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West Fork Oak Creek Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate
 4.5 (62)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Flagstaff and Northern AZ
  4. …Coconino National Forest
  5. Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness
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“The most popular trail in the Coconino National Forest. ”

Condor77 77
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Map Key

5.4

Miles

8.7

KM

Out and Back

5,537' 1,688 m

High

5,287' 1,612 m

Low

510' 155 m

Up

510' 156 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

No mechanized vehicles in Wilderness. It will be closed during times of high fire danger, usually in late June.
Day-use is $11 per vehicle (up to 5 people), walk-in, bicycle, bus: $2.00 per person. In lieu of this fee, the Big Three Pass or the Grand Annual Red Rock Pass will be accepted here.

Overview

It's easy to see why this is one of the most popular trails in the forest. It can be used year-round: the cool water is refreshing in the summer, changing leaves add vibrancy the beautiful canyon, winter drapes the and scape in snow and ice and spring breathes greenery and wildflowers into the landscape.

Description

A visit to this trail usually takes 2-3 hours round trip. There are a number of reasons why West Fork is the most popular trail in the Coconino National Forest. A pleasant little stream runs along the canyon floor and high cliffs rise above it. The trail is an easy stroll, but you have to cross the stream in a number of places. This usually involves negotiating a few stepping stones or taking some steps in shallow water.

The trail is marked for the first three miles; however, many hikers continue beyond that. Eventually, the pathway ends and you'll be forced to hike in the stream bed as you continue into the Secret Mountain/Red Rocks Wilderness. If you choose to travel all 14 miles from one end of the canyon to the other, plan to do a lot of wading and boulder hopping, and even some swimming.

No matter how long a hike you plan to take here, you'll enjoy it best if you come at a time when the trail is least crowded. Mornings and weekdays are best, and better yet if they're in the off-season.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Coconino National Forest Office

Shared By:

Condor77 77 with improvements by Abe H and 2 others
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 62 votes

#1

in Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness

#159

Overall
  4.5 from 62 votes
5 Star
61%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Red Rock Secret Mounta…

#11

in Arizona

#159

Overall
31 Views Last Month
6,712 Since Mar 26, 2015
Intermediate
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Photos

West Fork Trail
Nov 4, 2023 near Sedona, AZ
Tree hanging on the edge of the rock!
May 31, 2016 near Sedona, AZ
Towering peaks of the canyon walls.
Nov 9, 2021 near Sedona, AZ
Looking at the canyon walls from Oak Creek.
Jun 23, 2016 near Sedona, AZ
Babbling creek and beautiful fall colors in November.
Nov 9, 2021 near Sedona, AZ
Oak Creek
Jun 23, 2016 near Sedona, AZ

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Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 29 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 4, 2023
Stewart Carnes
May 3, 2023
Raulie Raulerson
Nov 19, 2022
Stewart Carnes
Oct 17, 2022
Gardner Allen
With the 303 girls!
Sep 13, 2022
Steve Schneider
Jun 1, 2022
Skyler King
Apr 11, 2022
jeff nye
Neat riverbank hike. Best views, akin to Zion's Narrows, after the end, but still fun. 7.8mi — 4h 47m
Sep 27, 2021
Jessalyn Liu

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