Overview
West Fork of Oak Creek is the most popular trail in Coconino National Forest, and it holds that title for good reason. This 6.9-mile out-and-back follows Oak Creek through a narrow canyon lined with red and white sandstone walls, shaded by a canopy of bigtooth maples, Arizona sycamores, Douglas firs, and ponderosa pines. The canyon is cool even in summer, the grade is barely noticeable at 340 feet of total elevation gain, and the 13 creek crossings give the hike a sense of adventure without serious difficulty.
The trail is famous for fall color. In late October through early November, the maples, oaks, and sycamores in the canyon turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold against the red rock walls. It is widely regarded as the best fall foliage hike in Arizona, and the crowds during peak color reflect that reputation. But even outside of fall, this is an exceptional hike. The canyon is beautiful in every season, and the combination of water, rock, and forest creates a microclimate that feels worlds apart from the desert just a few miles away.
No dogs are allowed on the trail, as it enters the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking, but no wilderness permit is needed for day hiking.
The Route
Mile 0 to 0.5: The approach. The trail starts from the Call of the Canyon Day Use Area on Highway 89A, about 10 miles north of Sedona in upper Oak Creek Canyon. You'll walk through the ruins of the historic Mayhew Lodge (a 1920s resort that burned in 1980) and cross a footbridge over Oak Creek. The first section is flat, wide, and paved in places. It gives no hint of what's coming.
Miles 0.5 to 1.5: Into the canyon. After the initial footbridge, the trail enters the canyon proper. The walls close in, rising 200 to 400 feet on either side. The path alternates between packed dirt along the creek bank and the first several creek crossings. The crossings are straightforward in most conditions: ankle to mid-calf depth in fall, potentially knee-deep in spring after snowmelt. The canyon floor is shaded for most of the day, even in summer, which keeps temperatures noticeably cooler than the rim above.
Miles 1.5 to 2.5: The heart of the canyon. This is where the canyon narrows and the scenery intensifies. Red and white Supai sandstone walls tower overhead, streaked with desert varnish. The creek meanders through a forest of Douglas fir, white fir, and scattered ponderosa pine, with bigtooth maples and Arizona walnuts along the water's edge. These are the trees that produce the fall color show. Creek crossings come more frequently here, sometimes two or three within a quarter mile. Look for the distinctive layering in the canyon walls: the red Schnebly Hill Formation (the same rock that gives Sedona its color) topped by the cream-colored Coconino Sandstone.
Miles 2.5 to 3.5: The far reaches. The maintained trail officially ends at about 3 miles, marked by a sign for the wilderness boundary. Beyond this point, the canyon narrows further and the "trail" becomes the creek itself. Most hikers turn around at or near the 3-mile mark (making for a 6-mile round trip). To reach the full 6.9-mile out-and-back distance, you'll need to wade through the creek for extended stretches, with water depth ranging from ankle to waist level depending on the season. This section is best attempted in warm weather with water shoes and a dry bag for your gear.
Return: Retrace your steps. The hike out is just as scenic as the hike in, since the light shifts throughout the day and reveals different textures in the canyon walls. Plan on 3 to 4 hours for the full out-and-back to the maintained trail end (6 miles) or 4 to 5 hours if you push to the full 6.9 miles.
Creek Crossings
The crossings define this trail. There are 13 within the first 3 miles, and they vary from easy rock-hops to wade-throughs depending on the season and recent weather.
Spring (March through May): Water levels are highest after snowmelt. Expect crossings to be mid-calf to knee-deep, with some sections running fast enough to require careful footing. Trekking poles are helpful. Water temperatures are cold (40s to 50s).
Summer (June through September): Crossings are lower and warmer. Most are ankle to mid-calf. After monsoon storms, the creek can rise quickly. Do not hike this trail during active thunderstorms. Flash flood risk is real in this narrow canyon. Check weather forecasts and be aware of upstream conditions.
Fall (October through November): The most popular season. Water levels are typically low (ankle depth), making crossings easy. The creek is chilly but manageable.
Footwear strategy: Many hikers wear trail shoes they don't mind getting wet and just walk through the crossings. Others bring water shoes or sandals (Chacos or Tevas work well) and change at each crossing. The rock-hop strategy works sometimes in fall but rarely in spring. Whatever you choose, expect your feet to get wet.
When to Hike
Late October through early November is the iconic time. The canyon's bigtooth maples peak in color between roughly October 20 and November 5, depending on the year. During this window, the trail sees its heaviest use. The parking lot often fills by 8 AM on weekends, and the Forest Service has implemented timed-entry or capacity limits in some recent years. Check the Coconino National Forest website before planning a peak-foliage visit.
March through May offers mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and higher water levels that make the creek crossings more interesting (or more annoying, depending on your perspective). Crowds are lighter than fall.
June through September is quieter on this trail than you might expect, partly because summer visitors gravitate toward Sedona's higher-profile viewpoint trails. The canyon is shaded and stays 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the exposed terrain around Sedona, making this one of the more comfortable summer hikes in the area. Just watch the monsoon forecasts.
Winter is possible on clear days. The canyon gets limited sun and can be icy in shaded sections. Creek crossings in 35-degree water are no fun. Snow occasionally dusts the rim. It's beautiful if you're prepared, miserable if you're not.
What to Bring
- Water: 1 to 2 liters per person. Oak Creek runs alongside the trail and can be filtered in an emergency, but carry what you need.
- Water shoes or sandals: For creek crossings. Some hikers just wear their trail shoes through the water, but having a dry pair for the drive home is nice.
- Layers: The canyon is shaded and can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the parking area. Bring a light jacket, even in summer.
- Camera and tripod: The canyon is a photographer's dream, especially during fall color and when the light filters through the canopy. A polarizing filter helps cut glare on the water.
- Trekking poles: Not essential, but helpful for balance on creek crossings, especially in spring when the water is higher.
- Dry bag or zip-lock bags: If you're heading beyond the maintained trail, your phone and wallet should be in a dry bag.
Common Mistakes
Showing up late during fall. The parking lot at Call of the Canyon holds roughly 100 cars. During peak foliage (late October), it fills by 8 AM and sometimes earlier. Once the lot is full, the Forest Service turns people away. There is no overflow parking along Highway 89A. Arrive early or try a weekday.
Underestimating creek crossings in spring. People see "easy-moderate" and assume dry trail. In March and April, you will get your feet wet. That's not a problem if you're prepared, but it's a miserable surprise in cotton socks and leather boots.
Ignoring flash flood risk. This is a narrow, steep-walled canyon with no escape routes for most of its length. During monsoon season (July through September), a thunderstorm upstream can send a wall of water through the canyon with little warning. Check the forecast. If storms are predicted, hike elsewhere.
Bringing dogs. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. The trail enters the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, where dogs are prohibited. Rangers patrol and citations are issued.
Trailhead Access
The Call of the Canyon Day Use Area is on Highway 89A in Oak Creek Canyon, about 10 miles north of Sedona (or 12 miles south of Flagstaff). The turnoff is well-signed on the west side of the highway. The parking lot is paved, large, and equipped with restrooms and a covered picnic area.
A Red Rock Pass is required: $5 per day, $15 per week, or $20 per year. The America the Beautiful Interagency Pass ($80/year) also works. You can buy a Red Rock Pass at the self-service kiosk at the trailhead, at the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center in the Village of Oak Creek, or at many shops in Sedona.
From Flagstaff, the drive south on Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is one of the most scenic drives in Arizona: a winding descent through ponderosa forest and red rock walls. Allow 30 minutes and enjoy it.
Beyond the Trail
If West Fork leaves you wanting more canyon hiking in Coconino, the forest has several other excellent options. The Huckaby Trail (6.4 miles, moderate) connects Midgley Bridge to Schnebly Hill Road with views of Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona's skyline. The Secret Canyon Trail (about 10 miles out-and-back) enters another narrow canyon in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness with far fewer people. And for a completely different experience, the Fossil Springs Trail (about 12 miles out-and-back from the Strawberry trailhead) descends into a tributary of the Verde River where natural springs emerge at a constant 72 degrees.
West Fork is the trail that earns its crowds. The canyon is that beautiful, the fall color is that good, and the creek crossings keep things just interesting enough. Get there early, bring water shoes, and take your time.
West Fork sits at the northern end of the Sedona corridor in Coconino National Forest, within 15 minutes of several other outstanding options. Vultee Arch in Sterling Canyon is about a mile south on US-89A: a shaded, year-round trail to a natural arch that shares Oak Creek Canyon's cool, forested character. Wilson Mountain (10.4 miles, strenuous) departs from the Midgley Bridge area near Sedona and is the most serious summit accessible from the valley floor. For easy red rock scenery in the Village of Oak Creek, Bell Rock Pathway (3.6 miles, easy) and Cathedral Rock (1.2 miles, moderate-hard) offer classic Sedona perspectives.
North of the canyon, Humphreys Peak near Flagstaff is the state's highest point at 12,637 feet — a completely different Arizona landscape from Oak Creek Canyon's riparian forest.
The Red Rock Pass required at Call of the Canyon is covered by the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass. No dogs are allowed on this trail because it enters a designated wilderness — see the national forest vs. national park overview for more on how wilderness areas differ from standard national forest land. The best hikes near Phoenix guide covers trip planning for the full Sedona-Flagstaff corridor.