West Fork Trail

The West Fork trail is often listed as a favorite in popular Sedona hiking books. The popularity of the trail is well-deserved and there are numerous reasons for its popularity. Here are few of the reasons:

1.  It is not the most challenging trail in Sedona, so most people can enjoy its beauty.

2.  For much of the hike, you are following the beautiful, serene Oak Creek. 

The creek rambles along, revealing small rapids and smooth waters. You will cross it numerous times (13, to be exact) as you follow the trail, so you'll have the opportunity to really enjoy its beauty.

The Mayhew House

3.  The West Fork trail has some other treasures that may be of interest to those who want to know more about Sedona's history. 

You'll pass the Mayhew House, a dilapidated old structure that was once visited by Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart and others. 

4.  The trail winds through meadows, Ponderosa Pine and red and white cliffs. 

This beautiful canyon was the inspiration of Zane Grey's 'Call of the Canyon' and, if you take the time to traverse the 3.3 mile hike, you will see why. 





We took this hike on Christmas Day. The cool air and shade of the tree groves and the overhanging cliffs would be a treat during the summer. 




Much of the trail is shaded by trees and cliffs and the recent snowfall made the trails icy and the hike a bit cold, but it was worth the effort. 

The canyon is 12 miles long, but the official hike is a little over 3 miles and, in good weather when the trails are in good shape, it should take you about 90 minutes to get to the end of the trail. 




Because of the icy conditions, and the late hour, we did not complete the hike, but we will certainly do so on another day when the weather is better.