Hiking one of the most beautiful trails in Sedona, Arizona.
Sedona, Arizona, is famous for its red rocks and canyons. Known as Red Rock Country, Sedona is a mecca for avid outdoorsmen, shoppers and spiritualists. A weird combination. Shopping abounds in the towns of Sedona and West Sedona, but that was not what drew me to the area. I wanted to do some hiking.
View from the main shopping area of Sedona.
They call this one Snoopy rock. I can see why.
My plan did not work out as well as I hoped. I injured my hip a few days before going and plans were already made for camping with a friend. I persevered. More shop perusal happened than usual, but I did make it out for a hike. One very, very long hike. Luckily many of the trails in Sedona don’t have much change in elevation which made it easier on my pulled hip muscle. We found one that would work, the West Fork Trail, north of the town of Sedona.
The West Fork Trail was a bit longer than we thought it would be. The trail head was not right at the parking lot, so that added an extra distance to the 6.3-mile round trip we thought it would be. It was a long day, but it was a great hike, well more like a walk, the trail was pretty amazingly flat. It was an interesting trail. There were dense woods (which I really missed from my Acadia days), stream crossings and many wildflowers. Honestly, it was a great trail.
Not even at the trail head yet and already pretty.
Ruins from the orchard that used to be here.
Finally getting started on the trail. I’m pretty sure that this wilderness is no longer secret considering how busy the trail was.
Hard to believe that this is Arizona. It’s amazing what year round water can do to the ecosystem.
Lots of flowers along the way.
The West Fork of Oak Creek runs year-round. The water was a bit low this year but that made it easier to cross the stream a zillion times along the trail.
One of the wider sections of Oak Creek.
The trail follows a low canyon along the stream.
Just so green. I am actually standing on a rock in the middle of the stream here. So glad I had waterproof hiking shoes on for this trail.
Even that little ledge has green on it.
Another pretty flower. Botany has never been my strong suit.
Technically the trail ended around here, but the water was really low, so it was hard to miss. I followed the slot canyon further, walked on a small ledge and a couple of logs to get past this. No photos because I was trying not to fall into the water.
This is after where I should have turned around. Normally there would be a lot more water in this. Stupid drought.
We turned around shortly after. Here’s a shot of the slot canyon and the way back.
Just so perfect. Made me realize how much I missed woods and green.
The West Fork Trail in Sedona is a great day hike. When I say day, it will take a good portion of the day to do. So, pack a lunch and plenty of water and arrive early. Even with the crowds, it’s still a must hike easy trail.
Check out my next update where I start exploring the Four Corners Area!
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Check out all my other posts on the great state of Arizona!
