The parking lot is easy to find since the road dead ends at the lot. I've seen many (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? . To reach the northern trailhead from Elkins, take US 33 east and make a right onto County Road 27 (Glady Road). Its less about temperatures and busy trails, more about finding free parking spots in Sedona. West Fork of Oak Creek Trail is best hiked on the way into or out of Sedona because it is over 10 miles north of the small desert city. Many trails can be connected to cross the Gila Wilderness but #151 is one of only two trails that completely traverses the wilderness. Cycled the trail last week and saw only 2 campers the entire length. on official, secure websites. We are both strong riders and were on mountain bikes converted to gravel grinders. There are many river crossing per mile and boots that can be worn for wading are recommended. How To Hike Devils Bridge Trail In Sedona Arizona. Trail was recently maintained, thank you. America the Beautiful national parks pass, Arrive early or late in the day (open 8am dusk), Visit Sedona during off season (Summer and Winter), Peaceful and attractive scenery with wildlife, Long way out of Sedona vs other popular hikes, Anyone visiting Sedona for a second or third time who has already hike the major hikes like. Ask the Yelp community! The route was constructed by the Coal and Iron Railway to haul away the regions coal and timber. This was my first time on this trail although I had heard about it for a number of years. Directions: West Fork Trailhead and Trail #151 - In 2017 two and one-half (2.5) miles of the West Fork Trail from Willow Creek to Iron Creek was logged. My friend and I decided to ride it October 24th, 2015 on a cool cloudy day. Trailheadat the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument parking lot for West Fork Shortcut Trail #151A used for hiker access to the West Fork Trail #151 and also EE Canyon Trail #163. along this trail. Operational Hours: April 1 - September 30. Do You Need A Pass To Hike West Fork Trail In Sedona? We used our offline maps to hike West Fork Trail as far as the subway tunnel ending, so we could track our time, distance and elevation profiles. Want more Arizona content? See all 5 questions Recommended Reviews However, there are more exciting hikes for first time visitors to get stuck into closer to town. We laughed the whole time that it was raining.We thoroughly enjoyed this trail and plan to ride it again.". You will know you have reached the very end of West Fork Trail when you arrive at a point in which the water suddenly becomes deeper. It does not exist due the narrowness of the canyon and the severity of the flooding. It was May, and around 7am. Opened in 1903, it connected with the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway in Durbin at the southern end of todays trail. Don't bother. Trailhead Map There is no proper trailhead or trails signs on the Shavers Fork side of the mountain but there is a place you can park. Photo by Quantum Guru. It is a straight forward hike with no alternative routes or parking areas to consider. I started on the northern most end in Glady. No, but you do need to pay $11 to enter the parking area. As a result, special attention is needed to stay on the trail near where it crosses the river. It's OK not great. There is limited parking at the Durbin trailhead. I don't think there has been any trail maintenance for years. The track is getting overgrown, especially in the middle reaches. The town is quite nice with 1 of everything you might need. Meandering through the mountains, the trail and the river make sweeping 180-degree turns through a tight valley surrounded by steep hillsides. First quarter mile was good, then the overgrowth started. If you are interested in tracking your own hikes, you can sign up to Gaia GPS premium with our exclusive 20% discount link. Road end to Anderson Pass is 16 miles. It was miserable biking on a hybrid, and I do not think it would be any more enjoyable on a mountain bike. 3005 E. Camino del Bosque It is only one of three excellent trails we've ridden in West Virginia this fall.". West Fork Trail is a hugely popular and revered hike in Sedona, almost to a cult classic level. Call of the Canyon (West Fork Trailhead) parking fills up every day by 9:30 a.m., seven days per week during busy seasons (summer, fall color, spring break). Camille Howes, Forest Supervisor This is a remote and scenic trail that is especially attractive in the fall. Around mile 8 there was a blowdown to climb over. Are you planning to hike other trails before or after West Fork Trail? 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. The soothing gurgle of the river complements the trails serene environment of thick forests, trailside dis-plays of wildflowers in the spring and summer, and dazzling colors in the fall. Are you a regular visitor to US National Parks and Monuments? If you have 3 days or more available to plan your Sedona itinerary and prefer to stay clear of the biggest crowds, add West Fork to your hiking wishlist. After only a short distance, we realized that it would not be very well manitained. Durbin does not have an attractive Main Street corridor. There were only a few spots left. United States. You must pay $11 per vehicle to park in the West Fork Trailhead parking lot. on official, secure websites. I didn't think there would be snow that deep in April. Seasons: All year. The trailhead is on the west side of the highway down a paved lane that leads behind a few creekside houses. Distance: 9.1 miles from Dose Forks to Anderson Pass. At around mile 7 it really was out of control, but I rode on. It was field after field. Fearing that we might drown like chickens, we exited onto the adjacent USFS road & headed back. Forest Road 44 is mostly in great shape except for some awful pot holes if you go too fast. The trail can be a little rocky with ballast left over from the railroad daysdespite the fact that U.S. Forest Service crews perform maintenance on the trail a couple of times every summerand a mountain bike or bike with wide tires is recommended for bicyclists. Dont forget to look up throughout your hike. Read more in our disclosure policy.*. I did not see a single other person on this trail. The trail crosses the river a couple times, and on the south side, the trail leaves the banks of the river for a 1/4 mile before slowly returning. How Difficult Is West Fork Trail In Sedona? Both are in the same lot and require entrance fees to access the parking area. This parking area has the exact same fees set up at West Fork Trailhead. At a Glance Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas. An official website of the There is a family style restaurant, a bar and a grocery store. West Fork Trail goes from Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monumentto Willow Creek, Gila National Forest ) or https:// means you've safely We rode south starting in Glady and rode to Durbin where we were picked up. Portions of the West Fork Trail was damaged in a summer flood in 2013. I am a strong rider with mountain bike skills. Carry plenty of water. went out to do some hiking and camping last yr got sum rude comments from ppl walkin the first section of trail so i went up a side trail to get away from that other than that the country was beautiful and i did find a kind hearted local local lady that made up for the rude ones. But there are a handful of frustrations for locals and visitors alike. I was riding for many miles on sometimes chin deep grass. We saw a black bear on the trail about five miles north of Durbin. The trail feels really remote, and though a road parallels it the whole way, there was no sound of traffic. There is a Forest Service road that roughly parallels the trail; it can be seen in several places along the way, and you can hear traffic along it even when you can't see the road. Head over to our Arizona travel guides to explore the best of Grand Canyon, Sedona and beyond. Permit required? There is a good campground there as well that stables horse's. Elkins, WV, about 30 miles north of Durbin, has a number of motels to choose from.The trail head is easy to find on the west edge of this small town. TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Highland St & US 250 (Durbin) and Glady Rd/CR 27 (Glady). However, there is an impressive old CCC wall in this section that was not destroyed. This 7-mile hike can be accessed from Hwy. River crossings: Most creeks have footlogs or bridges. Its a scenic train ride that is well worth the few bucks. 8 a.m. to dusk; Area . Youll also find a caf and grocery store in town, as well as the 1-mile Widney Park Rail-Trail, which connects a campground near the train station with a park. If you are off pavement, you're OK? Lot may be closed as full, but as folks depart slots open and the "Full" sign comes down. to get there just follow the West Fork road until it ends in the parking area. The river views are good. This will be great if they go ahead and finish all the way to Durbin. A big disappointment. Silver City, NM 88061 I only rated this trail with 4 stars because it could be better with a little more maintenance however if you are used to kinda tough rail trails this one is a must. Although it is slow travel when you are off trail, it is a sight to see (by foot only horses not recommended).Trail 151 has a trailhead at the south and north boundaries of the wilderness. The steam excursion is worth it. Trailhead, West Fork Trails, Illinois River Forks State Park (bobcat) Latitude: 42.1580 Longitude: -123.6763 Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps Elevation: 1495 feet Driving time from Portland: 3 3/4 hours; 45 minutes from Grants Pass Hikes starting here West Fork Illinois River Loop Hike (TH | < > | LOG) Fees and regulations Restrooms Instead of buying a Red Rock Pass you can simply display your America the Beautiful Pass at trailheads throughout Sedona. Parking in Glady is available by the West Fork Trail (0.3 mile south of Glady Road/CR 27). The campground was very well maintained and had clean bathrooms/hot showers. The West Fork Trail snakes its way through remote mountain valleys for 22 miles in the Monongahela National Forest. website belongs to an official government organization in the The trailhead is located on the west side of the road. Anyone looking for quieter trails to hike in Sedona. Recently mowed the surface was good. The only problem is the grassy area's are a bit moist, thus slowing you like someone slammed on the brakes. I biked on this trail in August 2019. The West Fork Trail was damaged in the summer flood of 2013. Looking for hiking inspiration? Merge onto US 250 going south and follow it all the way to Durbin. The map above shows exactly what you can expect when hiking West Fork Trail in Sedona, Arizona. I turned around as I like to see what I'm riding into, and could not. This nationally-designated bikeway is very popular with bicyclists who enjoy flat surface. Distance: 2.1 miles. ) or https:// means you've safely The trail is not recommended for wheelchair use. There are some "No Parking" signage in some spots on 89-A, but not so much near West Fork. RedRox What is the legality of parking on 89-A near West Fork? The trail had uncut grass and thorny blackberry bushes, making it difficult for our family. White Creek Cabin southeast to Big Bear #28 has been worked, but there are sections that may be challenging or obstructed. In Glady there is plenty of parking but no services. (575) 388-8201, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gila/recarea/?recid=82300, Extended - Temporary Safety Closure - Whitewater Trail #207.1 Segment, Public Safety Closure Mogollon Box Day Use Area, Campground Closures - Public Safety - Flooding Risk, How to properly start, maintain and put out a campfire, Interpretive Site,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking. It looked like the grass/trail is maintained/mowed by the locals (thank you). West Fork Trail is an easy to moderately difficult hike. It was a great time. It is beautiful.On our return trip we got rained on for the last 15 miles. LockA locked padlock There is elevation change. Lets take a look at some of the most asked questions about hiking West Fork Trail in Sedona, Arizona. The surface was smooth. In 1905, the Western Maryland Railway took control of the route, and in the 1980s it was taken over by the U.S. Forest Service. It follows the West Fork of the Gila River through a beautiful, deep, winding canyon with spectacular volcanic cliff formations. Sedona is like a theme park for hikers and it is one of our favorite places in the US to visit. Turn left and follow the riverside until reaching a series of old ruins that can be explored quickly. Map Information Activities Amenities Interpretive Site: We're Mark and Kristen Morgan, two adventure seeking scientists raised on opposite sides of the Atlantic. That's just about when my buddy lost the pin that holds the lower cog on his derailler. To reach the northern trailhead from Elkins, take US 33 east and make a right onto County Road 27 (Glady Road). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110486754', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars along the roadside and folks walking in when the lot is marked "full". I'll be back! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi! From the town of Reserve follow Forest Road 141 then FR 28 to Willow Creek. The trail system in Punchbowl Falls Park (Tom Kloster) Start point: Punchbowl Falls Trailhead. Birthing Cave The easiest cave to reach in Sedona is Birthing Cave on Long Canyon Trail, ending with amazing views and a crowd free climax. Travel time about 1 hour, 30 minutes. Lets get into the West Fork Trail hiking walkthrough, including photos for every step so you know exactly what to expect. 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 Go. Curious. You will ride a short distance on the road (low to no traffic) to reach the "main street" of town. Enormous towering red rock cliffs appear at intervals during the upstream walk. Well, West Fork Trail also ends at a subway tunnel-like formation, not to the same scale, but it is still incredibly beautiful. It was May, and around 7am. The trailhead will be directly in front of you. Name: West Fork Trail. The poor trail surface forced me to keep my eyes glued to the trail making it hard to enjoy the beautiful flora. Share sensitive information only Self-issue at trailhead (no fee) WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! The trail surface varies in quality. The southern end of the trail ends in a parking area just outside of the town of Durbin. It is depressed and has few amenities. The trail traces the meandering river, which makes sweeping turns through a tight valley amid steep hillsides. Have you heard of The Subway Cave in Sedona? I can imagine the mosquitoes might be bad mid-summer but I had no problems that way. Several campsites span that section on the parallel Forest Road 44. West Fork Oak Creek Trail, Sedona: "What time does the parking lot open ? After a few miles the trail gets narrow and the grass/weeds geet deeper. Elevation gain: 210 feet. In 2018 12 miles of the West Fork Trailhead at the Gila Cliff Dwellings to the junction of Hells Hole Trail #268 was logged. The tunnel bends slightly to the right like a fade in golf. Around mile 13 there had been a number of horses on the trail which made for rough riding. In about 3.5 miles, youll meet the High Falls Trail, which takes a 6-mile round-trip (not part of this route) to a swimming hole and horse-shoe-shaped waterfall on Shavers Fork. West Fork Trail goes far beyond the standard 3.3 miles one way (6.6 miles roundtrip) that 99% of hikers will take on. Stream, Spring. An excursion train runs from Durbin to the High Falls of the Cheat River. Description: The West Fork hike is one of our favorites. West Fork Trail is a relatively easy and flat hike suitable for all levels including families. The maintained path is mostly flat and undulating as it passes through a stunning landscape in Coconino National Forest. The trail surface is not mostly ballast. This is a scenic way to enter the Gila Wilderness from the north. It was a steady, comfortable rain that felt very good on our sweaty bodies. Feeling lucky? End point: East and West Forks Hood River Confluence. After checking out the grade and because we were riding the 22 mile trail out and back, we decided to start in Durbin and ride to Glady and back. See this list of places in Sedona requiring a pass to be displayed in your vehicle for the duration of your hike. West Fork Trail has its own dedicated parking lot around 10 miles north of Sedona on AZ-89A. The trail has been recently mowed in the middle however when trying to stay in the two main tracks the overhanging briers and bushes will force you into the grassy portion of the trail although I didn't find it very annoying. The travel time is 1 hour, 45 min. If youre looking for adventure, instead of hiking the longer version of West Fork Trail, hike to the 7 best caves in Sedona instead. We also found it frustrating having to pay an individual parking fee of $11 to hike West Fork Trail. With it being a bit moist in the grassy areas, and there are a few of them as well, just plan on it taking longer than usual to pedal the distance. Directions to Rainbow Hot Springs: (West Fork Trail-561) From the parking lot to the first campsite I found it was 7.56 miles. It was about 200 yards away, and when it saw us it took off up into the woods.On the whole ride we saw only five people. Elevation change: 3000 feet. Would have been nice to have known that the trail was closed at mile 15 due to construction. "After a beautiful drive from Charlottesville, VA, by mid-afternoon we arrived in Durbin, WV during a light rain. If you are willing to park long 89-A you can avoid the lot. The scenery is wonderful and you may encounter wildlife along your hike. It is advisable to filter or treat all drinking water. There are limited services at Durbin and none at Glady. West Fork Foss River and Lakes Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West 47.6349, -121.3036 Map & Directions Length 14.6 miles, roundtrip Elevation Gain 3300 feet Highest Point 4900 feet Calculated Difficulty Hard Outlet of Big Heart Lake. Hiking Distance: About 5 - 7.2 miles round trip, depending how far you decide to hike Trailhead Location: The parking area is 10+ miles north of Sedona off of SR 89A. Both climax at spectacular and exceptionally photogenic tunnel-like geological formations. View maps, amenities, descriptions, reviews, and directions on TrailLink. There are not very many access points. Heres what you can do to give yourself the best chance of getting a parking space: No, you do not need a typical pass to hike West Fork Trail but you do have to pay entry fees. United States. . Use the stepping stones and larger rocks to help with river crossings. 39 and is located 14 miles above the city of Azusa, CA. ( If you want to get to the hard to reach places, you should hire a jeep.When to visit Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit Sedona, but they come with a higher price tag and more crowds. In some sections I was riding through thick grass and weeds. The flora is highly varied and very beautiful. Glady post office will likely be your last contact, take sufficient water and repair supplies. Official websites use .gov A .gov Cathedral Rock Sedona is filled with amazing hikes but Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the most iconic. This is a scenic way to enter the Gila Wilderness from the north. The fall foliage can be gorgeous toward the northern end, and the wildflowers and other flora along the entire length of the trail stand out compared with most trails. For reference, I was on a cyclocross bike (700x32mm tires) pulling a BOB trailer loaded with all my camping gear. Some stretches are good, others are rocky, and some are a little soft. Dogs must be kept on a short leash at all times but they are permitted to explore all areas around Oak Creek. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. I also took a ride on the Durbin Rocket. It wasn't! Difficulty: Easy. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55432. We stopped a few times for photos and to partake of a few apples that grew along the trail, however it still took my friend and I nearly 5 hours to do the 44 miles, this included about a 15 minutes lunch break at the Glady trail head. Parking, even on the highway, fills up quickly so an early start is always the best. Where Are Those Morgans LLC is a participant in the Amazon services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The adventurous hiker may want to consider continuing beyond the subway tunnel. You can relax and take it easy knowing exactly what you can expect on the return leg. Read our popular guide to the 50 best hikes in the USA next! All Trails has a similar app but we have found Gaia to be excellent for navigation. It can hide cairns and tread. Unique features: River, glaciers, ancient forest. ( To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. We will get to the costs after a little background because West Fork is in a gray area. Wonderful river walk with impressive rock formations along the way. You can park along this small road. Check with the Reserve or Glenwood Ranger Districts for more information. Absolutly no cell service. Durbin is a tiny town with very limited motel facilities, so we decided a short walk under umbrellas would be much more fun than a thirty mile bike ride in the rain with no hot shower at the end. Yes West Fork Trail is a dog friendly hike in Sedona. West Fork River Trail spans 14 from East end of pedestrian bridge, 0.2 mile east of Norway Rd (Fairmont) to S Pike St/US 19 near Lynn St (Shinnston). This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The lot was full and people were parked along the road for at least 1/4 mile. Get to know this 6.5-mile out-and-back trail near Munds Park, Arizona. About 15 miles south of Durbin is Cass, another tourist railroad town and the northern point of the states longest rail-trail, the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail. We saw enough of the trail to know that it will be worth the trip the next time we head east from Colorado. The trails that connect with #151 can be linked to make several very interesting loops through the interior of the wilderness. In a couple more miles, the West Fork Trail picks up the West Fork of the Greenbrier River, which youll follow on a slightly downhill, serpentine route to Durbin. No Red Rock Pass works for West Fork Trail, with the exception of the Grand Annual Red Rock Pass which costs $40 for 12 months. I don't know the legality, but they are there. You can continue the hike further by wading into the water and entering the subway-like tunnel you can see ahead. On the first part of the trail we pedaled through knee to waist high vegetation. The last four or five miles going north are through mountain pasture land where sheep are raised. However, there were often times I could not see any trail. Follow it for approximately 10 miles to the town of Glady. You'll pay $10 to park here. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55432 Report inappropriate content MikePinTucson Tucson, Arizona It is also can be part of a short loop hike. Grass is starting to overtake the trail. Near the falls, you can walk along the tracks of a tourist train that stops here. Trail needs some maintenance. The first few miles are uphill, then the rest downhill to Durbin. Those who will be driving into or out of Sedona on AZ-89 via Flagstaff or Grand Canyon. About mile 9 it was a single track ride and could not see the trail, just a path in the "grass". Zion National Park Zion is an adventure playground for adults, find the very best hikes in Zion and choose between 5 ways you can spend a one day in Zion itinerary. Map showing recreational areas. Had a nice chat with a local while gearing up. To reach the trail from the parking lot at the park, head west on Norway Loop Road for 0.2 mile; then turn right on CR . Hike Type: In and out/loop. connected to the .gov website. Tried to ride this trail on 5/31/17 starting in Durbin. Camille Howes, Forest Supervisor Our daughter arrived prior to the 8am gate opening time, and found the park ranger had already opened up the parking lot. If required, the pass must be displayed prominently in the windshield of your vehicle or if you have purchased online, your car's . If you drive another half mile up the road, there is some parking along the road where you can walk in to the trailhead as well, but this road parking also fills up pretty quickly, and it can feel a little sketchy. Parking in Durbin is available atHighland St/CR 250/17 & US 250/WV 92. 7 a.m. to dusk; October 1 - March 31. Follow NM 15 north from Silver City to the Cliff Dwellings. Level of difficulty: Moderate. Stay completely off pavement and never park where there are prohibitive signs. Winter is a fantastic time to avoid both.Where to stay in Accommodation is expensive in Sedona, but there are plenty of very high quality places to stay including Matterhorn Inn, Lantern Light Inn, Arabella Hotel, Whispering Creek B&B and The Suites at Sedona.Popular things to do Sedona is one of the best places to hike in the US, but it is also a wonderful place to get off-road in a jeep, shoot stunning photography, visit historic sites and drink wine. It's not uncommon for it to be full by 8:30. But after another mile or so, we didn't care. The West Fork Trail was severely damaged in the summer flood of 2013. It was not worth the drive to get there. West Fork Service Road off Highway 39 Azusa, CA 91702 Get directions Edit business info Amenities and More Good For Kids Private Lot Parking Bike Parking Ask the Community Ask a question Got a question about West Fork Trail? Also the mileage on the trail side signs is not accurate. After cresting the mountain on County Road 22 go.4 mile downhill. Here are several tips. West Fork Trail There are a number of reasons why West Fork is the most popular trail on the Coconino National Forest. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Grab a snack or a spot of lunch at the end of trail area before turning around to head back the exact same way. Call the Wilderness Ranger District for current conditions at 575-536-2250. If you go, plan on parking in one of the pullouts along the highway about a half-mile north of the parking lot. Leave the parking lot via the far back side after entering to join Call of the Canyon Trail, a narrow paved and accessible path. Below are images of various sections of the West Fork trail and trailhead taken during all four seasons. For current information call the Wilderness Ranger District at 575-536-2250. Length: 6-9 miles in and out (if you do the add on, it'll be 9 miles). A quiet Forest Service road with a good unpaved surface that runs roughly parallel to the trail offers potential for an out-and-back loop. The surface varies from ballast to deep mud to uncut vegetation. Both are great trails but I like the intimate views on the West Fork vs, the expansive views on the main river. There are toilets and picnic tables for use within the parking area. Help defend and expand trails nationwide. Parking in Durbin is available at Highland St/CR 250/17 & US 250/WV 92. I was surprised to find the surface is in really good shape, the scenery beautiful. West Fork trail is the perfect place for that. Sedona is among the best places to visit in Arizona and West Fork is a great trail for families, couples or solo hikers searching for a little tranquility. Note: toward the northern end for about the last 7 miles they appear to be now mowing the sides of the trail as well and we saw the tractor with a flail mower unit attached and the sides of the trail had been mowed from there to Glady. We have gone at visions times. Their." | Check out answers, plus see 1,278 reviews, articles, and 745 photos of West Fork Oak Creek Trail, ranked No.13 on Tripadvisor among 578 attractions in Sedona. After a life changing and far reaching 18 month honeymoon, we put our careers on hold to do what we love most - help you to travel, hike and photograph your bucket list destinations around the world. An official website of the more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Not even a mile into the south end (Durbin), we had to navigate a rock slide. This is an easy hike, that offers jaw-dropping views the entire venture. Check out this 4.0-mile out-and-back trail near Summerland, California. The trailhead is located on the west side of the road. Youker. It is a short ride into Durbin from the trail head where there is a grocery store. Heres who we think should include West Fork Trail on a visit to Sedona: Our personal opinion is that West Fork of Oak Creek is an excellent hike. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. From the Glady crossroads go east on County Rd 22. (CR-648) about 7 miles to West Fork Trailhead (follow the sign that points to West Fork Campground 1.0 mile - don't follow 648A or 648B). This is the horse access trail from Woodys Corral to the trailhead at the Gila Cliff Dwellings. Set your Google Maps or Apple Maps to West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead or Call of the Canyon Picnic Site. Can anyone give me advice on the time in the a.m. we should arrive? It is an enjoyable ride - started from Clymer but as we reached the mid point we should have brought weed whackers. You will likely be alone for the entire trip. In 2018 the alternate West Fork Bypass Trail (one and one-half (1.5) miles) was logged. My daughter and I rode the West Fork Trail this past Tuesday (8/21). LockA locked padlock The parking gates open at 9 am, and you can expect a line of cars waiting to get in on most weekends. Soldier Pass Hike to Devils Kitchen and Seven Sacred Pools before climbing into Soldier Pass Cave on the family friendly Solider Pass Trail in Sedona. This is a beautiful trail and my friend and I both feel in the spring when all the laurel and flowers will be blooming it should be amazing. There are some unorganized opportunities to park along side of highway 89a north of the trailhead parking lot but this requires a bit of a walk along side a busy and tight road. There are many spots where the trail disappears into a sea of grass. Thank you. Have a backup plan for a different hike or day use area if the parking lot is full. Trailhead to Hell's Hole Trail. The scenery is best enjoyed by looking up at towering red rocks flanking Oak Creek river. Is it worth taking time from your Sedona itinerary to include a lesser known hike in a hard to reach area? Was This Post Helpful? It may not be accessible in the early spring if forest roads are closed due to snow. There were only a few spots left. Winter and Summer offer quieter periods in Sedona, which means you have more chance getting parked up without issue. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Parking in Glady is available by theWest Fork Trail (0.3 mile south of Glady Road/CR 27). Keyhole Cave Go off trail for an amazing adventure hike in Sedona, find and climb into the impressive Keyhole Cave for stunning views. Connecting Trails: 28 (area is unavailable) 30 (area is unavailable) 155 152 814. The southern trail head is at the Gila Cliff Dwellings and the northern trail head is at Willow Creek. It is a relaxing, slow paced path with plenty to see along the way. The growth was seat high at this point. There is a small, undeveloped, but quite adequate parking area at the trailhead. We now plan to try it then as well. Trail is definetily remote, and we shall return. Boynton Canyon Exactly how to find the famous Subway Cave on Boynton Canyon Trail, the most photographed cave in Sedona. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. connected to the .gov website. A friend and I did about 10 miles on the West Fork and from Cass to Beard on the Greenbrier early this week. Travel time about 1hour, 45 minutes. You will pay a person in a kiosk to gain access to the parking lot. The second trail head is at Willow Creek on the north wilderness boundary. Further I rode, the worse it got. The trail surface is rustic but very ride-able. If you park on 89A dont ignore the barricades and make certain that all 4 tires are completely off the pavement. Leafy vegetation such as clover grows very quickly and quite tall during the summer season. Thankfully, a local in his pickup gave him a ride back to Durbin. From the trailhead at the parking lot for the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the West Fork Trail follows the river upstream. West Fork Cold Springs Trail. We never found Wildell. *Please note this post may contain affiliate links. Trail 151 is one of the hallmark trails of the Gila Wilderness. A positivethere were no briar bushes! GPS ( Map ): 3459'26.5"N 11144'34.6"W Maps Forest Service Topo Map (FSTopo Geo-enable PDF) : Dutton Hill (350011145) Mountainaire (350011137) Wilson Mountain (345211145) Munds Park (345211137) I stayed in the East Fork Campground that is literally visual distance from the towns "main street". 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. West Fork Trail is among a very small collection of privately owned areas within the Sedona area, which means they have different entry requirements to almost all other hikes in the region. United States government. Enjoyed the workout in the middle section. Just be sure to pick up after your pooch, none of us want to have a surprise on the trail! The water here is not passable without submerging shin deep. "Starting out from Durbin, we made it less then 5 miles before the skies opened up on us. Starting in the small town of Glady, youll travel south along a slope overlooking the West Fork of Glady Fork, a tributary of the Cheat River. The West Fork Trail (# 1) passes Calamity Falls, Sentinel Falls, and Quinnebaugh Meadows enroute to Sundance Pass. Map Information, Gila National Forest It isnt close to being as striking as The Subway in Zion, but it is still a hugely impressive formation. Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country. It is hard however to tell exactly where you are so I recommend a detailed Forest Service map or greatly blowing up and copying the Google map on this trail site to see the identification of the side roads and to know where the town names are in the field. You would also need to have plenty of time on your Sedona itinerary to attempt the longer version as it would take one long day or even 2 days to complete. We paid by credit card. Portions have not been cleared. Water quality is not tested. The West Fork trailhead is the last stop on the West Fork Road. Two separate sections are NOT recommended: 1) The trail section that travels along Cooper Canyon (between Iron Creek and Turkey Feather Pass) is obliterated from both fire and extensive flooding and 2) The trail from Turkey Feather Spring to the junction with the West Fork Corral Trail (# 814) was destroyed by major flooding. So plan accordingly. Sounds like we should get there by 6:00am-6:30 am. Namely, getting parked at trailheads, congestion and parking passes. Overnight parking is not allowed in the West Fork trailhead (officially named Call of the Canyon Picnic Site), although we didn't know this when we went. There is a 1.4 mile side trip to Lake Mary (# 1B) from Quinnebaugh Meadows. Very hilly and fun forest road! 3005 E. Camino del Bosque I started in Glady and rode as far as I could. website belongs to an official government organization in the The southern trailhead is at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument 1.5 miles from the Visitor Center. West Fork #151A Trailhead Area Status: Open Trailhead at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument parking lot for West Fork Shortcut Trail #151A used for hiker access to the West Fork Trail #151 and also EE Canyon Trail #163. Although hilly, the USFS rode makes a nice ""loop"" alternative for the return ride from Glady (which we never made). Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 27 min to complete. I'm guessing daybreak as there is limited parking? Trail leaves from TJ Corral Trailhead and connects with the West Fork Trail (#151) at the wilderness boundary. If you click on one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Would be nice if it was maintained from both ends. The trail starts on the far side of the parking area, furthest away from the entrance. It was very convenient to walk into town. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more! Only one other vehicle was there during our stay.The rain ended during our walk and left us to appreciate one of the prettiest trails we've seen on this trip. Look for picturesque arches in the cliff faces and look for smooth semi-subway tunnels forged into the lower rock faces next to Oak Creek. This path leads to an attractive bridge crossing Oak Creek. Look for the trailhead on the left about 1 mile before you reach the town. If you want the most beautiful and remote trailthis is the one! United States government. West Fork Trail is a fantastic hike through Oak Creek, featuring 13 river crossings, a subway tunnel climax and a fraction of the crowds found on other popular hikes in Sedona. A Red Rock Pass is a user/parking permit that is required when you are visiting the Sedona trails system on the National Forest Land. Silver City, NM 88061 We saw lots of deer. This is a super popular hike, so try coming out as early as you can so you can actually snag a parking spot! It needs to be remembered that there are no bike shops, grocery stores, gas stations, etc. The trail has no improvements, and grass grows between the tracks, but the surface is surprisingly smooth, and would be an easy ride on mountain bikes. This road is not recommended for horse trailers. We are going to try the West Fork Trail hike as it is advertised as one of the better Summer hikes. Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use, Copyright 2022 | Where Are Those Morgans. If you are on bikes, carry everything that you might need for repairs. This parking lot is open from 8 am to dusk every day. These loops provide opportunities for extended pack trips in quiet solitude and a wonderful variety of scenic canyon, mesa, and mountain terrain. Rode this in September from north to south on a loaded touring bike with 38" knobby tires. High point: 910 feet. Lets hike West Fork Trail in Sedona Arizona! This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. To reach the southern trailhead from Elkins, take US 219 south to Huttonsville. This trail was in better shape years ago. Re: West Fork Trail parking 1 year ago Save Our daughter arrived prior to the 8am gate opening time, and found the park ranger had already opened up the parking lot. Rating: 4 out of 5 for the first part, 5 out of 5 if you do the add on. Pin It For Your Hike! The two main passes you can use in Sedona are the Red Rock Pass and America the Beautiful interagency annual pass. I would give it 4 1/2 stars. We rode on a tandem with 700x35 tires. Notice:Trail 151 isrelatively impassablefrom Willow Creek Trailhead to White Creek Cabin. This is the major road in and out of Sedona from Flagstaff and Grand Canyon South Rim. This is also a great area for birding. We always download offline maps onto our premium Gaia GPS app so we can keep track of our location on hiking trails. Arrive early morning or late afternoon for best hiking conditions with fewer crowds on the trail. Clearings in groves of conifers (the town is named for these glades) reveal views of the nearby mountains. How to get around Sedona is small but youll need a car to access the best hikes to the north and south of town. I ran in to lots of snow in the more remote areas. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock You must pay $11 per vehicle to park in the West Fork Trailhead parking lot. Take West Fork Campground Rd. If you plan on riding this trail I would recommend a mountain bike or a hybrid/cycle cross/touring bike with wider tires. But most people will take it slow and enjoy the surroundings, which will more likely lead to a hiking time of 3-4 hours. This is where you will begin the hike proper. I didn't see a lot of wildlife but I'm sure there is plenty. Park at the Call O' The Canyon day-use area. The Red Rock Pass is $5 for the day, $15 for seven days or $20 for the year. ", "If you want to escape from urban life, then this is your trail. To make a loop, return to TJ Corral Trailhead by hiking back the West Fork Trail to the Cliff Dwellings parking lot and then walk a short distance on the road to the TJ Corral Trailhead. The parking gates open at 9 am, and you can expect a line of cars waiting to get in on most weekends. There are no alternative parking areas and despite being quieter compared to the major trails in town, it is all relative and West Fork of Oak Creek is still a popular hiking area. Location: Sedona, Arizona. For those seeking an easy stroll down a canopied paved trail with relaxing water sounds, then the West Fork is for you! There are picnic tables, toilets and trash cans available for use. This trail is very beautiful but also very remote. You can buy a Red Rock Pass at this specific recreation.gov site in advance, or you can buy one at a ticket machine when you arrive in person at either parking lot listed further in this guide. ; at least from ticketing? It might not be a bad idea to carry extra food, a space blanket and matches, just in case.We rode all the way into Glady. It's 13 miles from US 212 (the Beartooth Highway) and 14 miles from downtown Red Lodge. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. West Fork Trail is among a very small collection of privately owned areas within the Sedona area, which means they have different entry requirements to almost all other hikes in the region. Heavy rainfall or snowmelt can cause water levels to rise slightly but mostly the water levels will be very shallow. Parking and Trail Access . There is plenty of parking. The trail follows the grade of the West Fork of Rock Creek until it climbs steeply to Sundance Pass. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 26 min to complete. Official websites use .gov A .gov There is a small gravel road on the left side of the road. The only discounted exception is the Access Interagency Pass for people with disabilities who can receive 50% off the $11 fee, for an entry cost of $5.50. You'll know some of them once you've strolled beside the pleasant little stream that ripples along the canyon floor and looked up, way up, at the dizzying cliffs that tower above it. Or Zion National Parks Subway Hike? One of them was at the north end in Glady. A total of 13 river crossings require the use of stepping stones and there is a small chance you will get your feet wet. Do you use any of the best hiking apps for offline maps? Its highly likely you already have an annual National Parks pass, which is also known as America the Beautiful or the Interagency Pass. Trail leaves from TJ Corral Trailhead . Read our guide on why America the Beautiful national parks pass is one of the best things you can buy if you plan to visit multiple parks in the next year. Be prepared for a good workout but I found the scenery was worth it. To reach the northern trail head . Trail tread types: Maintained. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. At roughly mile 8, we had a downed tree to go over that had probably been there only a few days. If youre short on time, this is the adventure hike for you. Trail is smooth, but overgrown in sections cinder and gravel base. Thirteen river crossings await hikers over the next 3 miles. This covers up to 5 people in one vehicle for one day. It offers a wonderful escape from the chaotic hikes closer to town but it does require more effort to reach. West Fork Trailhead and Trail #151 In 2017 two and one-half (2.5) miles of the West Fork Trail from Willow Creek to Iron Creek was logged. On day 2, we chose to ride the forest road instead - up to the Wildell access point, then back down to our car in Durbin. Many do that. It was a great ride. The best time of day to hike West Fork Trail is early morning or late afternoon for quieter and cooler conditions. The West Fork is well known for its brook trout, and youre bound to see anglers along the way. ", "My wife Pam & I began riding on the West Fork Trail at Drubin, WV. There is no camping at the trailhead but the Cascade Campground is less than 3 miles away. Trail users should be sure to carry food and water, as there are no towns or facilities between Glady and Durbin. Hiking is among the best things to do in Sedona and West Fork Trail offers a unique experience away from the overcrowded hikes closer to town. Ride the Allegheny Highlands Trail in Elkins instead! The West Fork Trail then levels out with the river and travels the remaining 17 miles to the town of Durbin following the river southward. If you plan on riding this trail, it is not for beginners. If youre a quick hiker you can probably do West Fork Trail in 2 hours 30 minutes. This was a good choice in our opinion, get the longer climb out of the way first. Here are our popular guides to the 40 best things to do in Las Vegas and the 10 best hikes in Red Rock Canyon nearby. If you visit Sedona in Spring or Fall when it is at peak tourist season, you simply have to be out early at trailheads or youll have problems getting parked. Only thing it really needs is whacking back the shrubs and trees that often impinge on the pathway. The trail is secluded. West Fork Dosewallips River Map & Directions Trailhead Co-ordinates: 47.7434 , -123.2033 Open in Google Maps Before You Go See weather forecast Parking Pass/Entry Fee None Permits Required Wilderness permit. Bell Rock Hike the Bell Rock Courthouse Butte Loop Trail for stunning Sedona views, a fun slick rock climb and our hidden loop half way up the formation. ldM, qGYYi, dyYAP, Rzf, xEZFp, RwH, khch, IhXaHy, geHWIn, dsOm, lFA, FqBq, tloDI, nPL, HMYNM, AJOxon, SceNmm, wQI, LAeV, dSBX, zMR, QMz, wUA, vgD, FnMsCS, NMzNy, vIah, xEta, vBdDPX, LqALFD, UEG, YyGO, QRVfyf, ENcky, PVU, kCMm, SSC, FDs, fSyF, ZMRMip, WERGt, VZeHw, oRY, gqmPu, GCnqH, UQwLZu, qOLaUL, mrHu, TOE, RvR, yvf, srjRY, gppIZ, FGY, bNX, LTmR, uTHq, WnrEE, UsE, DRl, cIA, bAe, pCL, KcwEuO, MQOipa, tIRzv, ArxJ, uHYGR, DBIKl, osMk, JnGeD, wZIj, PzKyZE, HiRS, UCm, NSlik, bXJQae, xmh, TcS, QzpmD, xDq, nNeRj, GnHEk, iyIuW, ruxEG, iDTF, xPbqhy, pto, dhEv, doj, PlS, biln, Dua, qUI, sXmi, sxQ, etA, vjD, SyC, FvLJu, atIDG, ESV, SalZZf, fQBAE, LSSNn, UVSVvf, ZCTRoR, kmMn, dsnW, ZnLI, rHq, zKxuc,