Everything you could want from an expedition into the wilderness can be accessed with a hike on the West Fork Trail in Sedona. Due to its popularity, we recommend checking it out during the week when there will be fewer crowds. Here's a link to a typical Spring hike ( http://youtu.be/CmpZBZ7rLEI) The most beautiful season is Fall, when the trees display glorious colors. Don't let the very steep start of this trail deter you. Wildlife Family Friendly Easy access from paved road. The trail ends where the canyon walls close in on you and theres nowhere else to go without getting your feet wet. It offers a beautiful array of scenery, including towering red rocks and vibrant fall foliage. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. |, The Top Ten Attractions in Flagstaff, Arizona, 15 Amazing Drives to add to your Bucket List, 10 Must-See Blue Ridge Parkway Attractions near Asheville, NC, Walking in a Winter Wonderland: 10 places to see snow in Arizona. Only the Grand Annual Red Rock Pass is accepted here, or you may pay the daily rate at the gate: Day-use: $10 per vehicle (up to 5 people), Walk-in, bicycle, bus: $2 per person. 360 View from Chimney Top in West Virginia Photograph. West Fork is just north of Sedona in the village of Oak Creek. As a matter of fact, you'll probably find a new reason to be here every time you visit. 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While attending NAU one time, I used to drive down after class, walk past the no camping sign, hike in, cross the river, throw down my sleeping bag, spend the night, hike out and drive up to go to class the next morning. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 26 min to complete. Westfork A favorite fall hike is the West Fork Oak Creek trail. Sign up for our newsletter to receive all the latest news, travel tips and special offers. Charleston, W.Va. - Colors are quickly changing throughout the Mountain State as the West Virginia Department of Tourism releases its third fall foliage update of the season. Search for: The color show is courtesy of mustard-colored Gambel oaks, lemony canyon grapevines, russet sycamores and shocks of crimson sumac scrambled among forests of Arizona cypress and juniper scrub.. In autumn, the canyon is ablaze with color, with red and gold leaves floating in clear reflecting pools under a canopy of solid color. Hike Difficulty: Easy / Moderate. This drive is frequently regarded as one of the most scenic in the country. At this time, you can see beautiful Shumard oaks, willows, bigtooth maples, cottonwoods, Arizona ashes, sumacs, crape . Department of Tourism releases third fall foliage report and featured autumn hikes of 2022. There are opportunities to swim in the river and camp along it. Daytime temps in Sedona are relentlessly hot, sometimes pushing 95+ degrees for weeks on end. Arizona based adventure and lifestyle blogger You'll see the parking lot on the left as the highway curves to the right. Don't rush. Here are hikes that will have the best fall colors in West Virginia in the middle of October 2022. Incredible views range from rare ponderosa pine forests, to towering red rock formations, tobeautiful canopies of lush green trees. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Congrats on your upcoming wedding. Status:. Since the hike takes most people 2-1/2 to 3 hours, this way youre arriving as other hikers are leaving. This popular route is approximately 7 miles in length and is a relatively easy trail. The Taggart Lake and Bradley Lake Loop provides you views of a creek, the two lakes, wide-open spaces, stunning fall-colored aspen trees, and the Grand Tetons with snow upon their peaks. Banjo Bill via West Fork Trail and AZ 89A Fall colors along west fork trail Photograph. The West Fork Trail features all kinds of trees and plant life found along your hike. SC High School Football Playoff Preview Show -Dutch Fork vs Gaffney (2:45-10:52) -South Florence vs AC Flora (12:20-18:45) Perennial power Abbeville upends Oceanside in 2A football title game, AC Flora running . Oak Creek is a very special place to me since college days in Tucson. A summer hike along the West Fork Trail is a magnificent experience. More to Discover Near West Fork of Oak Creek Cities Sedona Seeing the iconic red rocks of Sedona will simply take your breath away. 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 A drive along the highway between Sedona and Flagstaff promises a rainbow of leaves. Looking forward to more good stuff in your blog. Discover the cooling swimming holes in the summer and the glorious autumn colors in the fall. The West Fork is one of my favorite hikes. *The West Fork of Oak Creek Trailhead (Call of the Canyon Picnic Area) is operated by a concessionaire. Since Oak Creeks ecosystem supports a variety of vegetation, you can expect an explosion of color if you visit in the fall. If you want to enjoy West Virginia's fall foliage, this is the weekend to do it. West Fork Trail is a popular hike near Sedona, Arizona that takes you along a creek bottom surrounded by massive red rock walls. Trace the creek upstream along pleasant sandy trails and thirteen separate river crossings. West Fork has two wonderful seasons, Spring and Fall. It is the perfect spot to see the changing colors of the leaves. This 7-mile moderate hike includes mild elevation changes and 13 creek crossings. Explore this 5.6-mile out-and-back trail near Cleveland, South Carolina. While neighboring Flagstaff offers the most dazzling fall foliage in Arizona, this is solely in the form of golden aspen trees. You will be awestruck by the majestic crimson rock formations and. These fall colors in Arizona almost rival the classic East Coast autumn hues. The trail was washed out in sections, especially st the crossings. Copyright Eileen Nauman 2006 There was a huge stand of lovely Goldenrod along the trail. You'll be walking between the gently flowing Oak Creek stream and the steep walls of the canyon, while surrounded by the fall colored leaves chattering in the wind. Steep canyon walls and shade trees make this a perfect trail if youre looking to avoid the heat of the Arizona sun. We came out to Sedona in August to do some hiking and were told we should hike West Fork. The gate is open from 8am through dusk. The terrain will vary along these trails with the gentlest gradient located in the first four to five miles, becoming progressively steeper. In wintertime, icicles decorate from red rock overhangs, and snatches of snow persist in cool shadows. Fall is one of our favorite times of year, as you can see the leaves on trees change from their lush green to a dark hue of red and orange. This is a great way to enjoy all the Gauley River offers. The trail parallels the West Fork of the Greenbrier River almost its entire length. If you want to enjoy the best fall hike in Sedona, the West Fork Oak Creek Trail won't disappoint. Since Oak Creek's ecosystem supports a variety of vegetation, you can expect an explosion of color if you visit in the fall. Beautiful in late summer but heard I need to go back in fall. There are wonderful views from the viewpoint on CO-62, though it can be very crowded during peak fall colors. West Fork Trail At Fall Time In Sedona AZ, Fall Leaves On The West Fork Trail In Sedona Arizona, Vibrant Sedona Fall Colors Along West Fork Trail in Sedona, Fall Color On The West Fork Trail In Sedona, Beautiful fall color around West Fork hiking area, Vibrant Sedona Fall Scenery Along West Fork Trail, Vibrant Sedona Fall Scenery Along West Fork Trail in Sedona. And ironically I will be getting married nearby next week, all the way from NH!!! Instead, what you will find is a winding trail through majestic trees and brush. When we visited a sign marked West Fork Oak Creek marked the spot. . The West Fork Trail snakes its way through remote mountain valleys for 22 miles in the Monongahela National Forest. The soothing gurgle of the river complements the trail's serene environment of thick forests, trailside dis-plays of wildflowers in the spring and summer, and dazzling colors in the fall. The trail is best used from March through October and is beautiful throughout those months, with a plethora of wildflowers in spring, lush growth in summer, and vibrant autumn colors in fall. The trail offers a . This is a super popular hike, so try coming out as early as you can so you can actually snag a parking spot! All west fork trail artwork ships within 48 hours and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. . There are picnic tables, toilets and trash cans available for use. So please hike Sedona, help others, and rate a trail today! Hiking Oak Creek Canyon's scenic West Fork Trail. West Fork Trail is an easy to moderately difficult hike. However, the West Fork Trail offers a drastically different setting than the dry red rock trails. All rights reserved. Less than ten miles west off Highway 101, begin hiking on the Dosewallips River Trail. When Northern Arizonas beautiful fall season arrives, the leaves of the oaks and maple along the West Fork trail begin to transform into gorgeous hues of red, orange, and gold. A stroll up Oak Creeks west fork offers one of the best hiking experiences in Sedona a destination thats well known as a hikers paradise. The route is seven miles out and back and requires that you cross the creek 13 times each way. If that's enough, keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of wildlife on this loop including moose and deer. The West Fork's immense popularity comes from the fact that it is one of few trails in the state to offer the type of fall foliage you would typically only see out East. Colorful Fall Colors On West Fork Trail In Sedona. Its no surprise that the leafy West Fork Trail in picturesque Oak Creek Canyon is one of the top trails in all of Arizona. $2 per person if you walk in. West Fork Trail in Sedona is an adventure in paradise for families traveling with kids of all ages. A variety of tall trees surround the trail making this a fall foliage paradise with bright reds, yellows, and oranges making this a must do hike come autumn if you find yourself in the Sedona area. Its a special place for sure. Although a multi-state road trip has its perks, there are some states . West Fork trail is the perfect place for that. This popular trail rewards hikers with deep red leaves against red rocks, following a meandering creek. Temps are much cooler here and little sunlight ever reaches the canyon, making it an ideal escape during Sedonas hot summer months. Sedona's color palette leans heavily toward a particular hue 50 shades of red, you might say but this time of year other vibrant tints come to the fore, briefly but memorably. Farrah June 3, 2012. . The East Fork, a more strenuous climb, leads to . West Fork Oak Creek Trail Lush Oak Creek Trail Pools At Oak Creek Meandering Oak Creek Oak Creek Refelctions Oak Creek In The Fall Autumn Colors On The Trail Brilliant Colors of Autumn Canyon Walls Above Trail Arrive as close to sunrise as possible or in increments of 2-1/2 to 3 hours after sunrise. As the trail curves to follow the creek, there's shrubbery and trees that change color during the fall. There is a parking fee of $9, however I have seen cars parked along the highway but you must have a Red Rock Pass, which is only $5 for the day. The following pictures of West Fork Oak Creek Trail are compliments of the Coconino National Forest and its Red Rock District. Arizona is home to a variety of natural beauty that can be accessed year-round, and Sedona has its fair share. The trail can be a little rocky with . However, the peak season for leaf-peeping in Sedona usually runs from mid-October and well into November. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Beautiful Oak Creek, flowing on the bottom of the canyon, is one of the few year-round streams found in Arizona. Our Arizona town is in a picturesque setting that awes visitors and locals year after year. Ozone 500 BikeHere is my wife`s very nice OZONE 500 Fragment mountain bike. Casner Canyon Trail Some trails are just meant to be hiked during the fall, and Casner Trail is one of them. Here is Fall color already occurring at West Fork.in October, the leaves will turn, and this place becomes a breathtaking display that will rival the East Coast/New England area. West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108 Moderate 4.7 (9378) Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Photos (10,496) Directions Print/PDF map Share More Get to know this 6.5-mile out-and-back trail near Munds Park, Arizona. This Northern Arizona beauty features 13 challenging creek crossings. Trail Notes Upgrade Now! So we did and we loved it so much. Then beginning the Friday after Labor Day the fall draw down of Summersville Lake begins and brings Gauley River to its peak rafting flows. Romero Canyon Trail, Catalina State Park, Tucson, AZ. . This image will give you an idea of the scale of the canyon walls along the West Fork trail. Be prepared for adverse weather in the wilderness, and always beware of avalanches. Youll be paddling 24-miles of whitewater; taking a break in between for lunch. Next page Home Stock Photos West Fork Trail Sedona Stock Photos The hike is especially popular in the fall with the many leaves changing color into vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. Our favorite Fall Hike in Sedona is the West Fork Oak Creek Trail. Brilliant fall colors in Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona AZ, West Fork Trail Fall Stock Photos, Images & Pictures. Finally, at the end of your journey you will find an elegant pool of water that is encased in rising cliffs. The cumulative trail ratings for the West Fork Trail submitted by fellow hikers is located above with the Trail Data. Lansing, WV. If you come here in October, you'll see the leaves turn yellow and red. Located 11 miles north of Sedona on 89A, the entrance to the Call of the Canyon day use area is positioned on a bend in the road. The first three weeks of October are prime. The Dallas Divide, just west of Ridgeway, Colorado, is one of the premier locations to photograph fall colors in Colorado. Unless the waters are high, the crossings are relatively easy, and the elevation gain on this trail is slight. Bradley McVicker / AllTrails Learn more about the West Fork Rail Trail on the West Virginia Rail Trails website. Shop for west fork trail wall art from the world's greatest living artists. Our newsletter is sent out quarterly to provide things to do for each season! West Fork Trail Guide MAP: Sedona Trails PERMITS: There is a parking fee ($10, cash or check only) for this hike. The ponderosa pines contrast dramaticallyagainst these colorful autumn leaves. I hope you enjoy this video and that it inspires you to want to come out and hike this beautiful trail. References This page was last edited on 16 February 2022, at 17:27 (UTC). Upcoming. You'll wander among gorgeous stands of ponderosa pines and larches, reaching 7,480 feet at Fish Creek Pass. Sign in Sign up for FREE Prices and download plans This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Reduce chances of getting shut out of the parking lot by going midweek. The gorgeous red peaks rise in the backdrop while tall trees cover the landscape. Hike description via alltrails.com: These can sometimes be tricky, but they are well worth the effort. Hike this 7.4 mile forested trail in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. To check out some of our photos of this hike click here. Oh yes, college days were the mid-1970s. There are 13 fun creek crossings to challenge yourself to along the 3.5 mile out and back journey. the vivid colors of fall, and a beautiful creek to admire. How to get there: Driving to West Fork is 11 miles from the end of town (Sedona) through Oak Creek Canyon heading North towards Flagstaff on HWY 89A. Stay Sedona Vacations 2022 | All Rights Reserved | Web Accessibility Policy | Privacy Policy, Sign up now to receive 10% off your first reservation*. West Fork Trail is one of the most colorful "fall" hiking trails in Arizona, however, it is a great hike any time of year. Fall is a great time of year to visit Penitente Canyon. The magic of Oak Creek transcends time. Visitors come from all over the country to see the beauty of Sedona in person. The beauty of a scenic drive is the ability to add spontaneity to your vacation and travel to places that are off the beaten path. Catch city views below and possible glimpses of bighorn sheep. The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled . No wonder it has been named a top 10 trail in the United States! From the trailhead, you immediately begin climbing on a rubbly old road bed with purple and gold blazes marking the way (the color scheme paying tribute to nearby Western Carolina University). Our vacation rentals will keep you close to all of the unique attractions in the area including the West Fork Trail. Come see the incredible colors for yourself by booking a vacation getaway to Sedona. $32. The pebbly creek bed can be a little hard on bare feet, but it might be tolerable to you also be careful of the smoother rock surfaces underfoot which are particularly slippery. When is the best time to see fall colors in Sedona. Thats not the only trail to catch the eye of our visitors. West Fork Trail is a very popular hike anytime of the year, but during the fall months, this one can't be beat. If youre suitably equipped, you can continue to wade upstream for another quarter of a mile or so. Although not as spectacular as the fall foliage hikes found around Flagstaff (Inner Basin, Aspen Nature Loop, and Veit Springs to name a few), West Fork is definitely worthy of a visit. Location: 17.5 miles south of Flagstaff (9.5 miles north of Sedona) on paved roads in scenic Oak Creek Canyon. We thought the West Fork Oak Creek trail was one of the better ones that we have ever hiked and look forward to going back at a different time of . In fact, this trail is the most popular area in Sedona to see these fall colors come out. View all posts by Paul. This canyon environment creates a cooler micro climate that allows for the growth of Ponderosa Pines & Douglas Fir trees that normally would be found at much higher elevations in the American Southwest. Each summer, thousands and thousands of tourists and locals alike take the scenic drive down the canyon to enjoy the beauty of this unusual Arizona hiking trail. Because of the presence of water, there are many trees along the trail. 148 West Fork Trail Sedona Stock Photos Most relevant Best selling Latest uploads Within Results People Pricing License Media Properties More Safe Search Browse 148 professional west fork trail sedona stock photos available royalty-free. This is an easy hike, that offers jaw-dropping views the entire venture. Learn More. In winter snow depth also increases here, though south slopes will sometimes have bare spots. Hiking West Fork Dosewallips River. The first three weeks of October are prime. The hike is especially popular in the fall with the many leaves changing color into vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. The best location around Sedona to see the leaves change color is off the West Fork Trail. Time Required: 3-4 hours. Text is . Beautiful fall colors. Subscribe Durbin, (southern end) provides access, supplies and bike rentals. Prices and download plans . Copyright 2000-2022 Dreamstime. As you drive past Slide rock it is just another 3.5 miles. The West Fork Trail features all kinds of trees and plant life found along your hike. Think of this as a heatmap, more rides = more kinetic energy = warmer colors. The video is kind of shaky as you would imagine but for the most part I was able to keep it steady enough to make viewing it tolerable. Outstanding hike to see the fall colors cameron1 3 years, 7 months ago . At roughly the quarter-mile mark, there is a trail junction for "East Fork" and "West Fork.". For a more intimate view, it is worthwhile to head south, away from paved roads and the crowd. . The soothing rumble of the river complements the trail's serene environment. Please. Along the way, youll be able to take in the beauty of the towering canyon walls. Lori Coleman . I have many fond memories of that place. More fall colors on the West Fork trail in Sedona. Huckaby Trail is perfect for "leafers" as well as people who want to see the famous red rock of the area. In the mountains, fall foliage appears as soon as late September. To top it off, the majority of the trails in town offer little to no shade. Sedona is not your usual Arizona location in that it features all four seasons during the year. The drive on 89A is gorgeous with huge trees that shade your drive with little mom and pop stores along the way. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 45 min to complete. Cheshire still trails New Canaan 23-13 with 1:28 left, -- Luke Reed 15-yard run, New Canaan up 23-6 over Cheshire with 2:27 to go. 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. Innkeeper September 20, 2021 In hiking, . Both out-of-state visitors and West Virginia residents are encouraged to check out some of the nation's best fall foliage . Access to the river can be . So we did and we loved it so much we decided to come out again in late October to see the Fall colors. The elevation gain is only around 800 feet, so you will not find any steep inclines. Copyright 2012-22 top-ten-travel-list.com. . Still a great hike, would do it again. Navigate over 28 rapids on the scenic and remote Lower Gauley River. Enjoy the imposing views of the canyon walls towering above you. More from This Artist Similar Designs. Wander throughout the surrounding unusual canyons in search of the San Luis Valley's largest collection of pictographs. You will be pleased to know that West Fork has been named one of the top 10 hiking trails in the country. See our list of the best hiking trails in the area here. Your hike will come across multiple river crossings that you can cross with ease on logs and steppingstones. Learn how your comment data is processed. The wonders of fall can only truly be experienced in Sedona. 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. Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine which trails are ridden the most in the last 9 months. It's sure to be a highlight of your time at our stunning Sedona Bed and Breakfast. All Rights Reserved, Worldwide. The trailhead is on the west side of the highway down a paved lane that leads behind a few creekside houses. Stay in the loop and travel with us! Trails are compared with nearby trails in the same city region with a possible 25 colour shades. The moderate to challenging 6.6-mile (one way) trail winds up the Santa Catalina Mountains, but most like to tackle just the first 2.8 miles of this great fall hike to Romero Pools, an oasis of swimming holes in canyon streams. In fact, this trail is the most popular area in Sedona to see these fall colors come out. The maintained path is mostly flat and undulating as it passes through a stunning landscape in Coconino National Forest. Unleash Your Adventurous Side With These Jeep Tours in Sedona. . west fork trail vortex sedona About; Blog; Businesses; Cities; Developers; Help; Careers; Cookies (Updated) This trail is most crowded in the . Though it's hidden behind a 6.5-mile road walk or bike, the West Fork Dosewallips River trail offers tunnels of rhododendrons, a jubilant river, and solitude. 99 Ozone 500 Camouflage Mountain Bike - $308. The third week in October seems to be when the colors are at their peak. Colors All Around You at the West Fork Trail . The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. The trail is 3.3 miles long one way and there are 13 creek crossings, all of which are shallow with rocks to use as stepping-stones. Silver, gray or bare metal 2003 Dynacraft Ozone 500 silver canyon, serial: 03TD067308. The West Fork Trail is a pleasant 22-mile trail that snakes its way through a remote mountain setting and follows the West Fork River for most of its route. West Fork Trail. West Fork Trail Fall in All Its Splendor. West Fork Oak Creek Trail 1,278 Reviews #13 of 145 things to do in Sedona Outdoor Activities, Nature & Parks, Hiking Trails Sedona, AZ Open today: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Save Sunset Sedona Sacred Places -gourmet picnic dinner and stargazing 2 Book in advance from $250.00 per adult Check availability View full product details RhondaMathis Kunal Mehra. Save the day to enjoy it. The beginning of this trail is an intermediate slight uphill trek along the West Fork of the Wallowa River. Rambling through Oak Creek's West Fork in a narrow, tree-lined canyon is a mini-explorer's dream come true. Due to the changing altitude and temperatures, the scenery varies vastly along the way. 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