A Quiet Stroll at West Fork in Sedona, AZ

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West Fork Trail

There are a number of reasons why West Fork is the most popular trail on the Coconino National Forest. You'll know some of them once you've strolled beside the pleasant little stream that ripples along the canyon floor and looked up, way up, at the dizzying cliffs that tower above it. You'll know even more if you come in the spring,when migrating songbirds decorate the trees with flashes of brilliance, or in the fall when pastel leaves float in clear reflecting pools under a canopy of solid color. You can even add to that list if you come in the winter, when icicles hang from red rock overhangs and snatches of snow persist in cool shadows. As a matter of fact, you'll probably find a new reason to be here every time you visit.

A Simple Map of West Fork

Stroll Along the Trail 

As for the trail itself, it's an easy stroll, but you do have to cross the stream in a number of places. Usually, that involves negotiating a few strategically placed stepping stones or taking a couple of steps in shallow water. The trail is marked for the first three miles; however, many hikers continue beyond that. Eventually the pathway ends and you will be forced to hike in the stream bed as you continue into the Secret Mountain/Red Rocks Wilderness. If you choose to travel all 14 miles from one end of the canyon to the other, plan to do a lot of wading and boulder hopping, and even some swimming.

Sedona Trails Map 

Sedona Trails Map

Sedona Trails Map

by: Emmitt Barks Cartography

Amazon Price: $11.00 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

The Sedona Trails Map depicts more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails in Sedona's world-famous, breathtaking, red rock country. Features include easy-to-read shaded topography, trail mileage, summary information for all 94 trails shown on the map, vertical profiles for 60 trails, and UTM coordinates for GPS users. Other information includes campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, wilderness areas, landmarks, scenic views, and vortexes. Printed two sides in full color on durable, waterproof, tear-resistant synthetic paper. Unfolded size is 24 x 37 inches; folds down to 4 x 7.75 inches. The scale is 1:29,000.

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Crossing the Bridge to the Trail

Pick the Best Time to Visit 

No matter how long a hike you take here, you'll enjoy it best if you come at a time when the trail is least crowded. Mornings and weekdays are best, better yet if they're in the off-season.

When you do come, remember to take special care and leave this beautiful place better than you found it. Of course you know not to litter, but picking flowers and autumn leaves can cause just as unsightly a scar. So can short-cutting or rock throwing. Treat this natural treasure with the care it deserves and you'll have plenty of reason to come back and see it again and again.

Towering Cliffs Abound

Gateway to Sedona Visitor and Web Guide 

Gateway to Sedona Visitor and Web Guide

Gateway to Sedona Visitor and Web Guide

by: Gateway To Sedona

Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

The Gateway To Sedona Visitor & Web Guide is the ultimate travel companion for anyone interested in visiting Sedona, the Verde Valley and Northern Arizona.

Remnants of Past Years

West Fork at a Glance 

Length: 3 miles

Rating: Easy

Use: Heavy

Season: All year

Hiking time: 2-3 hours round trip

Notes: No mechanized vehicles in Wilderness. This trail can become extremely crowded, especially on summer weekends. It is also closed during times of high fire danger, usually in late June.

USGS Maps: Dutton Hill, Mountainaire, Wilson Mtn., Munds Park

Location: 17.5 miles south of Flagstaff (9.5 miles north of Sedona) on paved roads in scenic Oak Creek Canyon.

Access: Drive south 17.5 miles south from Flagstaff or north 9.5 miles from Sedona to about halfway between milepost 385 and 384. The trailhead is on the west side of the highway down a paved lane that leads behind a few creekside houses. The best place to park is at the Call O' The Canyon day-use area (see above).

For more information contact:
Red Rock Ranger District, P.O. Box 20249, Sedona AZ 86341, (928) 282-4119

Click here for a pdf flyer on the West Fork full canyon trip.

Best Easy Day Hikes Sedona 

Best Easy Day Hikes Series

Best Easy Day Hikes Sedona (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)

Best Easy Day Hikes Sedona (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)

by: Bruce Grubbs

Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

A guide to 30 of the best day hikes in the Sedona area. Accurate maps and detailed directions make this conveniently pocket-sized handbook both easy to use and authoritative.

Oak Creek is Full of Trout

Crystal-Clear Water

The Natural Wonders of Sedona - Timeless Beauty 

The Natural Wonders of Sedona - Timeless Beauty

The Natural Wonders of Sedona - Timeless Beauty

Amazon Price: $23.99 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

This 45 minute movie reveals why Arizona's Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon were voted "The Most Beautiful Place in America" by USA Weekend. Experience over 14 years of filming through all seasons capturing the most dramatic moments of nature in the Red Rocks. An unforgettable visual and musical treat ... see things and go places beyond what most Sedona residents experience in a lifetime!

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West Fork Trail at Sedona 

Tyrus hiked the West Fork Trail this week ~ beautiful

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Let us know you visited today... 

Lensmaster

Beverlyzz wrote...

Sedona is beautiful. We have been there a number of times and stayed at a friend's cottage down on Oak Creek.

ReplyPosted April 30, 2009

Lensmaster

Ramkitten wrote...

Being from "up the hill" in Flagstaff, I've visited West Fork a number of times. One thing I haven't done yet is a thru-hike (thru-wade? thru-swim?). It's on my list of things to do, though. Very nice lens ya have here. 5*

ReplyPosted January 18, 2009

Lensmaster

tdove wrote...

Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!

ReplyPosted January 14, 2009

Lensmaster

monarch13 wrote...

I am shaking your New Giant Squid Tentacles in heartfelt Congratulations!

Michelle (Monarch 13) from down the road in Tucson...

ReplyPosted January 14, 2009

Lensmaster

GypsyLyric wrote...

I drove up to Sedona many times when I lived in Mesa and loved it. Such a beautiful place with so much to explore. I hope to go back sometime again.

ReplyPosted January 11, 2009

 
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Magnificent Red Rock

At the Trail Head

Oak Creek

Beautiful Cliff Walls

Beautiful Cliff Walls

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