West Fork Oak Creek #108 and Call-of-the-Canyon Day-Use Area

There are a number of reasons why West Fork is the most popular trail on the Coconino National Forest. You'll know some of them once you've strolled beside the pleasant little stream that ripples along the canyon floor and looked up, way up, at the dizzying cliffs that tower above it. You'll know even more if you come in the spring,when migrating songbirds decorate the trees with flashes of brilliance, or in the fall when pastel leaves float in clear reflecting pools under a canopy of solid color. You can even add to that list if you come in the winter, when icicles hang from red rock overhangs and snatches of snow persist in cool shadows. As a matter of fact, you'll probably find a new reason to be here every time you visit.

As for the trail itself, it's an easy stroll, but you do have to cross the stream in a number of places. Usually, that involves negotiating a few strategically placed stepping stones or taking a couple of steps in shallow water. The trail is marked for the first three miles; however, many hikers continue beyond that. Eventually the pathway ends and you will be forced to hike in the stream bed as you continue into the Secret Mountain/Red Rocks Wilderness. If you choose to travel all 14 miles from one end of the canyon to the other, plan to do a lot of wading and boulder hopping, and even some swimming.

No matter how long a hike you take here, you'll enjoy it best if you come at a time when the trail is least crowded. Mornings and weekdays are best, better yet if they're in the off-season.

When you do come, remember to take special care and leave this beautiful place better than you found it. Of course you know not to litter, but picking flowers and autumn leaves can cause just as unsightly a scar. So can short-cutting or rock throwing. Treat this natural treasure with the care it deserves and you'll have plenty of reason to come back and see it again and again.

The Call of the Canyon Day-Use Area is at the Trailhead of the West Fork Trail.

There are 6 picnic table sites; toilets; parking area for the West Fork Trail.. Call of the Canyon is operated by Recreation Resource Management and is a fee area.

Fees: Day-use is $10 per vehicle (up to 5 people), walk-in, bicycle, bus: $2.00 per person. In lieu of this fee, the WEEKLY Red Rock Pass or the GRAND ANNUAL Red Rock Pass are accepted here. (Holders of Golden Age or Golden Access, America-the-Beautiful Senior or America-the-Beautiful Access passes may receive a 50% discount. America-the-Beautiful ANNUAL passes are not accepted here.)

Length: 3 miles

Rating: Easy

Use: Heavy

Season: All year, Summer 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Winter 9 a.m. to dusk. (Generally, the gate is open by 8 a.m. and if the host is not available, there is a self-pay system.)

Hiking time: 2-3 hours round trip

Notes: No mechanized vehicles in Wilderness. This trail can become extremely crowded, especially on summerweekends. It is also closed during times of high fire danger, usually in late June.

USGS Maps: Dutton Hill, Mountainaire, Wilson Mtn., Munds Park

Location: 17.5 miles south of Flagstaff (9.5 miles north of Sedona) on paved roads in scenic Oak Creek Canyon.

GPS: N34° 59' 25.3314", W-111° 44' 14.244"

Access: Drive south 17.5 miles south from Flagstaff or north 9.5 miles from Sedona to about halfway between milepost 385 and 384. The trailhead is on the west side of the highway down a paved lane that leads behind a few creekside houses. The best place to park is at the Call O' The Canyon day-use area (see above).

For more information contact:
Red Rock Ranger District, P.O. Box 20249, Sedona AZ 86341, (928) 282-4119

Click here for a .pdf flyer on the " West Fork full canyon trip".