West Forks Trail, Sedona, Arizona

Sedona has a number of beautiful hiking trails. One of the more popular locations for tourists and residents to explore is West Forks. West Forks Oak Creek Trail is in the Coconino National Forest. Each season the forest grows lush with numerous different flowering plants and trees. Visitors are able to walk on level pathways through the forest along the trail towards a stream. The trail will take hikers past the steep canyon walls of Oak Creek Canyon. At certain times the hiking trail can grow narrow, but it will still be beautiful with the canyon walls that twist and turn along the stream. Landscape photographers will be able to find numerous locations to take photos.

The forest consists of tall pines which grow at the base of the canyon. The trails and forest are home to numerous variety of wildlife like lizards, squirrels, birds, butterflies, and snakes. It is easy to spot some of these creatures while hikers are moving along the trail. It is best to take an early hike so that the temperatures are fairly tolerable. As the hike progresses in the day it can be quite hot. The hike will begin with the canyon walls along the path hundreds of feet above the hikers. Towards the middle of the hike there are stones and fallen logs to help the visitor continue on the trail without interference from the stream. The stream is usually only a few inches deep during the summer months. However, during wetter months like August the stream can hold small pools that are 3 feet deep.

The pools will have trout and other small fish in their waters. To keep hikers abreast of where they are mile markers are posted along the trail. They are easy to follow. The scenery at the canyon can change with the seasons. Most often there are oranges and reds along the canyon trail, but in the summer months it can be a great deal more green. Hummingbirds stop round for nectar in the flowers, songbirds can be heard singing, and other local birds can be spotted.

The West Forks Trail is just off Highway 89A. It winds down to the lower elevations towards Flagstaff. The entrance to the trail head is marked "Call O' the Canyon.'' It is possible to use it as a day hike only. There is no camping on this trail. The trail requires $3 for the entrance fee. At the beginning of the trail is an old settlement area dating to the early 1900's. The trail is six miles in length and will require two to three hours to complete it. It is a round trip excursion. However, for hikers wishing a longer trek there is an 11 mile off shot to the Secret Mountain/ Red Rocks Wilderness. This makes an all day trip. On the 11 mile hiking area there are some steep points before getting back to the creek. The trail can be crowded during the summer months because of its popularity.