Bring sunscreen and hats! During some times of the year, bug spray will also be necessary.Don’t climb anything or stand on cliffs for selfies or photos.Let people know where you are going if you are going solo.Flash flooding happens throughout AZ avoid hiking during storms.Listen to your body and don’t hike further out than you have the energy and strength to get back from.

Avoid the heat and do not hike when it is above 100 F.Bring extra food and water for your journey as well as first aid supplies.Make sure that your hiking shoes are broken in and fit comfortably.The trail will cross the stream several times, so bring waterproof shoes or hiking sandals (Keens or Tevas) and cross with care.West Fork Trail follows and crosses a running stream, so take all precautions necessary around water, particularly with children.Do your research and always stay safe on the trail. Your safety is always your responsibility.People looking for an even longer trek can continue on through the canyon, however, most people turn around at this point so that they won’t require a shuttle. People prepared to wade can keep going for some beautiful views of this part of West Fork, which resembles a slot canyon with its sweeping stone walls. Here, the canyon narrows even further, cutting off the forest from the water. You will know that you’ve reached the end of the main section of the trail when the trail becomes completely submerged in the stream.

There are spots where you will need to deal with narrow sections of the trail and climbing up short spans of rocks. Of course, that being said, you will need to navigate the trail as it goes down to the stream, back into the forest, and then down to the stream again. From start to finish, there is about 400-500ft gain, so while you will be climbing in places, it shouldn’t be exceptionally strenuous. In terms of elevation gain, West Fork trail isn’t particularly difficult. Small mammals, many kinds of birds, and sometimes even deer may be apparent from the trail as well. If you keep your eyes peeled, however, you will see all kinds of trees and shrubs, as Oak Creek sits in a transition area where the higher shrub forests give way to the pine forests that surround Flagstaff. The entire route is well shaded by trees. There is lots of room here for picnics and you will already be able to enjoy the tree cover and beautiful canyon walls here.įor those who continue trekking inwards, you will follow the trail as it weaves across the stream and twists along through the forest. This first creek crossing is a great place for families to stop, if they have members that won’t be able to cross. If coming from Flagstaff, take the I-17 south until the junction for 89A and then drive down through Oak Creek Canyon until you reach the parking area. West Fork is north of Slide Rock State Park on the left side of the road. Once in town, you will come to a big round about with the 89A going in two directions, head north. If you are coming from Phoenix, take the I-17 north to 179 towards Sedona. In order to get to the West Fork Trail, you will need to take AZ State Route 89A, no matter which direction you are coming from.

One place to escape the heat in the early or late summer.

Lovely spot for families to stroll along (and through) the stream.

Nice trail for people trying to get into longer hikes, as it is relatively flat.

Get a sense for how diverse the landscape and ecosystems of Arizona are.

Great views of a unique canyon in Arizona.

In the fall, West Fork, Sedona gets even better, as it is one of the few places that you can see the trees change color in the state. Visitors to the state will also be treated to dramatic views of a pine-lined canyon with sweeping stone walls. Both of these are rare in Arizona, thus locals love this area. There, as you walk along the stream, you can enjoy a higher elevation riparian forest and a flowing stream. This 6-7 mile (3-3.5 miles in one direction) trek will take you through a beautiful side canyon. West Fork Trail is one of the most popular trails in Oak Creek Canyon, and for good reason.

West fork trail