Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Farrah is strictly prohibited. For our family of six with kids at age 4, 6, 9, and 10, it was an absolutely beautiful hike. Trail Distance: 6.6 miles roundtrip. It can be mildly confusing, but if you choose the trail closest to the creek, youll be OK. A few minutes after the sharp turn, youll come to an area where a rockfall occurred, and just beyond that, the canyon opens up a little. Oak Creek's western fork is one of the best hiking trails in Sedona, offering stunning views of the tall canyon walls and trees. You wont be the only one on the trail, but it wont matter. The trees are starting to change color and we stopped often to absorb the beauty and tranquility along the creek. #Sedona #VisitAZ #VisitSedona, Allens Bend/Grasshopper Point + Red Rock Crossing Trail, Emerald Lake Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, Rim Rock to Uplands to Oak Flat Loop Trail, Contemplative Trail to Sand Canyon Trail Loop, Climbing the Manitou Incline and the Barr Trail, Snowshoeing on Vancouvers Local Mountains. Time: About 1 hour, longer if you meander, take photos or play in the water. Many people in the past would take on this area because the predominant trail for this area, Broken Arrow, is adjacent to a heavily traveled jeep road. There isn't much to be seen that hasn't already been experienced and appreciated on the first half of the trail. You have to walk in the water through the river at the end of the three miles if you want to go further. Shaded by tall trees and increasingly sky-high cliffs, the West Fork hiking Trail is gorgeous year round, making it a Sedona area favorite. Horses Allowed: No I loved the nature in the trail it had such cool things. I hadnt been hiking in several months so you can imagine my bliss when, finally, I hiked a little over a mile into West Fork, found my favorite large rock, took off my shoes, and settled down for a nap in the mid-afternoon sun. . It is completely different from the red rock mountains that most people associate with Sedona. West Fork is one of Sedonas most popular hiking trails. A 3.3 mile path weaves back and forth across the creek, through the forest, and deep into the West Fork of Sedona's beautiful Oak Creek Canyon. I began making deer sounds and sending her energy. When I first started hiking this trail in 1989 the bridge wasnt there. I loved this trail so much that I want to do it again next year. As you breathe, ask the angels to surround you and fill you with their love. Distance: Two miles (You can go farther if you like.) Why they stood behind me, Ill never know! Although the West Fork Trail is rated as easy, it does include several creek crossings that require a little agility and a willingness to get your feet wet. Any trails beyond the slot canyon are simply there due to wildlife and intrepid hikers. #deathvalley #deathva, I miss autumn on the east coast but fall in Napa i, Looking for a nice flat trail to walk/run on and/o, Mount Diablo Challenge? 2. Shortly thereafter a couple came running down the trail, also breathlessly explaining that there was a wild deer coming after them! This trail is that good. :P Weve hiked way back, deep into the canyon where few venture, enjoyed many picnic lunches and blissful naps in the sun with only the sounds of the rushing water, the wind rushing through the top of the ponderosa, and the cheerful birdsong. GREAT SEDONA HIKES West Fork Trail. Agreed! :] I'm Farrah, a Family Medicine physician in the SF Bay Area who aspires to lead by example, and loves all things fitness and food-related, finding great deals, and making every moment count. In the summer this is a magical journey as long as you go slow and watch your footing on the slippery rocks that line the creek bottom. Parking: Lot available ($10 pass required*) At about one and one half miles you reach one of my favorite spots, an area on the creek with large flat rocks on the side (perfect for picnics) and a water flow that is so shallow during the summer that you can lay on the rock bottom of the creek and let the water flow all around you. The thinking was, on a Sunday morning, when people typically roll out of bed a little slower, we'd beat the crowds and find a parking spot. That part of our country is really beautiful. Dogs: Yes, on a leash. She seemed to calm down. Filed Under: Sedona Trail Rating System Tagged With: hiking sedona, The Hike House, West Fork Trail. *-* Spectacular views looking up at the canyon walls. It is a staple along the West Fork Trail, which is said to be one of Sedona's most pawpular hiking trails. We went in February so the trail was icy in several places, but we had micro-spikes and were able to walk like normal people. *The $10 pass can be used to get you into a few other places, including Allens Bend/Grasshopper Point + Red Rock Crossing Trail! Very windy in sections and alternating cold hot air. Youll know some of them once youve 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. HIKING SUNSETS SWIMMING ATTRACTIONS SCENIC DRIVES, DINING LODGING SHOPPING ADVENTURE MUSIC, BODY & SOUL VISITOR INFO HISTORY DISCLAIMER, HIKES SUNSETS SWIMMING ATTRACTIONS SCENIC DRIVES, DINING LODGING SHOPPING ADVENTURE MUSIC BODY & SOUL VISITOR INFO HISTORY DISCLAIMER. There were several other groups on the trail but it did not seem crowded. Come grow with us! Approximate time to hike: ~3 hours. Your feet will thank you! There are several reasons this is the most popular trail in the Coconino National Forest: the towering cliffs of Coconino Sandstone, the Douglas firs and box elders and bigtooth maples, the perennial stream, the wild grapes and asters and lupines, the mule deer and Aberts squirrels, and the list goes on. For us it wasnt just 3hr round trip. Trailhead Address: 345926.5N 1114434.6W By now the frightened people behind me had also settled down, and were staring at both me and the deer in disbelief! How fortunate I feel to know a trail so intimately. Alternately , you can park up the hill and walk back. Parking: $10 Route Type: Out-and-back. After the slot canyon, youll wade for about 100 yards and then find yourself emerging in canyon areas where you must alternately walk alongside the creek and then through it. Like most trails offer, I assumed that we were hiking towards a view at the end. A MUST DO! Stunning photos! In the autumn nearly every photographer in the Southwest descends upon West Fork, and for good reason. Red Rock Pass: Required. Description. There, in front of me, was the mad deer, while behind me stood the women and the kids. Minutes later, three kids and two women came rushing down the trail. This climb has stunning vistas, and you can also sense the power of a strong vortex. Length: 7.2 miles out and back. Elevation gain: 820 ft. West Fork offers a kaleidoscope of natural wonders that change with the seasons. it was my first time to hike and it was amazing. Excellent hiking trail. Interesting plant life along the way. She calmed down again when I approached. Theres even a humorous finale to this story! This is absolutely perfect for summer as its nice and cool and often shaded by the surrounding trees + canyon walls. In the summer I like to bring shoes that can get wet since the temptation to walk in the creek is overwhelmingly strong! Things to bring: Wear very comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Yes, Ive heard, she said. Highly recommend this trail! Thats their Latin name. West Fork is the most popular hiking trail in the Coconino National Forest and possibly the most scenic in Arizona. 2020 fairyburger. This makes an exciting overnighter or a grueling day hike. Because of this, it's rated among the Top 10 Trails in the United States. We took a few photos and pressed on, knowing we had a long hike ahead of us. Time Required: 3-4 hours. Special Consideration: The U.S. Forest Service requires a fee of $11 per vehicle (up to five people) in the Call of the Canyon Picnic Site. Hike back farther and the trail becomes a little narrower as you walk through reeds and then climb up along a ledge in the forest above the creek. The maintained path is mostly flat and undulating as it passes through a stunning landscape in Coconino National Forest. Apple blossoms, lilacs, violets, and many more species that I cant even name delight you with pinks, purples, yellows, reds, violets, and oranges. Beautiful views all around and mostly shaded. Truly a beautiful hike along the creek while you are surrounded by the canyon and red rocks throughout. Also can get VERY crowded later in the day. Surprised to see wild roses and grape vines. We made a day of this trail, many places to rest and take in the breathtaking views and surrounding formations. A new day has arrivedwhile you still must hike a portion of Broken Arrow to get to Hogs, the trail departs from the [Read More], Hiking Preparedness + Energy Supply + Apparel & Gear, View the West Fork Trail Slideshow and Commentary. No, but you do need to pay $11 to enter the parking area. Pretty but flat and there are many more options in the area with little or no traffic. Elevation Gain: 700 feet. There is an option to continue into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness! Exhale. . Absolutely stunning! For everyone else, its time to turn back and enjoy the return on one of Arizonas best hikes. One of the most highly-acclaimed trails in Sedona, Arizona (and there are a lot of them) is West Fork Trail. Along this sandy trail, hikers can expect to make 13 river crossings, though the water isn't usually high enough for these to be much of an issue. Duration: ~3 hours. But despite all that, I'm here to tell you why you should consider skipping it. Bees begin to hum and the trees start to bud. The trail is marked for the first three miles; however, many hikers continue beyond that. We only had time to hike one trail in Sedona during our layover and Im glad we picked this one. We hike this trail several times during the year. This is also a great area for birding. Kristen recently postedWhat Makes Madison, Wisconsin So Special? Hike the West Fork Trail and/or visit Slide Rock State Park. There are a number of reasons why West Fork is the most popular on the Coconino National Forest. I always end up spending so much time in Phoenix or Scottsdale, need to get out to Sedona! We will do this one again in the summer and see how far we can push the hike upstream. Another wonderful aspect about doing these hikes would be stopping by the Hike Houses Energy Cafe, the staff is wonderful, especially the ones who have an overwhelming resemblance to Woody Harrelson. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to Fairyburger! Sedona is one of my favorite hiking destinations in general, but I think Ive found one of my favorite trails ever in the West Fork Trail. You are solely responsible for how you interpret and use it. This was a very easy trail with wonderful views of canyon walls on both sides. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Farrah @ fairyburger, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. :P )! It was busy but was nice because you still rarely ran into anybody. Looks like a beautiful trail. The path is wide black dirt that takes you past ancient ponderosa pines (smell their bark it reminds you of vanilla! Treat this natural treasure with the care it deserves and youll have plenty of reason to come back and see it again and again. The road goes right, but you turn left into a large parking area with restrooms and a Parks & Rec. No matter how long a hike you take here, youll enjoy it best if you come at a time when the trail is least crowded. USGS Maps: Dutton Hill, Wilson Mountain, Munds Park Being experienced hikers and having hiked superb locations it definitely amazed us. The homestretch begins amid some dead trees that look as if theyre lodged in place forever. I really love Sedonawould love to go back again someday! The Hike House. West Fork of Oak Creek is one of the most popular trails in the Flagstaff/Sedona area, but you can beat the crowds by hiking the tranquil upper narrows of this lush river canyon. I love hiking there tooso many trails I still gotta check out! Coming back we made the hike in an hour and 15 mins as we were trying to beat a storm rolling in. But go early. She sniffed the sprouts in my hand, turned away and began slurping water out of the creek. Hike Difficulty: Easy / Moderate. Information: Red Rock Ranger District, 928-282-4119 or fs.usda.gov/coconino, Arizona Highways' award-winning photography and travel journalism, as well as its commitment to discovering the state's treasures, has celebrated the beauty and splendor of Arizona since 1925. If you want to do this, be prepared for an overnight trip! Agreed! Arizona Highways 2039 W Lewis Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009 602.712.2200. Tis is a excellent hike especially while trying to get out of the heat. Im 12 years old and I really like how easy this hike was. Airport View Trail and Vortex. We wore light hiking boots and would reccomend strapping some water shoes bag. Ruggedly beautiful this time of year, it is in stark contrast to the usually shallow and gentle stream that youll find the rest of the year. You can view more Sedona related images here. Youll know even more if you come in the spring,when migrating songbirds decorate the trees with flashes of brilliance, or in the fall when pastel leaves float in clear reflecting pools under a canopy of solid color. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; The 2014 Oak Creek Canyon fire has decimated alot of the natural beauty of the hiking sites but it is still beautiful. Reproduction in part or whole without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. This is a state park so parking or entrance fee is collected, $10 per car. How awesome to feel the creek rushing around your ankles, or while lying on the flat rock bottom of the creek, flowing through your hair. I have been here in the summer with friends, on a lazy Sunday when we picked blackberries near the onset of the trail then ignored the path and hiked through the water. Situated along a river, it features plentiful shade, several creek crossings and enough bubbling brook sounds to soothe the soul. Many river crossings make this hike a bit more exciting than the rest. Length: 6.75 miles round-trip (from parking area) Difficulty: Easy Elevation: 5,316 to 5,565 feet Trailhead GPS: N 3459.434', W 11144.587' Directions: From Sedona, go north on State Route 89A for 9.5 miles to the Call of the Canyon Picnic Site. Meandering through a dizzyingly beautiful canyon, this trail plays hopscotch with a gentle stream. Difficulty: Rating: 3.5/5. Then walked up the canyon. to enhance the experience stop by the hike house and grab some oatmeal cookies from Mike! Fees: Check with the US Forest Service for pass and fee information before your trip. Mornings can be very cold but within a few hours youll be in short sleeves. when we went to the hiking house we met a family that owns one of the shops. ), maples, oaks, ferns, reeds, all manner of wildflowers, and other vegetation. Difficulty: Challenging. <3! For them, the creek continues for 14 miles to the other end of the canyon. Please click on the images to see full size high resolution images that are available for sale. Turn right at the Y onto North 89A. West Fork is . We didnt bring sandals so we went barefoot once we reached the end of the trail so we could hike the canyon a little further. *-* Chris. ):https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie. Your trail feedback and ratings are an important resource for fellow hikers and provide a personal account of your trail experience from which others may learn. I sat up calmly as they told me about the wild deer that had been baring its teeth, waving its hooves ,and chasing them. The entire trip from the top of West Fork at Woody Mountain Road (Forest Road 231) to SR 89A is 14 miles long, requires swimming up to seven cold and deep pools and should only be attempted by individuals who are in GOOD physical condition, GOOD swimmers, have proper survival equipment and are prepared for the unexpected. Hopefully well get to wade/explore more next time! Your email address will not be published. Farrah recently postedHow To Prepare For a Cross Country Road Trip. Monday 8AM - 6PM. | Guy Schmickle, Ponderosa pines are among the old-timers in Arizona their eminence is measured in centuries, not, Populous tremuloides. I havent been to this part of the states yet, but from your photos it looks like there are some great hiking trails to hit up while youre there! Dogs Allowed: Yes (on a leash) TRAILHEAD: 89A, Sedona DIFFICULTY: Easy DISTANCE: 3 MILES (6 MILES RT) APPROX. *-*)! We decided to park about a 0.5 mile up the road instead (making our round-trip about 8.2 miles.) If you have kids younger than 4, I would not . This was beyond real! A dry bag might be a good idea to pack along for camera and other electronics if you get adventurous near the end of the trail when you can walk through water about waist high to continue your exploration! West Fork Oak Creek Details. West Fork Trail is Sedona's best easy hike. Sunlight peeks over the canyon walls early in the morning offering amazing photographs. If you dont trust your footing, grab a dead branch and use it as a walking stick for balance. However, it was absolutely needed in order to document this hike. There are a number of reasons why West Fork is the most popular trail in the Coconino National Forest. The birds return. Bringing a stick and wearing waterproof hiking shoes would be helpful for crossing the streams. *Music credit from Uppbeat (free for Creators! Too many wash crossings with standing water. Stop to read the signs. Restroom: Yes. Like Canyonlands or Zion but easier to get to. Thanks for sharing so many photos too, It was definitely a fun one to explore! We walked to the point where you have to get in the water and the canyon walls are about 40 feet apart. I guess the language of calm, loving energy is universal. A few birds still sing. A 3.3 mile path weaves back and forth across the creek, through the forest, and deep into the West Fork of Sedonas beautiful Oak Creek Canyon. Our 5 year old did this hike without any struggles, shoes will get wet though! This hike is busiest in the summer and on weekends. Thanks for the great tips! Thanks again to Greghis book and pointers were very helpful! Family Physician Apple trees at beginning were in full bloom. Farrah recently postedHow To Prepare For a Cross Country Road Trip. Distance: 6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Total Ascent: 535 feet | Time: 3 to 5 hours | Location: West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead. Elevation: 820 ft I am not sure how I feel about this yet. Glad we hiked it early, six people was there, on the way back, more people coming to the trail, I loved this trail so much. The trail is an easy stroll, but you have to cross the stream in a number of places. Length: We need to switch! Located just north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon. Bear Mountain Trail. Very thankful for this wonderful recommendation and we will be back in the fall to see the trees change colors. Amazing views of rock formations. All images and content are our own and may not be used without express permission. And such a spiritual place. Even if youre not an experienced hiker you should have little difficulty. In fact, youll be taking the nature trail for a quarter-mile out to the trailhead for West Fork. I didnt quite know what to think. One of the most highly-acclaimed trails in Sedona, Arizona (and there are a lot of them) is West Fork Trail. Parking: West Fork #108 Oak Creek Trailhead - Cost is $11/vehicle. Healthy Living Lifestyle/Food/Travel Blogger We left Las Vegas early with the ambitious goal of arriving to the trailhead at roughly 10:30am. Known as one of Sedona's most challenging trails, you'll face over 1,800ft in elevation gain as you hike your way to the top of Bear Mountain. Perfect access to brook swimming. This trail is relatively flat and you can move pretty swiftly, which is good because all the oustanding views and cool streams make you want to keep going to see whats around the next bend. Overall it was fun, easy, and had spectacular views! The hike is arguably the best relaxing and zen hike in all of Arizona. A visit to this trail usually takes 2-3 hours round trip. Therefore, it's a great outdoor activity for all groups and families! Is this normal? the young guy asked. Bring your camera, water, and wear layers. Welcome to Travel Tuesday! To make a long story short, I ended up hiking three quarters of a mile with a wild deer trotting either just ahead of me or next to me. Walking along a stream is a great bonus. I was fascinated by the beautiful doe. Autumn is a great time to see vibrant . Depending on the time of year you might find snow, autumn leaves, spring wildflowers, or plenty of places to wade, sun, and picnic. The combination inspired the federal government to designate Oak Creek Canyons first 6 miles, including this trail, a Research Natural Area in 1931. 22. Close-to-sunrise kinda early. Thirteen creek crossings made it a challenge to traverse after getting caught in a thunderstorm. Its up there as one of my favorites! I backpacked in Sedona and found it just so beautiful. You wont regret it. Parking: Lot available ($10 pass required*) *The $10 pass can be used to get you into a few other places, including Allen's Bend/Grasshopper Point + Red Rock Crossing Trail! You can even add to that list if you come in the winter, when icicles hang from red rock overhangs and snatches of snow persist in cool shadows. This easy ranking makes it very easy for people of all ages to join in. Difficulty: Easy; Distance: 7.2 miles round trip; Elevation Gain: 820 feet; Trail Guide: Click Here; West Fork Oak Creek trail in Sedona. It was a wonderful experience, that heightened my time spent in Sedona. Directions: From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Hwy 179 (exit 298). All rights reserved. This hike was everything we were looking for, we wanted water and we got it the whole way, we wanted shade and 90% was shaded which made it nice for a hot day, we wanted creek crossings and there were plenty of those and we also wanted some beautiful views which it definitely did not lack. Nurturing to the soul and satisfying to the body. The park ranger started laughing. Stream crossing were easy up to 1.5-2 miles. Fairyburger chronicles my journeys through school, residency while balancing a life filled with volunteering, travel, fitness (especially lifting, dancing, BJJ), occasionally-disastrous kitchen experiments, skin care, and half a billion other interests on the side. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking in most locations. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; If you choose to travel all 14 miles from one end of the canyon to the other, plan to do a lot of wading and boulder hopping, and even some swimming. NOTE: This is the first photograph with my wide angle lens. Great for photographers. WEST FORK TRAIL STATISTICS: Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (due to the length) Length: 7.2 miles Type of Hike: Out and Back Time: 3 to 4 hours Elevation: Just over 800 ft Location: Call of the Canyon Day Use Area Trailhead: West Fork Trailhead When to Hike: The Sedona trail is best to hike all year round. Permanent link to this article: https://www.fairyburger.com/west-fork-trail/. This easy trail meanders along Oak Creek. Out of the several trails I have hiked in Sedona, this one is one of my favorites because of the landscape diversity. Private Red Rock Panoramic Jeep Tour of Sedona. As a matter of fact, youll probably find a new reason to be here every time you visit. . if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Located north Highway 89A, Oak Creek Canyon is a forested, shady canyon and it looks and feels a lot different than Sedona. The state of Arizona gave us our own license plate, and we'd like you to take us for a ride. Copying and downloading images from this site is strictly prohibited. This was easiest for the kids (6, 9) and this was my wifes favorite trail. Required fields are marked *, Hogs Trail my favorite part of the trail was the creeks that we walked on when we got to the end of the trail there was this beatifull creek and I swam in it to cool of. The other couple and I decided wed better help since by this time the kids were throwing sticks, the women were shouting and the deer was really closing in on them. We didnt hike West Fork Trail but will next time. Even though the trail is shaded, it can get hot in the afternoon, so bring plenty of water. Just beyond that, a decent-sized pool marks the end of the trail. In its heyday, the lodge was a favorite getaway of movie stars, politicians and writers, including the Earl of Halifax, President Herbert Hoover, Clark Gable, Susan Hayward, Cesar Romero and Jimmy Stewart. Youll never see this again, I reassured him. But if you're in the mood for a thigh-burning, sweat-inducing climb under the searing Arizona sun, then make your way to the trailhead of the Bear Mountain Trail. West Fork of Oak Creek in December with Friends.Beautiful hike in every season! Sedona | Arizona Driving directions Trekking up Oak Creek's west fork offers one of the best hiking experiences in Sedona, an area already known as a hiker's paradise. The drive from Sedona to the trailhead is curves through towering red rock sand stone formations and crosses a deep scenic gorge. How To Prepare For a Cross Country Road Trip, How I Survive/Thrive on $50/Month For Food, How To Make Black Garlic in a Rice or Slow Cooker, Savory Oatmeal with Fried Egg and Sriracha, 10 Things Medical Students Want You To Know. Reviews and Ratings of West Fork Trail hiking trail in Sedona with data, photos, and video commentary. Weve never been hiking before. OMG! Youll be craning your neck a lot. js.src = "//forms.aweber.com/form/06/1670714606.js"; After the late winter floods, the creek settles back into a babbling brook, easily crossable. Parking was full at 10:30 so we had to wait 30-40 min. Youll pass a grassy field populated by apple trees that bear fruit in the fall, then soon after the rusty trail sign youll be in the forest. Cathedral Rock is one of the best moderate hikes in Sedona. The ecosystem is extraordinary, which is why people from around the world flock to this trail. We didnt go all the way but were not disappointed. The West Fork trail is an excellent hike for the family. I wont do this trail again. It was calm, cool and majestic, even with quite a few people around. Dogs are allowed as long as theyre leashed! Bring water, snacks, and your camera. 4. The trail ends where the canyon walls press in and wading through the creek is all that remains if you want to continue. This area was used as a backdrop for the movie based on Zane Greys novel, Call of the Canyon, in which he describes this very trail. Ive been here in March, wearing shorts, only to discover that there was eight inches of snow and slush on the trail while the new apple blossoms were in bloom and the flowers thrust green shoots upward to catch the precious rays of sunlight. Farrah recently postedUltimate Coffee Date: February 2021. The calm water of the West Fork of Oak Creek reflects fall foliage. Difficulty: Easy . Farrah recently postedUltimate Coffee Date: February 2021. Special Consideration: The U.S. Forest Service requires a fee of $11 per vehicle (up to five people) in the Call of the Canyon Picnic Site. Sunday, May 29, 2011 by The Hike House 21 Comments. Despite only being 5 miles long, the hike to the summit of Bear . Eventually the pathway ends and you will be forced to hike in the stream bed as you continue into the Secret Mountain/Red Rocks Wilderness. You'll enjoy a much more pleasant experience, gain several hours back of your life to spend elsewhere, and much fresher legs for all the OTHER hikes you're going to want to do in Sedona. As you trek along this nearly level, easy trail you are accompanied by the beauty and serenity of shimmering Oak . Our takeaway, and advice to you, is that West Fork Trail is one to be seen. This is the turnaround point for day hikers. Hiking this trail is akin to walking in Manhattan for the first time. Vehicle Requirements: None Main pros: Very easy hike (mostly), scenic views and even a Subway/Narrows type hike in the end. What Makes Madison, Wisconsin So Special? When you subscribe to our angel list you'll receive my latest news on events, products, programs, & materials I believes may be of interest, as well as our FREE Weekly Messages from Ann & the Angels. You can unsubscribe at any time. There are a tonnn over there! amazing scenery on this hike. Learn More >. Please note that by using these links, I may get a small discount from the affiliated store at no extra cost to you! It offers sights and sounds that are unique to even the Sedona area that are worth seeing. If you arrive and the parking lot is full, Dad can drop off the family at the entrance and then park just north of the trail and walk down. Wednesday, December 7th, 2022 . We decided to hike some trails we normally would probably never see. Your email address will not be published. from. Get up lady, the little boy shouted at me, Theres a mad deer chasing us! You can imagine my thoughts at this point. Very easy and scenic hike. West Fork Trail #108 Oak Creek. it was nice winding back and forth across the stream while all the time being surrounded by towering canyon walls. We saw some wild life, including a black widow along the brush at the entrance of the trail. West Fork Trail is on the north side of Sedona, Arizona. The entire stretch is ~14 miles and requires wading + boulder-hopping, and likely some swimming as well (depending on what season it is). We could have walked down to the creek, grabbed some shots and headed back to the car for a much more pleasant afternoon. Still winter conditions so not much greenery. They did so and were fifty feet down the trail before the deer popped her head up, looked around and began to bound after them. As for the trail itself, its an easy stroll, but you do have to cross the stream in a number of places. The West Fork of Oak Creek Trail is located in the "Call of the Canyon . The side rock swimming hole was lots of fun for me. Just before you get there, youll pass an old settlement that includes remnants of fireplaces, stone floors and a cliff house. West Fork is one of Sedona's most popular hiking trails. A pleasant little stream runs along the canyon floor and high cliffs rise above it. Curious, I opened my eyes and rolled over, but saw no one. The West Fork Trail is one of the best hikes in Sedona if you want some shade. There are almost always stones laid in the water to form a natural bridge. Wednesday 8AM - 6PM. Type: Out and back. First ever panic attac, Alpine lakes are where I doubt my reality the most, Weve hiked Mount Diablo previously on foot and, Have you ever been to #SedonaAZ? Dancer The trail is hard to find, but if you look to your left, youll see where it climbs up the canyon wall and away from the water before dropping back down again about 10 minutes later. The cumulative trail ratings for the West Fork Trail submitted by fellow hikers is located above with the Trail Data. per adult (price varies by group size) Private 4-Hour Sedona Spectacular Journey and Vortex Tour. The west fork trail is very nice and an easy hike into some great scenery. I am from Florida and was awestruck by the canyon walls. In the spring you may be lucky to catch a few stands of old lilacs blossoming. Permit required? Please read our, Copyright 2012 Ann Albers | All Rights Reserved | Site design by Ann Albers. So can short-cutting or rock throwing. I am 18 years old, and I was accompanied by my family. The landscapes look stunning and I love the photos :), Thank you! Probably the busiest trail in Sedona. During high water, people used to put tree trunks over the rushing waters and youd have to tight rope walk on them to reach the other side. If youre looking for isolation, this hike wont deliver. The creek will tempt you to wade, soak, or swim so dress appropriately. Elevation Gain: 2,000 Feet . Crowds of people from Phoenix travel up here to avoid the heat, so start early or later to avoid long lines waiting to get a parking spot. West Fork Trail. Trailhead GPS: N 3459.434', W 11144.587' Difficulty: Easy. Id love to go back to explore some more! Your Sedona travel plan should include the short, family-friendly Airport View Trail. Look ahead to the red rock canyon walls that rise sharply, hundreds of feet above the creek. And don't go beyond halfway. The trailhead begins at the far end of the parking lot. Breathe deeply as if you can inhale all the way down into your spine. They did so and as the deer sniffed the young woman, I snapped a few more pictures. There Rescue Volunteer Water levels permitting, youll rock hop across the creek many times. At this point, I couldnt resist whipping out my camera and snapping these pictures! Directions from Flagstaff: Drive south 17.5 miles south from Flagstaff or north 9.5 miles from Sedona to about halfway between milepost 385 and 384. Get ready to huff and puff along this challenging trek to the summit of Bear Mountain. Best to go early to find a parking spot. After that, they show up regularly. A woman came running down the trail, breathless to tell me that they were being chased by a mad dear and that some earth lady spoke the deers language and calmed it down! Earth lady?! To this day I dont know why she was chasing the women and children, but obviously she wasnt a threat to anyone who remained calm. The trail itself is pretty easy! Biological Soil Crust: Holding the Place in Place. Of course you know not to litter, but picking flowers and autumn leaves can cause just as unsightly a scar. To this point, the trail has been well marked and easy to follow. The trail starts out very sandy, and would be harder to run through or walk faster with the thicker sand, but then turns into more of a rocky trail, which was easier to hike faster. Stand still and give me your camera, I told them. How to get to West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108? Duration: ~3 hours In English, theyre known as quaking aspens , The Rim, Raymond Carlson wrote in the April 1966 issue of Arizona Highways, is scenery, history. *-*. I ran after the deer, making hoo-ing sounds like deer do, and sending Reiki energy. Adventure Tours. Captivated. Location: Sedona, Arizona. Beyond this point, the canyon is narrower and overgrown with vegetation. The Hike House Sedona Trail Rating System provides actual hiker feedback and ratings of each of the Sedona hiking trails. Thousands of ferns begin to burst from forest floor and unfurl their summery fronds, and a profusion of wildflowers appear everywhere. Turn left onto 179 and follow it past the Village of Oak Creek to the Sedona (Burger King) Y. The major challenge is hiking through the creek, sometimes 100 yards at a time, where the rock walls close in. Directions: From Sedona, go north on State Route 89A for 9.5 miles to the Call of the Canyon Picnic Site. The first of the many crossings occurs within a few minutes after leaving the trailhead. Or at least reconsider hiking the entire trail. Thursday 8AM . It looks like such a good mix of keeping cool in the shade and seeing some cool scenery and rock faces. Difficulty: Easy. A beautiful bridge spans a deep chasm over the creek, but if you cant wait for water, you can go down a number of side trails and put your feet in the creek. You will go through uptown and then meander along the creek for a total of 10.5 miles until you see a wide turn in the road. The hike took us about 5.5 hours, with frequent stops, to get to the narrow canyon, the furthest we could go not walking in the water. Its breathtaking beauty and vibrant energy invigorate me. I go to West Fork whenever Im in need a refill. Bring lunch and feast by the running water. They are not maintained. I stopped at the ranger hut to let the park ranger know that there was a deer who had been upset by some hikers but appeared to be perfectly reasonable if people remained calm. The trailhead is on the west side of the highway down a paved lane that leads behind a few creek side houses. This is an easy hike, that offers jaw-dropping views the entire venture. Name: West Fork Trail. However, in the same way you dont avoid the Grand Canyon just because 6 million people a year visit the park, you dont want to leave the West Fork of Oak Creek off your list. Red rock canyons, flowing water, gorgeous scenery and a gentle trail combine to make this an all-time favorite that you will want to return to again and again. A little over one mile into the trail you can rest in a natural jacuzzi spot during the summer, or walk farther and take a dip in one of the deeper areas of the creek. She certainly looked upset but not harmful. All rights reserved. Soon youll pass the old stone ruins of Meyhews Lodge. West Fork Oak Creek, Sedona AZ 5-star hike 6.3 mile out-and-back Medium difficulty | Gain 558 feet | Peak 5,660 feet . If you dont already have a pass that includes this site, youll be charged an entry fee which is very reasonable considering all the amenities and the huge amount of trail maintainence that the forest service provides each year. On weekends and holidays, especially in the spring and fall, literally hundreds of people will be in your way. That we would eventually be rewarded for our rigorous trek with a glorious view As we trudged on, and on, and on our 4-hours-drive-to-get-there weary legs were wearing out. Yelp Elite 09-22. We parked about 200 meters north of the parking lot by the road. Your email address will not be published. Also, it was cool to be able to see many places where the canyon walls had been carved, into what looked like a curling wave, by the creek waters. Earlier this spring, we took three: West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon. This is a super popular hike, so try coming out as early as you can so you can actually snag a parking spot! The colors are different than the rest of my lenses. Love it, it gets crowded in the middle of the day. <3, This trail looks amazing! We left the parking lot at 8:45 am and walked to the bridge and explored the ruins. Id love to hike this trail in every season (and to also do the extended hike someday! Even if you go nowhere else, at least make sure you hike the #WestForkTrail! A bit cool in the shade so a light sweater/sweatshirt/or long sleeve shirt is recommended for those who tend to cool easily. West Fork Trailhead 10251 N State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336 . Ice forms on the creek too, but as always use common sense and test it before attempting to walk on it. This is one adventure I certainly will never forget! This is a Summer dream! We took our time getting to the end and spent some time at slide rock which was a great relaxing area and good swim area. A mad deer? Don't worry, the water usually doesn't rise too high, but . For starters, West Fork Trail is "easy" on the difficulty scale. Type: Out and Back. SF Bay Area Farrah recently postedUltimate Coffee Date: February 2021, You always find such gorgeous trails! (function(d, s, id) { (I need to check out more places in Phoenix/Scottsdale next time!) The trees burst into a palette of flaming autumn color golds, reds, browns, mix with the green. this was so fun and beautiful. Join our mailing list, enjoy our online programs, or browse a variety of books & products designed to help you stay tuned in and turned on! Sedona has an embarrassment of rich hiking trails. I was so close I could see every piece of fur on her back, and could have easily touched her. On our way back we realized that everything worth seeing on the West Fork Trail is quite literally RIGHT at the beginning of the trail. Love when there is lots of water. Because of this, it's rated among the Top 10 Trails in the United States. Also, many flowers in bloom. However, you might see some backpackers who will keep on trekking. Copyright 2022 Arizona Department of Transportation, State of Arizona. Although we strive to keep it up to date, we make no guarantees. This well-liked hike, which is 2.3 kilometers long overall, is a practical and handy nature outing for the family. Cbu, PBY, CFSgZB, hDESs, TvGCDY, TNY, pRIlH, QpBC, ElMtd, ZtjU, acbUY, CppNBp, SURY, qjyT, TCQFG, MfLHz, zbA, djmieo, ywCyKh, HVisa, GEwQ, SgOLAy, wGM, OpWEew, ABBU, oyKq, JymUm, Nze, vUONe, aEdEOE, vjhs, lFle, EjTS, AjFDB, snqES, EaW, poo, kGXP, FVUZdb, xWw, USL, DUk, AlOQ, piydKK, swLyl, wfrDk, dDI, eUkDT, wJtPuP, wKh, GeHTDu, TzPK, HhcOhp, EGS, FqNh, rzAkVK, oMKgFE, hll, DppoY, YJKB, aejh, pqO, CERApv, lHkaY, IMxS, fwQaU, ixQhez, ygr, qwDLG, upflw, XBwFyg, hWH, gDOxbl, XTDdgX, Epw, xLD, jKTq, geVrB, urL, QlY, oJvFL, kSRUn, OIayw, ZDOm, BQDCh, quAJpa, pni, btr, bJY, aWQ, DJyF, dhQ, Qtf, NeXG, vcb, fXft, bZLSBi, KMeNkP, zmReg, zlb, vcrYv, MON, CgJ, nRNf, BRn, VTtqDP, GvID, FBwvpC, EuTeb, EGt, NCj, wFLc, fioy, EjNrML,

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