West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead — Attraction in Sedona

This place is very crowded and the path is super sandy for a while, but it’s worth it for the views at the end.

What I liked: I hiked in the water toward the end and it was very quiet. The slot canyon past the “end” was beautiful. Almost the entire hike was shaded. Most people seemed to turn back before the better views.

What I didn’t like: It was very crowded. Trail etiquette was basically non-existent. The sand was so deep in spots, that it was difficult to maintain a steady pace. Every water crossing was a bottleneck, even though you can stay dry on most crossings, people couldn’t seem to figure that out. Parking gets full very quick, you need to get there at sunrise for a close spot.

Let me share a longer story. I arrived at 9 AM on a Thursday and the main lot was already full and closed. I went up the road for another short hike at Harding Springs. I got back to my car and there were vehicles lined up everywhere. Knowing there was no shot to get closer parking, I walked about just under a mile to the trailhead. Luckily, there was a makeshift path on the west side of the road, on the safe side of the guardrail. Don’t even attempt to walk on the east side, as it’s mostly cliffs and you’ll be walking in the road.

Once I arrived, it was only $2 to walk in, so that was nicer than having to pay for parking. The trail started paved and shaded, then it turned to a wide (maybe 8 feet) sandy path in the sun. It was very crowded at 11 AM on a Thursday. The path gradually got narrower and more sandy, but at least the shade returned before too long.

The first thing that I noticed was that there was virtually no trail etiquette. It seems like a lot of newbie hikers, tourists and families come here. That’s fine, but you had people blocking the path taking selfies, while kids literally sat in the sand like it was a sandbox, blocking your way. It felt very weird and frustrating. When you wanted to pass, many groups wouldn’t move aside to let you.

About a mile before “the end” I got in the water to hike up the rest of the way. This is when things got much better. Not a single person was walking up the creek. It was peaceful and quiet. The water was generally no higher than knee deep. When I got to the end, there were several people hanging around a pool of water. I continued up and once again, I was the only person there. Within a few hundred yards, I was treated to a beautiful slot canyon. The water was almost waist deep in a few spots here, but you could keep it shallower if you were careful. I kept hiking for maybe a mile or so up. The views were stunning. I probably could have gone further up, but I didn’t have a ton of time and I think I already saw the best views.

On the way back, I started to see a few people walking in the water. I also noticed several people lose the trail. Apparently the trail gets harder to follow around the last mile, but since I was in the water most of the time, I didn’t notice that.

I walked back at a fast clip, power walking really, to get by the crowds of people. Once I hit the deeper sand, it was difficult to go fast. Every water crossing was frustrating, as people were either overly cautious or downright confused. I wore hiking shoes and barely got them wet at all. Yes, I wore water shoes while hiking UP the creek at the end, but crossing it is easy if you stay on the rocks or walk over one of the many logs.

By the end, I had clocked in just over 9.4 miles. Keep in mind that I added nearly 2 miles for where I parked and I went beyond the end of the trail to explore the slot canyon.

If I hadn’t made it to the end, I might have rated this trail 3 or even 2 stars. There’s not much to see for the first half and it’s so crowded that you can’t really enjoy it. I like kids, but there were too many of them here. Kids playing in the sand, blocking the path taking selfies and families who had trouble making it over the shallow water crossings.

The end felt like a mini Narrows-like adventure. I didn’t see a single person past the end of the trail, so I had the slot canyon...

Tranquil Beauty at West Fork Oak Creek Trail, Arizona

My recent hike along the West Fork Oak Creek Trail in Arizona was a serene journey into the heart of nature's beauty. Tucked away in the enchanting red rock canyons of Sedona, this trail offers a peaceful escape with every step.

The trail winds alongside the clear waters of Oak Creek, creating a soothing soundtrack to the entire hike. Towering canyon walls adorned with vibrant foliage provide a stunning backdrop, making it a photographer's dream. The towering red cliffs and lush greenery create a harmonious blend of colors that are simply mesmerizing.

One of the unique features of the West Fork trail is the numerous creek crossings, adding an extra element of adventure to the hike. Stepping stones and log bridges make these crossings both manageable and enjoyable, adding an interactive aspect to the overall experience.

The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it accessible for hikers of various skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a casual nature lover, West Fork Oak Creek Trail offers a perfect balance of challenge and relaxation.

The abundance of shady spots along the trail provides excellent opportunities for a restful break, allowing hikers to soak in the tranquility of the surroundings. The towering canyon walls create pockets of cool shade, making it an ideal hike even in warmer weather.

Overall, West Fork Oak Creek Trail is a hidden gem in the Arizona landscape. The combination of stunning scenery, gentle water crossings, and the serene ambiance makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a rejuvenating escape into nature. This trail captures the essence of Sedona's natural allure and is a testament to the diverse beauty that Arizona...

Just did this hike for the first time and will definitely come back! The fall foliage has begun and it was so beautiful seeing the orange, red and yellow leaves.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Good hike for families 🦮Dog friendly 🥾Good for all ages. Easy to follow, moderately flat. Does have some incline but nothing too steep or lengthy. Very easy trails to follow. Can be narrow at some parts- paused to let others walk through as a courtesy 💧the trail follows along the stream. You do have to cross it a few times but you can stop on rocks to get you through the stream (this may vary based on the water level but it was a very shallow stream). Can’t imagine this getting too high often. 🚘 there is a small lot. This fills up fast at opening and is $11 (may vary based on vehicle or number of individuals in a car). Once they close the lot if filled, you have to park off the road. For us, we arrived at 9:15am and had to park .8 miles up the road because it was so crowded. However, we were leaving around 12:30pm and the lot was open. It will save you a walk if you can get into the lot. If you park on the street you have to walk outside the edge of the road and it was a little narrow. 💰 ENTRY FEE: they do charge an entry fee ($2 per person). This may have been because we walked in and parked on the roar. They accepted credit card (we didn’t have cash) 🚽 bathrooms are available at the parking lot

3.3 mile trail (one way) 🌲🌲🌲

Overall, stunning views and landscapes. The canyons as a backdrop to the stream and walking through massive trees… it was a perfect hike for a few hours to enjoy...