Sedona is known for its vortexes and beautiful red rocks, but this trail may be the most magical ✨ one of all. If you’ve always dreamed of hiking the Narrows in Zion, then you’ll need to do this hike. The West Fork Canyon Trail in Oak Creek is absolutely mesmerizing.
I have now been to Sedona three times and this is the one trail that far exceeded my expectations. It’s wonderful to walk through the cool water while the red rock canyon walls extend high above and light dances off the canyon walls. It is spectacular and a must do!
In the summer, it’s the perfect swimming hole! 💦 As you make your way along this trail that follows Oak Creek as it winds its way through the canyon.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know about hiking the West Fork Canyon trail. This guide includes the best time to go, how to get to the trail, and a detailed trail description.
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How to Hike The West Fork Canyon Trail in Sedona
West Fork Canyon Trail Overview:
Before getting into all the details, here are some things you should know before planning your trip to Sedona!
- Getting There: The closest larger airport to Sedona is Phoenix. Phoenix is just a two hour drive from Sedona.
- Entrance Fee: There is a $12 fee to park or a $3 per person to walk in/bike in.
- Where to Stay: Camp along Forest Road 525, backcountry camp on the trail, or stay in Sedona.
- How to Get Around: You’ll need to have a car to get to this trailhead.
- Best Time to Visit: April-October
- How Long to Visit: 2-7 Days
Quick Hike Info
Distance: 6.5-9 miles
Elevation: 560 Feet
Type: Out and Back
Length: 2-4 Hours (depends on how far you decide to go)
Difficulty: Moderate (you have to do some stream crossings)
How to Get to the West Fork Canyon Trail
Luckily, getting to the West Fork Trail is incredibly easy! It’s just 20 minutes from downtown Sedona and 30 minutes from Flagstaff 🚙. So, if you’re based in either area then it’s a fantastic day hike.
The West Fork Canyon trailhead is off of 89A. So you’ll take the highway South from Flagstaff or North from Sedona to get to the parking area. The parking is between milepost 385 and 384.
The easiest way to get to Sedona is to fly into Phoenix and drive 2 hours to this beautiful area! ✈️
Things to Know Before You Go
💵 Unfortunately, a Red Rocks pass does not work here. It costs $12 to park a vehicle there or $3 per person for walking in.
☀️ The sun in Sedona is extremely strong, so make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen and bring water to drink!
⛺️There are 8 camping spots in the backcountry area along this trail. They are all first-come, first-served. The only way to get there is to hike 2.75 miles past the end of the maintained trail in the water.
🦮 Pets must be leashed at all times on the trail
⚠️ Flash floods are very dangerous in this area! Flash floods carve these canyon walls and create a torrent of water. If there are any signs of rain or storms then you should avoid this trail.
💦 The trail has river crossings and areas where you can walk in the water. Bring waterproof shoes and hiking poles to help with stability.
🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.
Best Time to Hike West Fork Canyon Trail
Fall is definitely one of the best times to hike the trails. The weather is still good and gorgeous yellows 💛 cover the trees in the canyon. It’s one of the most popular trails in the Fall, so get there early if you want to have alone time on the trail.
However, spring and summer are also fantastic times so hike the West Fork Trail. Even on hot days, you can hide in the shade of the canyons and go swimming in the cool water of Oak Creek. It’s a great swimming hole and a lovely trail!
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Packing Guide
We loved the West Fork Canyon trail and were so happy that we brought water shoes! Our favorite park of the hike was past the maintained portion, where you needed to wade through water. But, we hiked the first part of the trail in boots and changed into our water shoes for the creek area.
If you go in the hotter months, then you’ll definitely also want a bathing suit 👙 or clothes you can swim in. That’s half the fun!
Packing List
- Comfortable Hiking Boots
- Water Shoes
- Day Pack
- Hiking poles
- Water Reservoir
- 1-2 Liters of Water
- Snacks and Food
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Satellite phone
- Camera Clip
Where to Stay in Sedona
Luckily, Sedona has tons of options for places to stay. You can book high end luxury resorts or you can stay in a cute home in the area. If you want to be close to things I recommend staying in Sedona proper. However, if you want to be closer to the trail here then Oak Creek is a wonderful area to stay in!
If you are a camper like me, then you can stay at one of the five designated camping spots on Forest Road 525. There are also a large variety of campsites you can book ahead ⛺️. There are tons of great places to choose from for your Sedona stay!
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West Fork Canyon Trail Description
Lodge Ruins
A few feet after entering the trail, you’ll cross a bridge and come upon ruins along the trail. This red stoned building used to be Mayhew’s Lodge. This lodge is from the late 1800s, but it burned down in the mid 1900s.
You can go over to the lodge and see it in more detail or continue on. Once you get past this lodge, you will get to the beginning of the canyon trail.
Through the Canyon
This is where the real part of this trail begins through the canyon wall. The creek winds its way through the canyon, so at times you will need to cross over the creek. There are 13 creek crossings throughout the trail. Although none of them are super difficult, you will want to take your time and watch your footing!’
Soon, the trail will wind even deeper into the canyon. There is an option at one point to walk along the river or to cross to higher ground. We ended up crossing because it seemed easier.
Just before the end of the trail, the path goes up through the trees and then immediately descends again. This is the largest elevation gain of the trail and it’s not too much.
Finally, you’ll get to the sandy resting area at the end of the maintained trail. There is a beautiful view of the creek with the canyon walls rising up on either side. This is where many people stop, but if you have water shoes then I recommend you continue further! 🥾
Unmaintained Trail & Walking Through Water
Now, you’re getting to the most magical part of this hike! Walk into the water and submerge yourself into the canyon. As you walk through the water, you’ll notice tantalizing reflections on the canyon walls.
We chose to continue for about a mile further through the creek’s waters. At times, the water reached above our knees, but it never got deeper than that. If you choose to continue just make sure to watch your step and go slowly because there are slippery moments.
One of the best parts of this was having the area all to ourselves. No one else was around so we could just take in all of the beauty. 😍 This trail truly is magical and I highly recommend you visit!
Final Tips for Hiking the West Fork Canyon Trail
West Fork Canyon is one of the most unique hikes in Sedona and it should definitely be on your bucket list! ⭐️ Wading through the creek with gorgeous rock formations on either side is a sight to behold. If you want to avoid the crowds, then you will need to get to the trail early or go on week days! Make sure to pack water shoes, a swimsuit, and prepare for a fun day in Oak Creek.
Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this guide!
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Ahh, I’ve been to Sedona four times and have never hiked this! It’s on my list for next time though 😍 This guide is extremely helpful!!
This was one of my favorites!! You gotta do it next time
I remember all the river crossings here..great advice! Love this hike
It was incredible! Would have loved to swim, if it was just a bit hotter