West Fork Oak Creek, Sedona AZ

• 5-star hike
• 6 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 560 ft | Peak 5,660 ft
• Sedona, AZ | Southwest US
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The image shows a scenic view of a narrow canyon with steep, red rock walls and a shallow stream running through it. The canyon is surrounded by tall pine trees and lush greenery, with a clear blue sky overhead. The rock formations are intricate and weathered, creating interesting textures and shapes.

Time-worn channels through the red sandstone walls.

Trekking up Oak Creek’s West Fork offers one of the best hiking experiences in Sedona, an area already renowned as a hiker’s paradise. The steep, canyon walls and the shade provided by trees make this a perfect trail for those looking to escape the heat of the Arizona sun. Trace the creek upstream along pleasant, sandy trails with thirteen separate river crossings, and enjoy the imposing views of the canyon walls towering above. Unless the waters are high, the crossings are relatively easy, and the elevation gain on this trail is both moderate and gradual.

Set out on the trail by following a concrete-paved path. Cross the footbridge, and then bear left through an orchard toward the canyon entrance. Just before reaching the canyon entrance, you’ll come across the ruins of Mayhew’s Lodge. Built in the 1870s, the lodge served visitors for a century before succumbing to fire in 1976. The lodge was also briefly a movie location, serving as the backdrop for the 1922 film Call of the Canyon. Though the movie wasn’t exactly a box-office smash, you’re unlikely to find it on Netflix anytime soon.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ West Fork Trail 6.3 mi out & back, moderate, gain 560 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

As you enter the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, you'll encounter the first of many creek crossings. Use this initial crossing as a measure of difficulty; no crossing upstream is more challenging than the first.

To get the most out of this trail, we recommend bringing a second pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. While it’s possible to enjoy the hike without submerging your feet, wading up the creek is fun, and you won’t want to get blisters from hiking back in wet footwear.

The image shows a scenic hiking trail with a group of people walking along a dirt path. The trail is surrounded by lush green trees and grass, with a backdrop of rocky, red cliffs and a clear blue sky. The landscape appears to be a mix of forest and desert terrain.

Hiking from green meadow to rocky canyon.

At the end of the trail marked on our map, the sandy trail gives way to a final section of rocky river-stone path. Beyond this point, the canyon walls close in around you. Take in the stunning views, seize photo opportunities, and marvel at how the water has etched away the rock over millennia. If you’re suitably equipped, you can continue wading upstream for up to another half mile. The pebbly creek bed can be hard on bare feet, but it might be tolerable. Take care on the smoother rock surfaces, which can be particularly slippery.

Located eleven miles north of Sedona, the trailhead at the Call of the Canyon day-use area is positioned on a bend in the road. When we visited, a sign marked “West Fork Oak Creek” identified the spot. A parking fee is required, and the daily Red Rock Pass is not valid here. This hike is extremely popular, and parking spots are limited, so arrive as early as possible for the best chance of securing entry.

a person walking on a wooden bridge with metal railings, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. The person is wearing a hat, a white long-sleeve shirt, light-colored pants, and a red backpack. In the background, there are rocky cliffs with vegetation growing on them, under a clear blue sky.

a tall tree with a rocky cliff in the background. The cliff has distinct layers and textures, and the sky is clear and blue.

More views from the West Fork Trail.

The image shows a narrow canyon with steep, rocky walls and a shallow stream running through it. Three people are walking through the stream, with one person in the foreground using walking poles. The canyon walls are composed of layered red rock, and there is some vegetation growing on the ledges and at the base of the canyon.

Bring some water shoes to get the most of this trail.

Tangents:
• Official: Forest Service
• AllTrails Public: West Fork Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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