west fork oak creek trail

This is one of my most favorite hikes that I've ever done. The first few miles is an easy walk with just some simple steps up. The best part of this hike is getting to the river and wading through. We were not prepared to do it, but met some people that recommended that we throw our boots over our shoulders and walk through the water. In the summer it was about knee to mid-thigh high. Not only was it a cool experience but the views from in the river were spectacular. We only went maybe a mile or so down the river and that was enough to be totally blown away. I highly recommend this trail.

The hike, at least the portion we did, was beautiful. Unfortunately, we went the day after they had quite a bit of rain, so the crossings were up to my knees. We had to take off our hiking boots so they would not be ruined, and the water was freezing! After crossing twice, we heard from someone coming back that all 13 crossings were like that (26 crossings total since you have to do each twice). Freezing my feet and donning and doffing my shoes 24 more times lost it's appeal, so we turned around. I will have to go back whe water is lower and warmer. It would have been helpful if the person taking our $ had given us a heads up. We tried to hike another trail there, but the trail was not well maintained, and itappeared that we would have had to walk on a narrow busy road for a while, so we abandoned that as well.

We were really happy we took a good 2 hours and hiked the West Fork on the way out of Sedona. It is a 14 mile long trail that goes along beautiful Oak Creek but the easy part of it is about 3.3 miles.You cross the creek several times along the way so it will be helpful to wear hiking boots/shoes (maybe even waterproof). If you want to hike the whole thing, you must be prepared to wade, swim, boulder hop, etc. We did the first 3 miles and it was the perfect combo of some rugged scenery and not-too-difficult hiking. We visited in September and a couple of days before, they had some severe storms, leading to the creek being higher than normal, so wearing the appropriate foot wear allowed us to continue up the trail. It is well marked and there are several places where the creek has cut away rock along the canyon walls and it's just breathtaking! There are many options as you can walk just a bit in or the whole amount. There are some great places to take in the beauty as well as some good photo ops. We had a Red Rocks pass that we purchased at a Sedona gas station (I think it was $10) but it wasn't any good here. We had a difficult time getting straight information about the Red Rocks pass and where they were required, so we just paid it just in case and it was towards a good cause (the area parks), however it wasn't accepted at this park, so we paid $5 I believe to park/get in. It's easy to get to, park and there are bathroom facilities available. Great place to get some good miles in!

Were advised by our hotel to do this hike if going along Oak Creek Canyon. It was about a 10-15 minute drive from our hotel in West Sedona. In January, there was lots of snow and ice which made the various cross points over Oak Creek particularly difficult. The hike begins with a cave in the rock on your right side and some abandon dwellings. Hike trail brings you very close to red rocks.

It rivals Yosemite in spirit and beauty. The 3.3 mile trail winds along Oak Creek on easy to walk paths and multiple crossings. There is not a bad photograph in the place. Find yourself a spot, any spot, and let heaven talk to you. What are you waiting for, its all around you. My favorite place on earth.

This would be the one to do! Plenty of shade for the warmer months. It crosses Oak Creek 13 times, so you might get your feet a little wet. The scenery cannot be described. You must go there. The hike is not strenuous at all, so bring the kids.

Did this hike in some snow Christmas day. Definitely bring hiking poles as you do cross the creek times each way. Go a little beyond the sign at "the end" - a little more than 3 miles out - as the rocks are wonderful beyond the sign. Would love to do it again in the sunshine.

Being relative newcomers to the Sedona area, we try to take advantage of any opportunities to explore our surroundings and get some much needed exercise! We joined a hiking group in our residential area and made the hike for approximately half to two-thirds of the West Fork Trail. It's a relatively easy hike (hiking sticks are a great help for the many creek crossings!) and, although we missed most of the beautiful fall colors, it was a really fun experience. I'm sure we'll go back to see more in the spring!

My husband and I went on this hike in December so it was all laden in snow, and some places ice. It was a little difficult considering it was slippery so wear the right kind of trekking shoes. Although it was December it wasn't terribly cold, there was a guy with us in shorts!Most reviews and pictures are of spring time so everything is colorful and pretty. But believe me, the winter trail is equally mind-blowing. There are some 9 streams to be crossed, the water was chilling cold so try not to step into it. But almost every spot here is a potential wallpaper.It's not very difficult so it is do-able for all ages. Definitely don't miss the West Fork Trail!

This trail is so lovely, and so do-able by people of all activity levels. We own a small business in Sedona, and love to hike West Fork when we're in town, and have the opportunity to do so.

Very easy hike with plenty to see. If you have grade school children, they will live traversing over the creek (13 times, I think the sign said). We went on Christmas day (28 degrees and snowing) and it was actually wonderful!! I can only imagine what this trail would be like on warmer days!

We ran out of time and only crossed 9 out of the 13 trail crossings. My neck was sore for two days from looking up at such beauty.

I will start off by saying that this is a beautiful hike. It is an easy 3-4 mile hike (one way). This specific hike is pretty much flat so you get beautiful views looking up. This was not exactly the hike we were expecting. However, it was our fault for not doing more due diligence. We just read that this hike had spectacular views and we were sold. We thought there was a bit of incline. Nope. We probably only made it 45 minutes in and turned back because we wanted to hike some red rocks. We saw some folks running this trail. Good run until you hit water. With that said, I would recommend this beautiful, peaceful hike if you are looking for an easy hike. A few tips: 1. Water shoes. Wear them. 2. You will be crossing plenty of water. There are some walking sticks people leave behind at the start of the hike. They come in handy when you are trying to cross the river (for balance). 3. There is a special parking pass for this trail. The normal one we bought at the convenience store did not work here.

This is a beautiful location, towering walls of the canyon as you weave thru the creek, over and over again! Parking is limited…go early, is ALWAYS busy on the weekends…

Well marked, popular trail, great varied terrain with gorgeous views. It is colder and shadier due to being in the canyon so wear fleece, gloves and a hat in the fall/winter/spring. Be prepared to cross the flowing stream on slippery wet rocks multiple times. Best to wear hiking boots rather than tennis shoes, and if you have a trekking pole, this is very helpful for added assistance in crossing the water. You do have to pay $10 for parking as the Red Rocks Pass and the America the Beautiful Pass do not qualify here. It is worth paying though as this is one of the most beautiful hikes in the area.