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West Fork Oak Creek Trail: A Sedona Oasis

Hike through a lush canyon oasis in Sedona's Red Rock Country, where towering cliffs meet a cool, clear stream and fascinating history.

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Escape the desert heat on the West Fork Oak Creek Trail, a lush canyon hike with towering red rock walls, diverse vegetation, and numerous stream crossings. Explore the remnants of the historic Mayhew Lodge and immerse yourself in a unique riparian environment.

A brief summary to West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the parking lot fills quickly.
  • Wear water-friendly shoes or be prepared to get your feet wet during the stream crossings.
  • Consider hiking in the late afternoon for a less crowded experience.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning canyon scenery and vibrant fall colors.
  • Download offline maps as cell service is unreliable in the canyon.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Uptown Sedona, drive north on State Route 89A for approximately 9.5 miles. Look for the Call of the Canyon Picnic Site on the left (west) side of the road, located between mileposts 384 and 385. The parking area is directly off the highway. Be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak season, leading to backups on State Route 89A. Parking at the Call of the Canyon day-use area costs $12 per vehicle. Payment can be made with cash or credit card at the entrance kiosk. If the parking lot is full, limited free street parking may be available off of 89A, approximately half a mile north of the trailhead; a $3 per person entry fee will then apply. Parking is open from 7 AM (Apr 1 – Oct 31), or 8 AM (Nov 1-March 31) to dusk.

  • Walking

    From the free parking area along 89A (if the Call of the Canyon lot is full), walk south along the highway approximately 0.5 miles to the Call of the Canyon Picnic Site entrance. Exercise caution as you walk along the highway. Pay the $3 per person entry fee at the kiosk. From the parking lot, the West Fork Trailhead is located to the left of the restrooms. Follow the paved Call of the Canyon Nature Trail for approximately 0.25 miles to reach the West Fork Trail.

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Discover more about West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead

The West Fork Oak Creek Trail, often lauded as one of Arizona's premier hiking experiences, offers a refreshing escape into a canyon-bound wilderness. Located approximately 9.5 miles north of Sedona, along State Route 89A, this trail combines stunning geological formations with a cool, verdant environment. The trail is renowned for its towering canyon walls, carved from buff and salmon-colored sandstone, creating a dramatic backdrop. The perennial stream, Oak Creek, meanders through the canyon, necessitating multiple crossings via strategically placed stepping stones and logs. The lush riparian vegetation, including Douglas firs, box elders, and bigtooth maples, provides ample shade and a welcome contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. West Fork's history adds another layer of intrigue. The area was once home to the Mayhew Lodge, a popular getaway for movie stars, politicians, and writers in its heyday. Though the lodge burned down in the 1980s, remnants of fireplaces and stone floors can still be seen near the trailhead. The canyon's unique ecosystem led to its designation as a Research Natural Area in 1931. The maintained portion of the trail extends for approximately three miles, with the full canyon stretching 14 miles. Beyond the maintained trail, the route becomes more rugged, requiring hikers to wade directly in the stream. The trail is particularly stunning in the fall when the bigtooth maples display vibrant shades of orange and red.

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