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!

Twin Pillars/Turkey Creek - Village of Oak Creek

We decided to hike on Thanksgiving Day. While we did not follow the Twin Pillars or Turkey Creek Trails exactly, we did cross over and use parts of each trail.

We climbed toward the saddle of one of the red rock formations and crossed over onto the other side to circle the formation and head back in the general direction of Verde Valley School Road. 

There are lots of dry washes and slides in the area and some beautiful views of Cathedral Rock and other surrounding formations. 

These trails are right off Verde Valley School Road. Depending on the route you take and which direction you take, you can enjoy a 1-2 mile hike and be back to the parking lot in time for lunch. 

For the most part, these trails are easy, with some moderately difficult sections along the way. The trails are not among the busiest or most popular in Sedona so if you like to have some peace and quiet, these trails will suit you just fine!

West Clear Creek

The West Clear Creek hike is not the most popular hike in Sedona, nor is it the most breathtaking. But, for those who want an easy hike without climbing, this is a good choice. 

The West Clear Creek trail rambles along the creek and through meadows, revealing some beautiful tall mountains and a wall of red rock. 

A peek at some red rocks

The remains of an old field stone house stand in a meadow, surrounded by scrub and some small trees. 

If the creek is not running high, you can cross it at the end of the trail and follow along the creek for another mile or so. 

Eventually, you will reach a point where the land on this side of the creek rises and, if you choose to continue the hike beyond this point, beware! 

This is not an established trail and it will take you up another 2000 feet, so it is not for the feint of heart. 



If you stick to the established trail, the West Clear Creek hike will take you about an hour.





If you get a late start, you will need a jacket on the way back. Once the sun dips behind the high mountains on the opposite side of the creek, you will be cold!

Beautiful old Cottonwood tree

The nicest surprise we had on this hike was something we saw shortly after we left the parking lot at the trail head. There is one gigantic Cottonwood tree standing guard over the path. There are also some very large, old Sycamore trees gracing the path.

A view of the creek

If you are in the mood for a serene hike and you don't have all day to complete the journey, you'll like West Clear Creek a lot. 



The established trail is a little over a mile long and it makes for an easy and enjoyable day. 





There aren't a lot of tour planes or helicopters overhead, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. 

Oh! One more thing. We finished our hike and drove out of the parking area, and up the winding road. On our way out, we were lucky enough to see two magnificent eagles circling overhead. 

They landed on the top of the hill above us and we thought they were probably going back to their aerie. 

A little cave along the creek

A nice surprise at the end of a peaceful New Year's Day hike!

Bell Rock

Bell Rock

Bell Rock is one of the most famous red rock formations in Sedona and a favorite among tourists. 








It is easy to see from the Village of Oak Creek and you can get great pictures from the Bell Rock Vista parking lot and the Courthouse Butte Lot. 

The changes made to Route 179 several years ago required that Forest Service create new trail heads for the surrounding trails. 

If you have an old hiking book, you will need to get a new map or hiking book before you set out on your hike. Several new trails have been added. 

Courthouse

Some will take you around the bottom of the formation and some will take you up onto the formation. This is one of the most popular spots in Sedona, so you can expect to share the trails with a lot of other hikers (no matter the season).

Stay on the trails and watch for the wire baskets filled with red rock. They will guide you safely to your destination and ensure that no damage is done to the indigenous plants or to the rock formation.

Route 179 and the Valley

Heading Up Bell Rock

The hike to the first 'apron' or flat level of Bell Rock is not very difficult. 









From there you can see the valley, Chapel Rock, and the other main monuments in the vicinity (Thunder Mountain, Cathedral Rock, Courthouse). 

You may be tempted to stay in the parking lot, but if you are willing to make the short trip up to the first apron, we guarantee you won't be disappointed. 

You can sit in the sun, look at the red rock view, take pictures and enjoy a brief moment of serenity in the the paradise that is Sedona.

Chapel Rock and the View from the Top (Nearly)

If you are more adventurous, you can make the climb up toward the top and experience an amazing view of the valley and the hikers below you.  

As with all hikes in AZ, be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. 


Allow yourself enough time to hike to your destination and return before the sun sets. 

Courthouse as seen from Bell Rock

Robbers' Roost (Shaman's Cave)

View from the Cave at Robbers' Roost

This spot isn't far from our home in Sedona. It isn't a long or difficult hike and the view and cave are spectacular...so it is a favorite. 

The trail-head is at the end of a rather bumpy, long road so a high clearance vehicle is definitely required. 




The spot is popular with tourists and locals alike, so you will probably have to share the view with others. The trail-head takes you down into a small valley and then up a hill that winds around to the left side of the monument. 

View of the Valley Below the Cave at Robbers' Roost

When you get to the back side of the monument, you will have to cross the apron of the red rock. 

This crossing may be a bit daunting for those with poor balance or those who are afraid of heights. 



Stick with it and just take your time. When you get to the cave, you will be glad you were persistent!

Inside the Cave

The front and inner 'walls' of the cave have been re-built with red rock to recreate the 'rooms' and the protective ledge at the front of the cave. 

Natural Window

The most impressive feature of the cave is not man-made. There is a natural window on one side of the cave. This window looks out into the valley beyond and allows one to see anyone who might approach the cave through the valley (hence the name, 'Robbers' Roost').

Before it was used by settlers, thieves and others, the cave was used by tribal Shamans for ceremony and healing. 

View of the Red Rocks from Inside the Cave

You can easily climb out the 'window' and stand on the far apron of the red rock formation to view the valleys below and beyond. 

Take the time to drive out to this remote location and make the hike around the monument to visit this natural cave. 

View of the Valley from the Natural Window

It is worth the trip and it will definitely be one of your favorite Sedona locations.