Sedona red rock scenery in Oak Creek Canyon Arizona

West Fork Oak Creek Trail Hiking Guide

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 16, 2026.

Clear water along West Fork Oak Creek Trail in Oak Creek Canyon Arizona

Shimmering Waters of Oak Creek

West Fork Oak Creek Trail No. 108 is one of the best-known hikes in Oak Creek Canyon, about 9.5 miles north of Sedona, Arizona. The trail follows the West Fork beneath towering canyon walls and a shady riparian forest, crossing the creek repeatedly as it travels into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness. The maintained first three miles offer an easier scenic hike, while hikers continuing beyond that point encounter increasingly rugged canyon travel, water crossings and sections of the streambed.

Current Trail Status
Trail Overview
Creek Crossings & Safety
Parking & Fees
Things To See & Do
Hiking Tips
Best Time To Hike
Trail Map
West Fork Trail FAQ

Hiking trail and creek crossing on West Fork Trail near Sedona Arizona

Current West Fork Trail Status

Temporary Closure: West Fork Trail No. 108 and the Call of the Canyon Picnic Site are currently closed under a Coconino National Forest emergency order because of flash-flood and debris-flow danger in areas affected by the Pocket Fire. The current closure order is scheduled through September 30, 2026, unless the Forest Service rescinds it earlier.

Do not attempt to enter the closed trail or recreation area. Check the current Coconino National Forest alerts before planning a visit.

West Fork Oak Creek Trail Overview

West Fork combines relatively gentle hiking in its maintained lower section with some of the most distinctive scenery in Oak Creek Canyon. Hikers follow a forested canyon beside flowing water, beneath red and buff-colored cliffs that rise high above the canyon floor.

Trail number: 108
Trailhead elevation: About 5,325 feet
Maintained trail: First 3 miles
Elevation gain at 3 miles: About 221 feet
Typical lower-trail hike: About 6 miles round trip
Typical time for lower section: About 2 to 3 hours round trip
Full canyon route: Approximately 14 miles and substantially more difficult
Setting: Oak Creek Canyon and Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness

The maintained trail ends after approximately three miles. Hikers who continue farther encounter a progressively more rugged route that eventually requires travel directly in the streambed. The full approximately 14-mile canyon route is a serious wilderness trip and should not be confused with the popular six-mile out-and-back hike.

Creek Crossings & Trail Safety

Creek crossings are one of the defining features of West Fork Trail. Under normal conditions, hikers often cross using stepping stones or by taking a few steps through shallow water, but water depth and current can change with recent rain, snowmelt and storms.

West Fork is a narrow drainage, so hikers should take flash-flood danger seriously. Check weather forecasts and Forest Service alerts before entering the canyon, and never enter a closed area or continue into a drainage when flooding is possible.

Wear footwear suitable for rocks, mud and shallow water
Do not assume creek crossings will be identical from one visit to another
Turn around if water depth or current exceeds your comfort level
Watch for slippery rocks, ice and wet leaves during colder months
Avoid the canyon when thunderstorms or flash flooding are possible
Carry drinking water rather than relying on untreated creek water

West Fork Trail Parking & Fees

West Fork Trail normally begins at the Call of the Canyon Picnic Site on the west side of State Route 89A, approximately 9.5 miles north of Sedona and 17.5 miles south of Flagstaff. The trailhead is a concessionaire-operated fee site, and the parking area can fill quickly during busy weekends, summer travel periods and fall-color season.

When the site is open, the Forest Service currently lists a $15 daily vehicle fee covering up to five people and a $4 walk-in fee. Call of the Canyon is a concessionaire-managed site and is not covered by the standard Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.

Arrive early when the trail reopens, particularly on weekends and during peak fall color. Always verify current fees and access before traveling.

Forested West Fork Oak Creek Trail beneath canyon walls near Sedona Arizona

Things To See & Do Along West Fork Trail

Cross the creek: Experience the repeated shallow stream crossings that define the lower trail
Explore the canyon: Walk beneath towering cliffs and through a shaded riparian forest
Photograph reflections: Capture canyon walls, foliage and sky reflected in quiet pools
See fall colors: Maples and other deciduous trees produce some of Arizona's best-known autumn color
Watch wildlife: Look for birds and other animals that use the creek corridor
Enjoy the maintained trail: Hike the scenic first three miles before returning to the trailhead
Explore deeper wilderness: Experienced hikers can continue beyond the maintained trail when conditions and access permit

West Fork Oak Creek Trail Hiking Tips

Check Current Status: Verify Forest Service closures and alerts before leaving home
Arrive Early: Parking at Call of the Canyon is limited and can fill quickly when the site is open
Wear Appropriate Footwear: Expect rocks, uneven ground and repeated creek crossings
Bring Drinking Water: Do not rely on untreated creek water
Prepare For Cooler Temperatures: Deep shade can make the canyon noticeably cooler than Sedona
Watch The Weather: Avoid narrow canyon drainages when thunderstorms or flash floods are possible
Keep Dogs Leashed: Dogs must remain on a leash and owners must pack out pet waste
Leave No Trace: Pack out trash and avoid picking flowers, leaves or damaging canyon vegetation

Best Time To Hike West Fork Trail

West Fork offers dramatically different scenery through the seasons when the trail is open, but conditions inside the narrow canyon should always determine whether a hike is appropriate.

Spring: Mild temperatures, flowing water, budding trees and migrating birds make spring especially appealing
Summer: The shaded canyon can be cooler than surrounding areas, but monsoon storms and flash-flood danger require careful weather monitoring
Fall: Red and gold foliage makes this the most popular photography season and one of the busiest times for parking
Winter: Snow, ice and icicles can create beautiful scenery, but creek crossings and shaded trail surfaces can become slippery and very cold

West Fork Oak Creek Trail Location Map

Map of West Fork Oak Creek Trail No. 108 and Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona Arizona

West Fork Oak Creek Trail Video

West Fork Oak Creek Trail FAQ

Is West Fork Oak Creek Trail currently open?

No. As of August 16, 2026, West Fork Trail No. 108 and the Call of the Canyon Picnic Site are temporarily closed because of flash-flood danger in areas affected by the Pocket Fire. The current Forest Service order runs through September 30, 2026 unless rescinded earlier.

Where is West Fork Oak Creek Trail?

West Fork Trail is located in Oak Creek Canyon approximately 9.5 miles north of Sedona and 17.5 miles south of Flagstaff along State Route 89A.

How long is West Fork Oak Creek Trail?

The maintained trail extends approximately three miles into the canyon, making a popular hike about six miles round trip. A much more difficult route continues through the canyon for an approximately 14-mile total wilderness trip.

How difficult is West Fork Trail?

The Forest Service rates the maintained first three miles as easy, but hikers still encounter rocks, uneven surfaces and repeated creek crossings. Beyond the maintained section, the route becomes substantially more difficult.

Does West Fork Trail cross the creek?

Yes. The maintained trail crosses the West Fork several times. Under normal conditions hikers may use stepping stones or walk through shallow water, but conditions can change after storms or snowmelt.

How much does it cost to park at West Fork Trail?

When Call of the Canyon is open, the Forest Service currently lists a $15 daily vehicle fee covering up to five people and a $4 walk-in fee. Fees are subject to change.

Does the Red Rock Pass cover West Fork Trail parking?

No. Call of the Canyon is a concessionaire-managed recreation site and is not covered by the standard Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.

When is the best time to hike West Fork Trail?

Spring and fall are especially popular, while summer provides shaded canyon hiking and winter can bring snow and ice. Weather, creek conditions and current Forest Service closures should always be checked before visiting.

Are dogs allowed on West Fork Trail?

Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash and owners are required to pack out pet waste.

Can bicycles or mountain bikes use West Fork Trail?

No. Mechanized travel is prohibited because the trail enters designated wilderness.