West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon

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West fork of Oak Creek canyon
Fall colors along the Westfork trail
Map: Westfork trail
Elevation plot: Westfork trail
Along the Westfork trail
Water in Westfork
Fall colors along the Westfork trail
west fork of Oak Creek Canyon
West fork of Oak Creek canyon trail
West fork of Oak Creek canyon

Location

How to Get There
This hike is located near Sedona, AZ.

From the Sedona area, take HWY 89A towards Flagstaff and up the Oak Creek Canyon. 10 miles from Sedona is the entrance to the signed West Fork Trailhead parking area (near milepost 384). As of Nov 2015, it is $10 to park. During the summer, the parking lot opens at 8am, in the winter at 9am. Get there early if you can, this parking lot fills up quickly!
city
sedona
state
az
Region
Sedona

Hike details

Distance
7.00 [Miles] Total
Hike Distance- Details
7.0 miles for this out and back.
Time
3.50 [Hours]
Time-details
It took us three hours with a 30 minute stop for lunch.
Elevation Change
400 Total gain/loss [Feet]
Elevation Details
about 400 ft gradual gain.
Hike Trail Type
Out and Back
Special Features
Water

Season

Best Season
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
Season Details
Especially nice in the fall with the leaves changing
Date Hike completed
January 04, 2004

Solitude

Solitude
Low
Solitude Details
You will not find any on this hike. Word of this hike has gotten around, and with the addition of the parking area, it's extremely popular.

Difficulty

Difficulty Rating
Easy
difficulty detail
Flat and relaxing. This is an easy hike.

Permits

Be Aware of
Pay to park, creek crossings

Hike up the Westfork trail in Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, Arizona.

This is a good hike in the summer months. It's always nice to be able to hike next to a babbling stream. 

You'll cross the creek several times during this hike, while walking through a lush and tree lined canyon. The rock hopping across the creek is the most challenging part of this hike (not including finding a parking spot). 

You can continue upstream from the first big pool, but to continue includes lots of wading, swimming, and boulder hopping.

In the fall, the leaves changing colors adds a whole new dimension to this hike. Enjoy!

Map

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