West Fork: A Spectacular Fall Hike in Sedona Arizona
West Fork Trail is one of the most colorful “fall” hiking trails in Arizona, however, it is a great hike any time of year. West Fork is just north of Sedona in the village of Oak Creek. It is the perfect spot to see the changing colors of the leaves. It is just over 7 miles round trip.
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Where is West Fork Trail?
West Fork Trail is in Sedona, Arizona. From Sedona drive north on 89A past Red Rock Slide Park a little ways. You will see a small parking area on your left side called Call of Canyon Day Use area.
Depending on the time of day you may have to wait for a parking spot to open up.
The trail has a gorgeous backdrop of sandstone and rocks with towering trees and the sound of Oak Creek in the background. Even with a lot of people on this trail, it was very peaceful.
Best Time to Hike West Fork Trail
While the trail is beautiful year-round, the best times to visit are spring and fall. During these seasons, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures and in the fall stunning foliage. Summer is hot, so if you plan to hike then, start early in the morning. Winter hikes are also magical, with the possibility of snow adding an extra layer of beauty to the landscape.
West Fork Trail in Sedona, Arizona
As you begin your journey, you’ll start on a paved pathway and then you’ll cross a footbridge over Oak Creek, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. The trail is well-maintained and follows the creek closely, offering plenty of opportunities to dip your toes in the cool water or snap some incredible photos.
The path will turn into a wide dirt path and then alternates between a smooth to rocky path.
One of the unique features of the West Fork Trail is the numerous creek crossings. Be prepared to hop across stepping stones or wade through shallow water. Waterproof shoes are great to wear on this hike. We had no trouble finding rocks or logs to make our way across the water.
After the footbridge there is a beautiful spot to wade or swim in the water. I think this area is one of the prettiest spots on the trail.
Some notable spots on the trail include:
- The First Arch: A natural rock arch that frames the canyon beautifully.
- The Caves: Small, shallow caves that are fun to explore and make for great photo ops.
- Historic Ruins: The remains of Mayhew Lodge, an early 20th-century homestead, offering a glimpse into the area’s past.
In October, the red-leafed maple trees are very pretty with the backdrop of the blue sky and red rock. This is also a great spot to hike in the summer because there is a lot of shade on this trail.
There are toilets and picnic tables at this area. You can take your dogs here too. The trail is 3.5 miles long and takes about 2 hours to hike.
Distance: 7 miles round trip from trailhead.
Elevation Change: 230 feet
Fee Site: Yes, as of 2024 it is a $12.00 fee. You cannot use a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass for this site.
Looking for more gorgeous hikes in Sedona? Check out our blog post on Sedona, Arizona Hikes with the Best Views.
- Book a Flight to Sedona: To Sedona the closest airport is Flagstaff Pulliam and Sky Harbor in Phoenix.
- Rent a Car to Sedona: You can rent a car in Flagstaff or Phoenix and drive to Sedona. Alternatively, you can leave the driving to someone else and take a bus tour from Phoenix to Sedona.
- Where to Stay in Sedona: Choose from hotels, motels, resorts, airbnb, vrbo, cabins, and camp sites in Sedona.
- Tours to Take in Sedona
