West Fork of Oak Creek

Drive through Oak Creek Canyon to find one of the most scenic hikes in Coconino National Forest.

Located halfway between Sedona and Flagstaff on Highway 89A, the West Fork Trail leads hikers through one of the prettiest canyons in red rock country. Look for the Call of the Canyon day-use area to access the trailhead that leads to mind-boggling rock pinnacles, natural arches and deep slot canyons. After the hike, visitors can drive north up the switchbacks to reach the pine forests surrounding Flagstaff or wind south through the canyon to admire Sedona’s awesome red rock formations.

Hike into the Canyon

There is a 100% chance that hikers will get their feet wet if they complete the entire 14-mile hike. Follow the flat and sandy route for 3 miles through an enchanted forest and past the ruins of Mayhew Lodge — a hunting cabin with ties to writer Zane Grey — before reaching the first creek crossing. The hike becomes much more strenuous after that, but the payoff is immediate. The canyon walls begin to close in, forcing the creek through a slot canyon. After wading through the creek to get back to the trail, hikers can expect bouldering, swimming and bushwhacking to complete the entire trek.

Explore in All Four Seasons

Hikes through this narrow corridor look different with each season. Fall colors shade the canyon under a multi-color canopy. Winter hikes often include icicles on red rock ridges and spring sees a lot of overhead activity as resident and migrating birds play in the treetops. The parking lot fills up quickly in the summer months, but most visitors hike into the canyon until they reach the first creek crossing and head back. The beauty of this canyon and the invigorating smells and sounds of the creek are worth the wait for a parking spot.

Cool Off in Swimming Holes

Hikers who visit in the warmer months can add one of Arizona’s most thrilling swimming holes to the agenda. At nearby Slide Rock State Park, Oak Creek cuts a channel through the red sandstone and whisks visitors down a natural slide. Visitors flock here year-round to get great pictures and to marvel at nature’s handiwork in red rock country. Want a more classic swimming hole? Grasshopper Point on the outskirts of Sedona fits the bill with deep pools under towering cliffs.