The lower West Fork of Oak Creek is one of the easiest, highest traffic and most spectacular hikes in the Red Rock Country of Sedona, or perhaps in all of Arizona.

The canyon is accessible from both ends and can be hiked as a through hike if you arrange a shuttle. The upper end of the canyon is accessed off old route 66, approximately 18 mi. West of Flagstaff. Campsites are reported to be sparse in the upper regions of the canyon.

As of May,'01 there was a $5.00 fee for the parking lot. The fee will be more when there are more than 5 people in the vehicle. "Walk ins" were also being charged a $1.00 use fee. Your Red Rocks Pass is not accepted. Also note that camping is not allowed in the West Fork within 6 miles of the lower trail head.

This easy hike starts on the South side of the parking lot, as the path leads South through an orchard to the foot bridge over Oak Creek before joining the West Fork. Spectacular views start immediately. The path crosses the stream numerous times but nearly all of my May crossings could be accomplished without getting my feet wet, by doing a little rock-hopping. Plan on getting your feet wet other times of the year. While the path is extremely visible, the crossings are not well marked with cairns. At times the trail turns down to the stream bed as though leading to a crossing but instead, follows the streambed without crossing. Sometimes there are lesser paths leading away from the opposite bank creating false trails.

There are concrete distance markers at the 1 and 2 mile points but I did not see any additional markers beyond 2 miles. Approaching 3 miles, the trail leaves the stream bed and climbs high above the left bank (headed up stream) before descending again just before a narrow slot-pool. The climb is short and not strenuous. Beyond this first narrows (at about the 3.5 mile mark) the trail continues on but is smaller and less evident. The narrows results in a shallow, knee deep pool from wall to wall, and also marks the turn around point for most day hikers. I continued on to about the 4.75 mile point - it was wonderful and there were only a couple of other people beyond the slot-pool. The canyon is 12 - 14 miles from end to end. (Depending upon other authors? Since I planned a day hike, I did not measure it out for myself.) Much of the travel in the upper portion of the canyon will be along the streambed and that region of the canyon is reported to contain 5 deeper pools, some of which will require swimming while deep wading may be in order for others.

This canyon is rich with a variety of vegetation, reportedly including the endangered Arizona Bugbane, Cimicifuga arizonica. This hike should be considered a "must do" trip, especially for the casual hiker. I found the canyon shaded and relatively cool - but it is in Arizona - bring plenty of water - I would not trust the available stream for clean drinking water.

External Links

• Forest Service, West Fork Oak Creek