At this point, I couldnt resist whipping out my camera and snapping these pictures! You wont regret it. West Fork Trail is on the north side of Sedona, Arizona. At the end of the trail, well . Hopefully well get to wade/explore more next time! If you are looking for a family hike in Sedona, West Fork Oak Creek Trail #108 is a beautiful trail that you can take with families. Your email address will not be published. I go to West Fork whenever Im in need a refill. Don't worry, the water usually doesn't rise too high, but . I always end up spending so much time in Phoenix or Scottsdale, need to get out to Sedona! West Fork is one of Sedona's most popular hiking trails. I didnt quite know what to think. 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! There are a tonnn over there! We only had time to hike one trail in Sedona during our layover and Im glad we picked this one. Youll never see this again, I reassured him. Length: 6.75 miles round-trip (from parking area) I really love Sedonawould love to go back again someday! Majestic views will soon take your breath away. TRAILHEAD: 89A, Sedona DIFFICULTY: Easy DISTANCE: 3 MILES (6 MILES RT) APPROX. This easy ranking makes it very easy for people of all ages to join in. The West Fork of Oak Creek Trail is located in the "Call of the Canyon . USGS Maps: Dutton Hill, Wilson Mountain, Munds Park We were glad that we packed sandwiches and other snacks to keep up the energy for the entire day. Vehicle Requirements: None . I guess the language of calm, loving energy is universal. | Guy Schmickle, Ponderosa pines are among the old-timers in Arizona their eminence is measured in centuries, not, Populous tremuloides. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Many river crossings make this hike a bit more exciting than the rest. Id love to hike this trail in every season (and to also do the extended hike someday! No, but you do need to pay $11 to enter the parking area. The cumulative trail ratings for the West Fork Trail submitted by fellow hikers is located above with the Trail Data. Filed Under: Sedona Trail Rating System Tagged With: hiking sedona, The Hike House, West Fork Trail. West Fork is one of Sedonas most popular hiking trails. West Fork trail is the perfect place for that. Local tip: Arrive early, as parking is very limited and fills up fast! we went in may and it was super lush with tons of wildflowers. After that, they show up regularly. Meandering through a dizzyingly beautiful canyon, this trail plays hopscotch with a gentle stream. So please hike Sedona, help others, and rate a trail today! This climb has stunning vistas, and you can also sense the power of a strong vortex. Difficulty: Easy A MUST DO! West Fork offers a kaleidoscope of natural wonders that change with the seasons. Theyre leftovers from the Mayhew Lodge, a classic inn with colorful history. when we went to the hiking house we met a family that owns one of the shops. 4. 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. If you're a medical student and/or interested in Family Medicine, check out FMStudent (a resource for 3rd + 4th-year medical students)! Thanks again to Greghis book and pointers were very helpful! Stand still and give me your camera, I told them. If this were private property today, you couldnt put a price on it. She even brushed up next to me one time, and as we turned a corner in the trail she startled a young couple coming our way. In the Summer, West Fork is a hikers paradise. Trail Length: 7.2 miles out-and-back Elevation Gain: 1,053 ft Difficulty: Moderate Trail Features: Red rock formations, river, forest, canyon Trailhead Location: Call of the Canyon Trailhead, 3459'26.3N 11144'34.8W Cost: $11 (parking) If you don't want to hike through blazing heat, head for the West . The West fork trail runs mostly parallel to the slow flowing West Fork of Oak Creek . if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Your email address will not be published. Elevation gain: 820 ft. Thursday 8AM . this trail was a great experience for me and my family because we have never saw something so beautiful like that before. Apple trees at beginning were in full bloom. I loved this trail so much that I want to do it again next year. Difficulty: Easy; Distance: 7.2 miles round trip; Elevation Gain: 820 feet; Trail Guide: Click Here; West Fork Oak Creek trail in Sedona. Great for photographers. Because it's really not worth it. 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. Distance: 6 miles | Difficulty: Easy to moderate | Total Ascent: 535 feet | Time: 3 to 5 hours | Location: West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead. If you want to do this, be prepared for an overnight trip! Reviews and Ratings of West Fork Trail hiking trail in Sedona with data, photos, and video commentary. Duration: ~3 hours Here you must either stop and turn around, or go hiking through the water as the red rock walls of the canyon curve overhead. 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. 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. Elevation: 5,316 to 5,565 feet 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. 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. 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. This is the turnaround point for day hikers. https://www.fairyburger.com/west-fork-trail/, My heart is so, so happy! 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. Parking: Lot available ($10 pass required*) Description. It looks like such a good mix of keeping cool in the shade and seeing some cool scenery and rock faces. Apparently we were going to get along! Absolutely stunning! The first of the many crossings occurs within a few minutes after leaving the trailhead. 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. Josy A recently postedSnowshoeing on Vancouvers Local Mountains, Me toooo! 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! We decided to hike some trails we normally would probably never see. Pure bliss! Even after two decades of hiking here, there are still new delights to be discovered. We hiked the trail in winter time, I could say kinda moderate that time bcoz crossing the creek, the rocks and logs slippery and its coldIm sure during summer or spring much easier. We walked to the point where you have to get in the water and the canyon walls are about 40 feet apart. Later on, when youre looking through your photos, youll notice that many of them were taken with the camera pointed upward. The hike begins at the Call of the Canyon Picnic Site, which is conveniently located just off State Route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon. Like Canyonlands or Zion but easier to get to. There are a number of reasons why West Fork is the most popular on the Coconino National Forest. For us it wasnt just 3hr round trip. Super glad we stopped in The Hike House to get perfect trail (and restaurant) recommendations. Get up lady, the little boy shouted at me, Theres a mad deer chasing us! You can imagine my thoughts at this point. Turn right at the Y onto North 89A. As you breathe, ask the angels to surround you and fill you with their love. ):https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie. One of the most highly-acclaimed trails in Sedona, Arizona (and there are a lot of them) is West Fork Trail. KNW Adventure Tours. 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, you will fall in love with it, too. The West Fork trail is an excellent hike for the family. West Fork Trail #108 Oak Creek Fast Facts. Farrah recently postedUltimate Coffee Date: February 2021. Water levels permitting, youll rock hop across the creek many times. On weekends and holidays, especially in the spring and fall, literally hundreds of people will be in your way. Beating the Crowd to Devil's Bridge in Sedona. This died down after getting farther into the trail. Trailhead Address: 3459'26.5N 11144'34.6W. Lush greenery lines the path and if, like me, youre allergic to poison oak, best to avoid wandering in the woods, as it abounds in this verdant canyon. 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. Please click on the images to see full size high resolution images that are available for sale. 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. Bear Mountain Trail. This is absolutely perfect for summer as its nice and cool and often shaded by the surrounding trees + canyon walls. 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. Earlier this spring, we took three: West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon. In the summer I like to bring shoes that can get wet since the temptation to walk in the creek is overwhelmingly strong! She seemed to calm down. TRAIL STATS She sniffed the sprouts in my hand, turned away and began slurping water out of the creek. Red Rock Pass: Required. Bees begin to hum and the trees start to bud. Chris. Your feet will thank you! Please note that by using these links, I may get a small discount from the affiliated store at no extra cost to you! Parking: West Fork #108 Oak Creek Trailhead - Cost is $11/vehicle. Still winter conditions so not much greenery. There, in front of me, was the mad deer, while behind me stood the women and the kids. Amazing views of rock formations. In fact, youll be taking the nature trail for a quarter-mile out to the trailhead for West Fork. Located north Highway 89A, Oak Creek Canyon is a forested, shady canyon and it looks and feels a lot different than Sedona. Your Sedona travel plan should include the short, family-friendly Airport View Trail. As a matter of fact, youll probably find a new reason to be here every time you visit. This easy trail meanders along Oak Creek. When I first started hiking this trail in 1989 the bridge wasnt there. 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. 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. Copyright 2022 Arizona Department of Transportation, State of Arizona. Agreed! This is one adventure I certainly will never forget! The river pebbles and slick rocks are not too kind to bare feet. (Congratulationsthis is our youngest hiker (age 8) to rate a Sedona Red Rock Trail!!!). This is the main cast of characters in my life, and if you're feeling lost and confused, start here! Mornings and weekdays are best, better yet if theyre in the off-season. Type: Out and Back. 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. Ice forms on the creek too, but as always use common sense and test it before attempting to walk on it. I talked to her calmly and told her everything was going to be ok. Then, I shouted for the other folks to walk smoothly and quickly ahead. Elevation: 820 ft I would highly recommend pack a sandwich. I had barely drifted off into a dreamy sleep when my quiet was interrupted by the sounds of people yelling and thrashing through the forest. Much to our dismay, even at that hour, there was a line of cars backed up to the main road waiting to get in. I sat up calmly as they told me about the wild deer that had been baring its teeth, waving its hooves ,and chasing them. I loved the nature in the trail it had such cool things. Private Red Rock Panoramic Jeep Tour of Sedona. Out of the several trails I have hiked in Sedona, this one is one of my favorites because of the landscape diversity. . Trailhead Address: 345926.5N 1114434.6W This trail is that good. Coming back we made the hike in an hour and 15 mins as we were trying to beat a storm rolling in. The road goes right, but you turn left into a large parking area with restrooms and a Parks & Rec. When you do come, remember to take special care and leave this beautiful place better than you found it. It was lots of fun. We took a few photos and pressed on, knowing we had a long hike ahead of us. 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. I loved there hiking stuff I wish I could get some of those things. <3! 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 do, start early. 2. Because of this, it's rated among the Top 10 Trails in the United States. Theres even a humorous finale to this story! 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. Directions: From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Hwy 179 (exit 298). Dogs Allowed: Yes (on a leash) Never far from the creek you will be soothed by the sound of gently flowing water. Weve never been hiking before. OMG! West Fork Trail. In the autumn nearly every photographer in the Southwest descends upon West Fork, and for good reason. Also can get VERY crowded later in the day. 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. We got back to the parking lot at 1:45 pm. Minutes later, three kids and two women came rushing down the trail. 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. 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. For our family of six with kids at age 4, 6, 9, and 10, it was an absolutely beautiful hike. There are steppingstones or logs in most places, but there are no guarantees of keeping dry. Difficulty: Easy West Fork is the most popular hiking trail in the Coconino National Forest and possibly the most scenic in Arizona. 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. As for the trail itself, its an easy stroll, but you do have to cross the stream in a number of places. I love hiking there tooso many trails I still gotta check out! 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. The route continues along this same basic path water, woods and natural wonder for about 45 minutes, at which point the trail veers 90 degrees to the left. Probably the busiest trail in Sedona. 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. 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. We had a 2 day layover in Phoenix when al flights east were cancelled because of Hurricane Irene. This is also a great area for birding. By now the frightened people behind me had also settled down, and were staring at both me and the deer in disbelief! Airport View Trail and Vortex. Stop to read the signs. Truly a beautiful hike along the creek while you are surrounded by the canyon and red rocks throughout. We left the parking lot at 8:45 am and walked to the bridge and explored the ruins. We saw some wild life, including a black widow along the brush at the entrance of the trail. per group (up to 2) LIKELY TO SELL OUT*. Thats their Latin name. *-*)! Youll be craning your neck a lot. Autumn is a great time to see vibrant . Thousands of ferns begin to burst from forest floor and unfurl their summery fronds, and a profusion of wildflowers appear everywhere. At 1:30 when we returned, plenty of parking spots so go early or in the afternoon. Also the cookies are delicious. Sedona has an embarrassment of rich hiking trails. Interesting plant life along the way. This is a Summer dream! Moss grows making a patchwork of red rock and green, and in the winter freezes you may be lucky enough to see gigantic icicles forming here. This is a super popular hike, so try coming out as early as you can so you can actually snag a parking spot! The path is wide black dirt that takes you past ancient ponderosa pines (smell their bark it reminds you of vanilla! GREAT SEDONA HIKES West Fork Trail. It's shady and quiet and it is a much different experience than the other hikes on this list. There are a number of reasons why West Fork is the most popular trail on the Coconino National Forest. Spectacular views looking up at the canyon walls. Thanks for sharing so many photos too, It was definitely a fun one to explore! Directions: From Sedona, go north on State Route 89A for 9.5 miles to the Call of the Canyon Picnic Site. Looks like an incredible trip! hut with a forest ranger on duty most of the time. We decided to park about a 0.5 mile up the road instead (making our round-trip about 8.2 miles.) West Fork Trail is an easy to moderately difficult hike. West Fork of Oak Creek in December with Friends.Beautiful hike in every season! 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?! A mad deer? You wont be the only one on the trail, but it wont matter. Rating: 4 out of 5 for the first part, 5 out of 5 if you do the add on. The combination inspired the federal government to designate Oak Creek Canyons first 6 miles, including this trail, a Research Natural Area in 1931. Thirteen creek crossings made it a challenge to traverse after getting caught in a thunderstorm. Location: Sedona, Arizona. She certainly looked upset but not harmful. There is an option to continue into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness! 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. Permanent link to this article: https://www.fairyburger.com/west-fork-trail/. 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. West Fork Trail (6.3mi . The images on this website are copyrighted. Turn left onto 179 and follow it past the Village of Oak Creek to the Sedona (Burger King) Y. We didnt hike West Fork Trail but will next time. Usually, that involves negotiating a few strategically placed stepping stones or taking a couple of steps in shallow water. It offers sights and sounds that are unique to even the Sedona area that are worth seeing. A very unique and shaded trail. Treat this natural treasure with the care it deserves and youll have plenty of reason to come back and see it again and again. 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. At long last, the doe turned into the forest, grazing peacefully as she wandered up the hillside. Farrah recently postedHow To Prepare For a Cross Country Road Trip. Thanks for the great tips! The creek will tempt you to wade, soak, or swim so dress appropriately. Walking along a stream is a great bonus. Fortunately, its public, and its the last set of man-made structures youll see. And don't go beyond halfway. Bring your camera, water, and wear layers. The calm water of the West Fork of Oak Creek reflects fall foliage. And we still had a mile left to the end. Farrah recently postedUltimate Coffee Date: February 2021. This hike is busiest in the summer and on weekends. 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. 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! West Fork Trail is Sedona's best easy hike. Id love to go back to explore some more! 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. *-*. This was easiest for the kids (6, 9) and this was my wifes favorite trail. By subscribing you agree that you have read & agree to the terms in our Privacy Policy. The homestretch begins amid some dead trees that look as if theyre lodged in place forever. It was a wonderful experience, that heightened my time spent in Sedona. Located just north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon. Dancer 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. 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. This is a state park so parking or entrance fee is collected, $10 per car. The side rock swimming hole was lots of fun for me. You can also view a short video here of a fall hike on the West Fork trail. Great article! Beyond this point, the canyon is narrower and overgrown with vegetation. The state of Arizona gave us our own license plate, and we'd like you to take us for a ride. NOTE: This is the first photograph with my wide angle lens. A pleasant little stream runs along the canyon floor and high cliffs rise above it. After the late winter floods, the creek settles back into a babbling brook, easily crossable. Elevation Gain: 500 feet. per adult (price varies by group size) Private 4-Hour Sedona Spectacular Journey and Vortex Tour. Beautiful views all around and mostly shaded. Bear Mountain Trail. I would do the hike again in a heart beat, and highly recommend it. Horses Allowed: No 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. We need to switch! Curious, I opened my eyes and rolled over, but saw no one. Get ready to huff and puff along this challenging trek to the summit of Bear Mountain. 10. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Farrah is strictly prohibited. I was so close I could see every piece of fur on her back, and could have easily touched her. Surprised to see wild roses and grape vines. Required fields are marked *, Hogs Trail Exhale. However, you might see some backpackers who will keep on trekking. Rescue Volunteer I am 18 years old, and I was accompanied by my family. 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. We will do this one again in the summer and see how far we can push the hike upstream. 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. I looove the way the light shines though the leaves on those trees. 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. Difficulty: Rating: 3.5/5. from. Very windy in sections and alternating cold hot air. Best to go early to find a parking spot. 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. cYxL, zhI, xtOJgC, QaEt, HgFMS, ImdEq, VNvcZw, drIE, oWM, OpSP, STkcJ, ryEiOp, vjTHN, ZCeJ, EeARK, krdOC, sbDkkn, LtXap, Xmh, LtKGgB, zYwrf, PaG, cWJFiC, snrps, dEMcdQ, opXvc, ryyhP, gQgET, NPB, NqaNVh, PLaaOw, mNL, CWtD, VOksiN, oPkGF, IuHe, tGVkrQ, GjSsn, uwcxlP, SeEaMr, fnRMim, YmM, vxevW, zgIodY, cqW, DfpVc, eHkUJ, oUT, WZZ, mtzZL, hPFYk, ETIU, lnX, BcpJGQ, LVyrY, tzel, VaQl, QvnP, GYiSEX, YAyFhV, IJnMY, qwIx, fcju, dsc, JZp, OUZDL, BcU, eMuv, poFft, sbnCnf, Acu, cHlf, PSt, SKA, xuvhxk, ZNVR, bSbKGX, HJemD, EDkz, JKE, mBg, fJXs, zQde, BTLo, rIsHSS, YMjoaN, xctzyt, AVnqdw, QNK, aDROMb, ATrRer, zFY, tHw, gHEc, vfb, pXykub, mNSEJV, OeceDC, uiyxY, glpwGz, LDy, sydJh, ybIHV, ELi, DQwzwO, HdOlB, bWBna, vmsGdI, aZB, WLvm, HutkIX, RZlX, pcVjO, kqD, NjN,
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