West Fork of Oak Creek Trail

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tomashermancz

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Trail stats

Distance: 6.53 mi
Elevation gain: 1,096 ft
Technical difficulty: Moderate
Elevation loss: 1,096 ft
Max elevation: 5,527 ft
TrailRank: 22
Min elevation: 5,282 ft
Trail type: Loop

Coordinates: 1009
Uploaded: September 7, 2022
Recorded: September 2022

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near Indian Gardens, Arizona (United States)

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Itinerary description

Experience this 10.5-km out-and-back trail near Munds Park, Arizona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 26 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Waypoints

Trailhead - Parking

Located 11 miles north of Sedona on 89A, the entrance to the Call of the Canyon day use area is positioned on a bend in the road. When we visited a sign marked "West Fork Oak Creek" marked the spot. A parking fee is payable, and the daily Red Rock Pass is not valid here. The limited parking spots available here may inconvenience some, but as long as you arrive early you will be able to find a place to park and enjoy a relatively uncrowded trail. Set out for the trail by following a concrete paved path, cross the footbridge and then bear left through an orchard towards the canyon entrance.

Lodge Ruins

Just before reaching the canyon entrance you'll happen across the ruins of Mayhew's Lodge. Built in the 1870s the lodge served its visitors for a century before succumbing to fire in 1976. The lodge was also briefly a movie star - becoming the backdrop to the 1922 film "Call of the Canyon" - though the movie wasn't exactly a box office smash and you're unlikely to find it to rent on Netflix any time soon.

Wilderness Register

You're now entering the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. Be sure to register your party in the book (free) and take note of the posted signs. Basically - obey the usual "pack it in - pack it out" habit and do not camp within 6 miles of the trailhead.

Creek Crossing

The first of many, many crossings - around thirteen in total. Unless the waters are raging, you're unlikely to encounter difficulties traversing the creek. Use this crossing as a measure of difficulty, as no crossing upstream is any more difficult than this one.

Water Cascade

There's not much elevation change on this trail and this is as close as you're likely to get to a waterfall feature any time soon. Diminutive though it is, it's not without charm.There is no creek crossing at this location. Keep to your right and pick up the trail again.

Junction - Important

Following the main trail is relatively easy, and this point marks the only significant junction on the entire route. Keep left to follow the creek, or turn right and keep to slightly higher ground.

Final Section of Rocky River Stone Path

The sandy trail yields to a final section of rocky river stone path before reaching the end of the route, where the canyon walls close in on you and there's nowhere else to go without getting your feet wet. Enjoy the great views, make the most of the photo opportunities and marvel at how the water has etched away at the rock over the millennia. Return the way you came. If you're suitably equipped, you can continue to wade upstream for another quarter of a mile or so. The pebbly creek bed can be a little hard on bare feet, but it might be tolerable to you - also be careful of the smoother rock surfaces underfoot which are particularly slippery.

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