West Fork Oak Creek Trail Near Sedona Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 21, 2026.

West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108 is one of the most scenic hikes in Oak Creek Canyon and one of the most popular trails near Sedona, Arizona. The trail follows the West Fork of Oak Creek through a narrow forested canyon surrounded by towering red-rock walls, maple trees, pools and numerous shallow creek crossings.

The first three miles are marked and maintained, making an out-and-back hike to the end of the maintained trail approximately six miles. Visitors can also turn around sooner for a shorter hike. Beyond the maintained trail, travel becomes significantly more difficult and eventually requires wading through the creek, scrambling over boulders and, on the full canyon route, swimming through cold pools.

• West Fork Trail Quick Facts
• Directions
• Parking & Trailhead
• Trail Length & Difficulty
• Creek Crossings
• Mayhew Lodge History
• Best Time To Hike
• Weather & Hiking Safety
• Trail Location Map
• Nearby Attractions
• FAQ

West Fork Oak Creek Trail Quick Facts

• Official trail: West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108
• Location: Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona, Arizona
• Trailhead: Call of the Canyon day-use area
• Highway access: State Route 89A at approximately milepost 384.7
• Maintained trail: Approximately 3 miles one way
• Typical out-and-back: Up to approximately 6 miles
• Creek crossings: Numerous shallow crossings on the maintained trail
• Facilities: Parking, restrooms and picnic facilities
• Drinking water: Not available
• Reservations: Not available for Call of the Canyon day use
• Best seasons: Spring and fall, with fall especially popular for foliage
• Full canyon route: Approximately 14 miles and substantially more strenuous than the maintained trail

Directions To West Fork Oak Creek Trail

From the junction of State Route 89A and Highway 179 in Sedona, travel north on Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon for approximately 10.5 miles. The Call of the Canyon day-use area and West Fork Trailhead are on the left near milepost 384.7.

From Flagstaff, travel south on Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon toward Sedona. Watch for the signed Call of the Canyon day-use area on the right before reaching Slide Rock State Park and Sedona.

Traffic through Oak Creek Canyon can be heavy during weekends, holidays and peak fall-color season, so allow extra travel time and arrive early.

West Fork Trail Length & Hiking Difficulty

The maintained portion of West Fork Trail extends approximately three miles into the canyon. Hikers who travel to the end of the maintained trail and return to Call of the Canyon cover roughly six miles, although many visitors choose a shorter out-and-back hike.

The maintained trail is generally moderate because elevation change is limited, but uneven surfaces, rocks, roots and repeated creek crossings add difficulty. Recreation.gov describes the first portion as an easy stroll, but wet rocks, high water, snow or ice can make conditions substantially more challenging.

Beyond the three-mile maintained section, the route eventually disappears into the streambed and should not be confused with the normal West Fork day hike. The complete canyon traverse is approximately 14 miles and requires advanced backcountry preparation.

West Fork Trail Parking & Call Of The Canyon

The West Fork Trail begins at the Call of the Canyon day-use area along Highway 89A. The developed trailhead provides vehicle parking, restrooms and picnic facilities, but potable drinking water is not available.

Parking is limited and frequently fills early on weekends, holidays and during peak fall foliage. Mornings, weekdays and off-season visits generally provide the best chance for easier parking and a less crowded trail.

Call of the Canyon is a fee day-use site. Because concessionaire fees and operating procedures can change, check current Forest Service information or posted entrance rates before visiting rather than relying on older fixed prices.

West Fork Trailhead GPS Coordinates

Call of the Canyon / West Fork Trailhead
Latitude: 34.9903698
Longitude: -111.7372900

West Fork Creek Crossings & Trail Conditions

West Fork Trail repeatedly crosses the creek as it winds through the canyon. Under typical conditions, most crossings involve stepping stones or brief steps through shallow water, but conditions vary with rainfall, snowmelt and recent storms.

Water-resistant hiking shoes or footwear that can get wet are useful. Trekking poles can also improve balance on wet rocks and uneven crossings. Never assume a crossing will have the same depth or stepping stones found on a previous visit.

• Creek Crossings: Expect numerous crossings along the maintained portion of the trail.
• Shade: Canyon walls, maples and other vegetation provide extensive shade.
• Trail Surface: Expect rocks, roots, sand and occasionally wet or muddy sections.
• Photography: Canyon reflections, flowing water and fall foliage make West Fork especially popular with photographers.
• Wildlife: Songbirds, deer, squirrels and other forest wildlife may be seen along the route.

Mayhew Lodge & Call Of The Canyon History

Near the beginning of West Fork Trail, hikers pass the remains of historic Mayhew Lodge. The site's history dates to the late nineteenth century, when an early cabin was developed into a hunting and fishing lodge in Oak Creek Canyon.

The lodge later became associated with author Zane Grey and his novel The Call of the Canyon. During the Mayhew family's ownership, the lodge attracted prominent visitors including actors, writers and political figures. The Forest Service later acquired the property, but the lodge was destroyed by fire in 1980.

The surviving ruins add an unusual historical element to the first portion of the West Fork hike.

Best Time To Hike West Fork Trail

• Spring: Mild temperatures, flowing water and fresh canyon vegetation make spring one of the best hiking seasons.
• Summer: The shaded canyon is cooler than Arizona's low deserts, but summer monsoon storms can create dangerous flash-flood conditions.
• Fall: Maple, oak and other deciduous trees produce spectacular red, orange and gold foliage, making fall the busiest and most photographed season.
• Winter: Snow, ice and icicles can create beautiful scenery, but shaded trail sections and creek crossings may become slippery or extremely cold.

West Fork Trail Weather & Hiking Safety

• Check the weather forecast before entering the canyon, especially during summer monsoon season.
• Do not hike deep into the canyon when flash flooding is possible.
• Bring all drinking water needed for the hike because potable water is not available at the trailhead.
• Wear shoes suitable for wet rocks, uneven trail surfaces and creek crossings.
• Carry extra layers because the shaded canyon can feel considerably colder than Sedona.
• Winter visitors should expect possible snow, ice and cold water at creek crossings.
• Cell phone service can be limited or unavailable inside the canyon.
• Do not attempt the full 14-mile canyon route as though it were an extension of the normal maintained trail.

West Fork Oak Creek Trail Location Map

Attractions Near West Fork Oak Creek Trail

• Slide Rock State Park — Popular Oak Creek swimming, picnicking and historic orchard area south of West Fork.
• Oak Creek Canyon Vista — Scenic overlook near the upper end of Oak Creek Canyon.
• Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive — Highway 89A drive between Sedona and Flagstaff.
• Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon — Red-rock scenery, hiking, restaurants and visitor attractions.
• Flagstaff Arizona — Mountain community north of Oak Creek Canyon with lodging, dining and additional outdoor recreation.
• Oak Creek — Creek recreation, canyon scenery and additional visitor information.

West Fork Oak Creek Trail FAQ

Where Is West Fork Oak Creek Trail?

West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108 is located in Oak Creek Canyon along State Route 89A north of Sedona, Arizona. The trail begins at the Call of the Canyon day-use area.

How Long Is West Fork Oak Creek Trail?

The marked and maintained portion extends approximately three miles into the canyon. Hiking to the end of the maintained trail and returning is roughly six miles.

Is West Fork Trail An Easy Hike?

The maintained trail has relatively little elevation change, but numerous creek crossings, rocks, roots and uneven surfaces make it more appropriately considered an easy-to-moderate or moderate hike depending on conditions and hiking experience.

How Many Creek Crossings Are On West Fork Trail?

The trail crosses West Fork of Oak Creek numerous times. The exact character of each crossing changes with water levels, rainfall and seasonal conditions.

Where Do You Park For West Fork Trail?

Parking is available at the Call of the Canyon day-use area along Highway 89A. The parking area is limited and frequently fills early on weekends, holidays and during peak fall foliage.

Is There A Fee To Hike West Fork Trail?

Call of the Canyon is a fee day-use area. Fees can change, so check current Forest Service information or posted rates at the entrance before visiting.

Is Drinking Water Available At West Fork Trailhead?

No. Potable drinking water is not available at the trailhead, so hikers should bring all the water they need.

Are Dogs Allowed On West Fork Trail?

Dogs are generally allowed subject to current Coconino National Forest regulations. Keep pets under control, follow posted leash requirements and clean up after them.

What Is The Best Time To Hike West Fork Trail?

Spring and fall generally provide the best combination of comfortable temperatures and scenery. Fall is especially popular because of the colorful maple and oak foliage.

Can You Hike Beyond The End Of West Fork Trail?

Yes, but beyond approximately three miles the maintained trail ends and travel becomes substantially more difficult. The complete 14-mile canyon route requires backcountry experience, extensive wading and boulder hopping and may require swimming through cold pools.

West Fork Trail Visitor Information

• West Fork Oak Creek Trail Hiking Guide — Additional hiking information and trail details.
• Oak Creek Canyon Photos By Mike Koopsen — Scenic Oak Creek Canyon photography.
• West Fork Of Oak Creek Trail #108 — Current federal trail information.
• Call Of The Canyon Picnic Site — Current trailhead and day-use information.
• Coconino National Forest Recreation — Current forest conditions, closures and recreation information.

The Wonder Of Sedona & Oak Creek