Consistently rated one of the most beautiful hikes in Arizona, the West Fork Trail follows a stunning red rock canyon along a clear stream, crossing the creek numerous times on stepping stones. The canyon walls narrow dramatically in the upper section. Fall foliage is spectacular in October.
The West Fork of Oak Creek Trail is located within Coconino National Forest in Oak Creek Canyon, 10 miles north of Sedona, Arizona, and is consistently regarded as one of the most scenic hikes in the American Southwest. The trailhead is reached via Highway 89A at the Call of the Canyon Day Use Area, where a Red Rock Pass ($5/vehicle/day) is required; the parking area fills quickly on weekends and an overflow lot with shuttle from Sedona is sometimes needed.
The trail follows the canyon floor for approximately 5 miles one way before the developed path ends and a more adventurous creek-wading section continues for those willing to get wet. The first portion features up to 13 creek crossings on stepping stones; in high water after rains or spring snowmelt, some crossings require wading. The surface ranges from compacted dirt and gravel to exposed root networks and flat rock, with the canyon walls of red Coconino sandstone rising hundreds of feet on both sides. The canyon narrows dramatically in the upper section, creating slot-canyon-like passages with minimal sky visibility.
The elevation gain over the maintained trail section is minimal at approximately 90 meters, making the distance the primary challenge rather than the grade. Turnaround points at roughly 2.5–3 miles satisfy most visitors; the canyon's best features, including the most dramatic narrowing, occur between miles 2 and 5. The creek is a perennial stream maintaining flowing water year-round, though flow varies significantly by season.
Fall foliage on the West Fork Trail — particularly in the first week of October — is Arizona's most celebrated autumn color display, with bigtooth maple, cottonwood, and various oak species turning brilliant orange, gold, and red against the sandstone walls. Wildflowers appear in April and May. Flash flooding risk in the canyon is real during monsoon season (July–September) and creek levels can rise suddenly without warning.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon
- Best season
- March to May and September to November (avoid July–August flash flood risk)
Highlights
- Dramatic red sandstone canyon
- Stream crossings
- Brilliant fall foliage
- Slot canyon sections
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 8am on weekends or during October to secure a parking space at the Call of the Canyon Day Use Area.
- Wear water shoes or sandals with straps if planning to wade the creek crossings in the upper canyon — flip-flops are not secure enough on wet rock.
- Visit the first week of October for peak fall foliage — bigtooth maple and cottonwood create spectacular color against the red canyon walls.
- Check National Weather Service monsoon forecasts before entering the canyon July through September; flash floods can rise rapidly with no warning.
- The Red Rock Pass ($5) is required for trailhead parking; America the Beautiful annual passes are accepted.
- Mosquitoes can be numerous near the creek in summer; insect repellent is helpful on the lower canyon sections.
When to visit
October sees the most spectacular fall color and is the most popular month; April and May offer wildflowers and mild temperatures with manageable water levels and fewer crowds than autumn.
Accessibility
The West Fork Trail is not wheelchair accessible. The trail surface includes creek crossings on stepping stones, root networks, and uneven terrain from the start. The Call of the Canyon parking area has paved accessible restrooms and picnic tables at the day use area entrance.
Frequently asked questions
How many creek crossings are there on the West Fork Trail?
The maintained trail section features up to 13 creek crossings on stepping stones over approximately 5 miles. In low water (typically summer and autumn), most crossings can be made on rocks without getting wet; in spring or after rain, some crossings require wading to ankle or knee depth.
When is the best time to visit for fall foliage?
The first week of October typically marks peak autumn color, when bigtooth maple, cottonwood, and native oak species turn brilliant orange and gold against the red sandstone canyon walls. The exact timing shifts by a week or two depending on year-to-year temperatures.
Is a permit required to hike the West Fork Trail?
No hiking permit is required, but a Red Rock Pass ($5/vehicle/day) or America the Beautiful annual pass is required to park at the Call of the Canyon Day Use Area on Highway 89A.
Is the West Fork Trail suitable for beginners?
Yes — the maintained trail section has minimal elevation gain and the surface is generally easy to navigate in dry conditions. The creek crossings add a mild adventure element but are straightforward in low water. Summer flash flood risk makes checking weather forecasts essential before entering the canyon.