West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead
4.8(2.4K)google
4.6(125)yelp
Hiking
Overview
Frequently ranked as one of the best hiking trails in the entire Southwest, this enchanting canyon trail follows a perennial stream beneath towering, sheer red sandstone cliffs. The trail requires multiple easy rock-hopping stream crossings, leading hikers through lush, shaded forests of maples and apple orchards that offer cooling shade during summer and a brilliant explosion of fall foliage.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeAutumn from mid-to-late October to early November is the undisputed peak. Because the temperature inside the red-rock canyon is cool then, the maples and oaks covering the hills turn completely to brilliant deep red and golden yellow—stunning colors
Getting ThereLocated beside the scenic AZ-89A between Sedona and Flagstaff (about at the Call of the Canyon recreation area). Parking requires buying a separate entrance fee per vehicle; the U.S. National Park annual pass is not valid here
Travel Tips
- This is recognized as one of the top canyon hikes in the U.S.; about 3.3 miles one way (about 11 km round trip), the trail winds through deep red-rock canyon cliffs, and along the way you must cross the clear stream by stepping on rocks more than a dozen times in a row
- The trail is overall very gentle with almost no steep climbs, so it's very friendly to most ordinary visitors, but because of the frequent stream crossings, it's highly recommended to bring professional trekking poles for balance and wear waterproof, anti-slip outdoor hiking shoes
- The official parking lot at the trailhead is extremely small (holding only a few dozen cars), and roadside illegal parking is strictly forbidden by law; once it's full it closes completely, so you must go early at dawn to queue for entry
Reviews
Positive
- Going in autumn is simply as beautiful as heaven! Red cliffs wrap around golden maple leaves, with a babbling clear stream beneath your feet; every rock-hop across the river is full of fun—a uniquely lively, beautiful scene found nowhere else in Arizona
- Extremely high shade coverage! Compared to Sedona's other sun-baked hardcore red-rock trails, here there are towering cliffs and dense woods providing shade all day, making it extremely cool and comfortable to walk—very healing
Heads up
- Parking spots are so hard to grab! Arriving at 8 a.m. there was already a long line at the gate, and after waiting over an hour by the road for a car to leave, we were let in—an extreme test of visitor patience