TRAIL DESCRIPTION

You know those days where you just need to get lost in nature, splash through a babbling brook and surround yourself with greenery? West Fork trail is the perfect place for that. This is an easy hike, that offers jaw-dropping views the entire venture. There are picnic tables, toilets and trash cans available for use. This is a super popular hike, so try coming out as early as you can so you can actually snag a parking spot! This is also a great area for birding.

TRAIL STATS

Length: 6.9 mi
Trail Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain/Loss: 839 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Kid Friendly: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Yes, On leash.
Accessibility: Paved parking lot
Fee/Permit: $10 per vehicle, up to 5 people or $2 per person walk-in fee
Hours: 9a.m.- 7p.m.

THE HIKE

Before you really get started on this hike you first cross over a small bridge and pass by some historic ruins of what used to be Mayhew’s Oak Creek Lodge. These are both great spots to take pictures at. This should only take you about 2-3 hours to hike, but you’ll most likely want to spend all day here.

On this trail you will be hiking alongside and crossing over the creek. There are many spots where you have to cross the creek but there are strategically placed rocks in the water for you to hop across. The rocks are very slippery and usually wobbly, so don’t be surprised if you lose your footing and end up ankles deep in the creek. It’s all a good time though.

This is about a 7-mile hike, it has a steady incline you don’t really notice and the hike goes by rather quickly. This is by far the most uniquely beautiful hike Sedona has to offer. Every part of this hike is stunning. From the red rocks that are reaching up to the sky to the greenery decorating the Creekside.

This is a great hike for children because the creek usually didn’t get deeper than ankle high. This is also a great hike to take your dogs on since it’s mainly shaded and has the water for them to cool off in. There are numerous spots to take breaks at if needed.

Once you get to the end of the maintained trail you can actually venture on further. If you’ve managed to keep your feet dry up until this point, this surely will change if you choose to go on! I highly recommend going further, even if it’s only a couple hundred feet. The canyon walls start to close around you and this makes for an insane picture.

Once you start heading back you’ll take in all the views you missed. You realize you’ve become a pro at jumping from rock to rock since you end up to doing it over a dozen times each way. This is one of those hikes where you get a little sad when you see the parking lot because you have to go home now.

GETTING THERE

West fork trail is about 25 minutes from central Sedona. Once you’re on State Route 89A you’ll stay on there for about 11 miles. You’ll drive past the little Dairy Queen and Slide Rock. The drive itself is stunning. There’s not too much of a heads up for the turn into the parking lot, but it will be on your left if you’re coming from Sedona. There is an entrance fee you have to pay to get into the parking lot.

HIKING TIPS

Pack it in, Pack it out!
Bring shoes you don’t mind getting wet, and a change of socks for the car ride back!
Water and snacks are a must for this since it should take you about 2-3 hours.

THE NARRATOR

This blog was thoughtfully written by Gabby Martinez. You can find her on Instagram at @gabb.martinez.

* Please remember to hike at your own risk. To learn more please refer to our Hiking Disclaimer.

Hike | West Fork Trail | Sedona