West Fork Of Oak Creek Trail

West Fork of Oak Creek Trail in Sedona is a beautiful getaway to a lush forested trail in the Coconino National Forest that crosses Oak Creek numerous times as you make your way up the high-walled picturesque canyon.

One of the interesting undercut sections

One of the nice things about the West Fork Trail is that you can follow if out and back as far as you feel comfortable, creating a short or long walk. Some people will be taking the trail the entire 14 miles typically back-packing, while others will just be on a leisurely walk to the first stream crossing at 0.75 miles from the start.

Reflections in the still waters of the canyon

The first three miles of the trail are maintained and marked, and easy to follow through the canyon bottom never straying too far from the stream bed of Oak Creek. You will cross the stream 13 times in those first 3 miles, never more than ankle deep even in the wettest season, and often across strategically placed stepping stones.

The trail is almost always semi-shaded by trees and the towering canyon walls, which makes this the perfect Sedona hike if you want to beat the heat.

The area is very photogenic, especially in the early mornings in the spring and fall. The rock formations along the stream are undercut in some places and early morning sunlight lights the rock under the underhangs similarly to the Subway in Zion.

The water has undercut the canyon walls in some places creating interesting formations

The majority of hikers will hike the first 1-4 miles of the trail. Eventually, the maintained pathway ends and the route becomes more strenuous, with the canyon walls closing in and you are forced to hike in the water of the stream bed with wading and boulder hopping, and possibly some swimming.

Notes

Dogs okay on leash
Water shoes, and can be water up to the waist if you go far enough
Good shade, no need to do it early or late in the day
Water all year
Hiking poles for balance on stream crossings
The parking lot can fill up by 9 am and then people will resort to parking along the canyon road and walking to the entrance

Photo Notes

A wide variety of focal lengths work on this hike from wide to short telephotos as you work on compositions using the unique formations by the streambed

Getting there

10 miles north of Sedona on Highway 89A

Parking ( 34.990694, -111.742944 )

Call of the Canyon, West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead – large paved lot

Cost

$12 per vehicle for parking

Distance

1-28 miles total out and back, maintained path for first 3 miles, relatively easy for the first 6-7 miles.

West Fork of Oak Creek Trail

A beautiful getaway to a lush forested trail in the Coconino National Forest that crosses Oak Creek numerous times as you make your way up the high-walled picturesque canyon.