Hiking The West Fork Oak Creek Trail
by Christina Timberlake

Early in the hike, the canyon walls rise up hundreds of feet leaving little room for much else besides the stream itself. The trail is narrow in these spots and visitors are forced to cross the stream several times. The stream can be crossed fairly easily by the use of some conveniently placed stones and fallen logs in the creek bed. Those less trusting of their footwork need not worry, as the stream, during most seasons, is only a few inches deep in those spots.

During wetter months the creek holds small pools with depths of about 3 feet. These pools can be home to a few varieties of small fish including trout. Mile markers are posted about every half-mile making the trail easy to follow. However in the places where the trail crosses the stream there are occasional spur trails running on either side of the stream.

Although the stunning reds and oranges of the canyon walls remain constant year round, the surrounding scenery changes depending on the season. During the spring and early summer months (March – June) the canyon and its surrounding scenery is in full bloom with native wildflowers, songbirds, and hummingbirds providing a stark contrast of color in various places. The high and magnificent canyon walls shade the trail throughout most of the day thereby offering visitors a refreshing break from the hot dry summer months (June – August). In the Autumn months (September – November) the foliage turns from deep greens to shades of red, pink, and gold and sprinkles leaves along the trail. Winter months (December – February) bring a blanket of white to the trail and, in places along the canyon walls, icicles form.

Access to the West Fork Oak Creek Trail can be found just off US Highway 89, which winds its way down from the higher elevations and dense forests of Flagstaff into the red rock canyons of Sedona and outer regions of the Arizona high desert. Look for the entrance to the trailhead, and the Call O' The Canyon daypark and carpark, half way between 385 and 384 mile markers on Highway 85. In high tourist seasons parking spots can be almost impossible to find on Highway 89 and the road is narrow and winding in many spots. Visitors may just opt to purchase the $3 parking pass and park in the trailhead Call O' The Canyon carpark. From the carpark a path follows Oak Creek downstream past the remnants of an early 1900’s abandoned settlement. The trail formally begins at the junction of West Fork and several other trailheads, and continues on for three miles of well-beaten and well-marked trail.

Allow 2-3 hours to complete the 6-mile round-trip excursion. For those looking for a more extensive hiking experience, the trail does continue on for an additional 11 miles into the Secret Mountain/Red Rocks Wilderness, making it an excellent all-day trip. As the end of the marked 3-mile portion of the hike concludes, the path becomes steep, briefly leading visitors away from the creek, and then directing them back down into the creek bed. From this point, those hikers planning to continue on can expect to get their feet wet as they hike down the creek. The longer hike rewards its visitor with much of the same stunning natural beauty as the first 3 miles but also with occasional waterfalls and deeper pools. Depending on the season and water levels, hikers should be prepared to wade and even swim their way along the trail through pools as deep as 6 feet in some places. Throughout the subsequent 11 miles protruding cliffs offer shelter and places to build a fire and camp.

The only drawback to the West Fork Oak Creek Trail is its popularity. During the summer months the trail is particularly crowded, making it perhaps more attractive for the novice, in that they may feel more secure having others nearby. Seasoned hikers looking for solitude need not rule out this trail however, as the longer trail option offers the seclusion and quiet that the first 3 miles of the trail does not.

Note: No motorized vehicles are allowed here and during periods of high fire danger this trail is closed. Please contact the local Forest Ranger station at Red Rock Ranger District, P.O. Box 300, Sedona AZ 86336, (928) 282-4119 for more information.

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