is good for all skill levels. If you want to enjoy the best fall hike in Sedona, the West Fork Oak Creek Trail wont disappoint. 40 Canyon Circle Drive Reply . It offers a beautiful array of scenery, including towering red rocks and vibrant fall foliage. And temperatures, ranging from the mid-60s to the low 80s, make for excellent hiking weather. Ive never looked deeper into the whole Nordic Walking thing, but Ive heard its makes your whole body gets a workout rather than just the legs. Indian Garden Now Officially Called Havasupai Gardens - U.S. Board of Geographic Names/National Park Service Approves Havasupai Tribe's Name Change Request. $ Quick Bites American Southwestern, $$ - $$$ American Vegetarian Friendly Gluten Free Options, $$$$ American Vegetarian Friendly Gluten Free Options. I think youll really enjoy the West Fork Trail Brendon and Ive also been to Joshua Tree once, but only explored one hike there called Chasm of Doom. What else can a car full of people get for $10 ? So heres what you need to know: Aside from this summary, lets get into the details of what its like to hike the West Fork Trail: Its very easy to find and heres a Google listing for West Fork Trail. (You can also mountain bike on this trail). Or would you mind giving me a bit of an explanation? Thank you for this great review on the hike and the warning about the potential to get wet. Oak Creek is a permanent and shallow stream that flows through a deep, forested canyon, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. . The incredible changing leaves in Galena are best enjoyed hiking on a trail in Apple River Canyon State Park or kayaking . Top ways to experience West Fork Oak Creek Trail and nearby attractions Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Sedona 3 Full-day Tours from $9.99 per group (up to 8) Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from Sedona 227 Recommended Bus Tours from $284.51 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Sedona Stargazing Tour 173 Skyscrapers & Towers from $120.00 Fay Canyon Trail. The trail is flat, with plenty of spots to rest and look around. A hike along the West Fork Oak Creek Trail offers visitors a sampling of the wide variety of ecosystems and diverse landscapes of this part of Arizona. Driving to and around Sedona is an incredible experience on its own. I cant say that I am an expert hiker by any means, so this trail sounds right up my ally. The best time to fish is in the fall & winter. There is an entrance fee you have to pay to get into the parking lot. I enjoy hiking too. The main West Fork trail is 6 miles in and out. If we had to choose just one hike in Sedona to take, it would be the West Fork Oak Creek Trail. I did really enjoy this trail, but the latter part of it was where I truly saw breathtaking views. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Perspective photo to show enormous size of trees on trail What To Pack For Hiking West Fork Trail Rated 5.0 /5 based on 14 reviews 5.0/5 based on 14 reviews Save . The best time of day to hike West Fork Trail is early morning or late afternoon for quieter and cooler conditions. nps.gov. I sweat a lot while walking or hiking and so immersing myself in cold water immediately after that is a no-no to me. You can find her on Instagram at @gabb.martinez. I just chose to go through the bottom because I wanted the hike to get a little bit more challenging. West Fork Trail. Were conveniently located near some of the best hikes in Sedona, including the trails to the famed Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Cathedral Rock Trail. Hiking and Inspiration from Arizonas great outdoors, $10 Per vehicle (up to 5 people) or $2 per person walk in. The good news is there is also a bathroom and nice scenic view of the area before you even start the trail. Once youre on State Route 89A youll stay on there for about 11 miles. I do not know of any other parking nearby. The rugged and inspiring landscape complete with desert wildlife, towering rock formations and captivating colors makes it the perfect place for expert outdoor enthusiast as well as those that are new to the sport to get out and explore. Overall, this trail is an excellent change up to what you normally see and hear about when it comes to Sedona. In fact, I did mention how the West Fork trail is a great Narrows alternative hike to check out and after trying it out myself, I can confirm that! on Our favorite Fall Hike in Sedona is the West Fork Oak Creek Trail, Enjoy the Best of Winter in Sedona, Arizona, Fall is Perfect for Hot Air Ballooning in Sedona, 10 Unforgettable Things To Do in Sedona this Fall. Due to the popularity of Sedona, it gets a lot of tourism. But other than this, I hope this article helps you truly get the most out of this trail and now you know how to do that! It offers a beautiful array of scenery, including towering red rocks and vibrant fall foliage. This blog was thoughtfully written by Gabby Martinez. Anyway, you said I would still get a good experiencewalking along the main West Fork Trail. 20 days ago. It is just a short drive north of Sedona on State Route 89A. Sedona is one of the most scenic areas of Arizona and one of the best destinations for casual hikers looking to spend a few hours walking along the red rocks and . Was longer than we expected, but all good and enjoyable. Do as little or as much as you want to hike. A wonderful hike. Can anyone give me advice on the time in the a.m. we should arrive? This 3.5-mile roundtrip hike along Oak Creek is ideal for families with children ages 6 and older due to its shady spots and scenic surroundings. Im a major hiking fan, living in Portugal, and doing a hike every other day or so (between 4 10 miles, depending on the time I have. The desert flora speckles the red rocks with yellow, purple, and orange. The official trail (as I later learned) is actually over that Narrows area, but it doesnt matter which one you do because it still meets up in the same spots. 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In my case, the water level varied but never got deeper than knee high. See our description, photos and practical information for The Thorofare Trail and join in with our trekking and hiking forums to find out why we think so! The trailheads Call of the Canyonparking lot is located on the left / west side of the road, between mile markers 384 and 385. 15 Jaw Dropping Hikes In . If youve managed to keep your feet dry up until this point, this surely will change if you choose to go on! Yes it involves getting into (likely) very cold water, but if you prepare properly beforehand like I did, you may be able to do the full West Fork trail hike. This is how itll continue for the first 2+ miles. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. The creek is bordered by striking exposed red rocks. Trail Length: 3 miles out and back (1 mile if using the 44 trail) This Sedona cave is top of my list because of how unique the large, open cave is with a natural rock "window" on the side of a cliff, overlooking the landscape with an incredible view. Now how deep the water level goes depends on the season. The last hike I did was at Joshua Tree, also a very beautiful area. As you near the end of the official West Fork trail which ends at about 3 miles in from the parking lot, youll come across the following sign. The route is seven miles out and back and requires that you cross the creek 13 times each way. Its pretty clear how much we love the West Fork Oak Creek Trail but to entice you to take this incredible fall hike in Sedona, here are five more things to love about this sensational trail! Sarah. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. I personally had no idea there were historic spots on this trail but if you enjoy that, youll see it very early before you even begin the official trail which is great in my opinion. I relied on my Randy Sun waterproof socks here and once again, they delivered. It's all a good time though. Is it free to . West Fork Trail is located in Oak Creek Canyon, 9 miles north of Sedona. However, dont let that deter you from taking any of the other beautiful hikes in Sedona they are virtually limitless! Good hike for a hot day once you reach the shady part! * Please remember to hike at your own risk. Thats good enough for me. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The four best known Sedona vortexes are found at . This section of Highway 89 is some of the most scenic highway driving in the entire country. . The canyon walls start to close around you and this makes for an insane picture. West Fork is a . You don't want to miss this hike. Difficulty: Easy / Moderate for most hikers (considering the weight of a pack and hiking through the creek) Distance: 12 miles round-trip (approximate) 820 feet Dogs: Yes, they'll love it. It's a long walk and hard to find parking is, but once you're there the hiking is spectacular. This is probably one of the prettiest hikes in Sedona, if not the prettiest. Theres a deeper area where people were swimming and having a blast. Although the hike started out in a very hot, dry plain area it soon moves into beautiful forest and creek. This is an easy hike, that offers jaw-dropping views the entire venture. innkeeper@canyonvilla.com As you trek along this nearly level, easy trail you are accompanied by the beauty and serenity of shimmering Oak Creek which meanders along the base of steep canyon walls. This area requires hiking and provides several miles of trout fishing. This will continue for about another mile until you reach another canyon area where it almost looks like a swimming hole. Dutton Hill (350011145) Mountainaire (350011137) Wilson Mountain (345211145) Munds Park (345211137) Click map thumbnail for larger view. Once you start heading back youll take in all the views you missed. As the West Fork Hiking Trail moves deeper into the canyon the walls rise to almost surreal proportions, requiring neck-straining angles to locate the sky floating above their rims. This hike rates in one of the top 5 "must do" trails in Sedona. If you visit here you got to get to the end! 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