West Fork and Oak Creek

The West Fork trail is one of the most popular in Sedona and it is a trail you will want to visit early in the day, especially during the height of tourist season. If you want the trail all to yourself (or nearly so),  you will not want to wait until the late morning/early afternoon crowd is out and about. If you do arrive later, be prepared to sit in your car and wait to be let into the lot as other cars leave.

The trail is listed as 'moderate' in terms of difficulty but, with very few exceptions, it is a pretty easy hike. You will cross Oak Creek numerous times, so the stone hopping process may be the most difficult for those whose balance is not so great. But, other than that, the hike is pleasant, serene and fairly easy for those of all hiking abilities. 

You will hike in shaded areas along the creek under the watchful eyes of the red rock spires and Navajo Tapestry! You'll pass the remnants of the old Mayhew Lodge (where Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart and others came to get away from the bright lights of Hollywood). 

Take a brief respite near Oak Creek and enjoy the sounds of the flowing water and feel the breeze on your face!

Wander alongside the creek and under the canopy of the red rock and study the beauty markings and patterns.

Beautiful flowers line the paths. 

Look closely and you'll see a heron sitting on the rocks in the middle of the dry creek bed.

The hike in is 3 miles, if you choose to go all the way, and it is definitely a favorite of locals and tourists alike!  

Bring plenty of water, wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes, bring your camera and a light jacket (even in the warmer weather) or dress in layers during the winter months. 

West Fork is a treat for everyone!

Wupatki National Monument

Wupatki National Monument preserves some impressive and thought-provoking pueblos built around and with existing rock and expanded to dwellings, with one of the pueblos comprised of 100 rooms!

One can choose from a number of trails, and there are guided tours as well! If you are hiking on your own, you can pick up a printed guide at the Visitor Center. This printed guide will lead you through the numbered areas of the site and reveal the details of the buildings and the construction.

The attention to detail, the structural integrity and the history of this site are just amazing! This site was a trade hub and a community. Sinagua, Cohonina, Hohokam  and Kayenta tribes cultivated cotton, corn, beans and squash and raised families here. 

There are many opportunities for hiking. We took these pictures on the hike that begins at the Visitor Center. The hike is not challenging and there are well-marked trails and markers that lead you through the area. 

There is NO shade here. Bring plenty of water, comfortable, sturdy shoes and sunscreen.

Sunset Crater

Yet another hike away from Sedona (we did a lot that day, including Walnut Canyon and Wupatki). Sunset Crater and the surrounding area reveal a large slice of ancient history with volcanic lava fields and hills and valleys that illustrate the massive changes that shaped the earth in this area.

Sunset Crater is a National Monument with plenty of trails (the Aa Flow trail, the Cinder Hills Overlook and the Lava Flow Trail) to satisfy the meek and the more adventurous hikers.

We chose the most strenuous of the hikes within this park: Lenox Hill Trail.

This is a steep 1 mile trail that wanders through the Ponderosa Pines and ends up at the top of the hill with a great view of the San Francisco Peaks.

Be careful while hiking in Sunset Crater Park and stay on the trails to avoid damaging the landscape and avoid injury. Lava is brittle, sharp and unstable!

These 25 year-old hiking boots did the trick for me!

You should plan on spending some time at the Visitor Center before you start your hike to get oriented.