Below a bend along the creek is one of the lots of hanging gardens where riparian plants increase about the steeply sloping partitions just earlier mentioned the creekbed; vibrant wildflowers below contain crimson cardinal and golden columbine. The primary from the 13 creek crossings is simply past, and then the trail operates together with one of many subway-like passageways, shortly accompanied by the second crossing, and continuing by way of a for a longer time patch of lush woodland, carpeted with ferns. The third crossing is just just before One more subway channel with additional sizeable overhanging cliffs, while the fourth, back again to the northeast facet from the creek, causes a patch of drier woods which contain a pair of small tributaries, one particular normally dry, another a lot more more likely to consist of flowing water, originating from your slopes underneath Harding Position.

Sunshine defense: Sun shades, Sunlight hats, lengthy layers and sunscreen are vital if you pay a visit to Sedona in Summer time. The majority of the trail is shaded by trees even so the Sunlight will still crack as a result of periodically.

A little something I would Observe that hasn't been shared: I love mountaineering this trail in the autumn and winter! However, it becomes extremely cold in comparison to the rest of the canyon. Deliver additional warm layers. (And for anyone who is coming from Sedona, quit at the Indian Back garden Cafe! It can be my favourite cafe in AZ! Healthful and delightful lunch and desserts by having an adventurous atmosphere! They even have food for the go to choose alongside within the hike!)

West Fork Canyon is Just about the most unique hikes in Sedona and it should really unquestionably be on your own bucket checklist! ⭐️ Wading through the creek with attractive rock formations on possibly side is usually a sight to behold.

Your Little ones may go inside the h2o and swim simply because there’s no present-day and also the drinking water is shallow. If the hike is busier than anticipated, It will likely be much quieter following the tunnel.

The surroundings is totally beautiful and bears a hanging resemblance to Zion Nationwide Park.  With a lot of sections of canyon carved out into semi-tubular walls just like the famous Subway hike at Zion. 

You simply must drive 10 miles up 89A to West Fork of Oak Creek Trail. There are numerous downsides to this hike which we’ll reveal, but overall it’s an excellent trail for The complete family members and it’s quieter than the greater well-known hikes closer to town.

☀️ The Sunlight in Sedona is incredibly strong, so Be sure to dress in an abundance of sunscreen and bring drinking water to consume!

Over the subsequent three miles we crossed the creek thirteen moments, working with stepping stones and enormous rocks to help keep our toes dry. In spring the h2o degrees will be bigger therefore you might not be able to avoid finding damp. We located the forested trail surprisingly easy along with the surroundings was excellent all over.

We arrived to an almost vacant parking lot over a cool December midweek early morning, paid out to park (one of the downsides) and hiked every one of the way to the tip of your trail.

The whole lot is open up from 9am-5pm.  Although the large amount is small, so intend to present up early if you'd like to safe a parking location.  It is usually a picnic space, so people might come and go frequently, if they aren’t mountaineering.

Luckily for us, attending to the West Fork Trail is amazingly easy! It’s just twenty minutes from downtown Sedona and thirty minutes from Flagstaff . So, in case you’re situated in either place then it’s an amazing day hike.

The uncovered rocks across the creek within the lower reaches of the canyon are deep pink in coloration, from your Hermit Formation along with the Schnebly Hill Formation, though high over are yellow-brown or whitish levels of Coconino sandstone, Toroweap Development and Kaibab limestone; these slowly arrive closer to the streambed because the drainage west fork trail steadily gains height, right until it rises earlier mentioned the crimson strata after about 4 miles.

In the event you go from the hotter months, Then you definitely’ll surely also want a bathing go well with or clothes it is possible to swim in. That’s half the exciting!