Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
West Fork Trail Day Hike
| when? |
Friday, November 11, 2011
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Trip Report :
November 4, 2006
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Trip Report :
October 2, 2004
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Trip Report :
October 21, 2000
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| where? |
Sedona |
| the hike |
One of the most popular trails in Sedona, I would be remiss if I did not hike
the West Fork every fall. Hiking along the stream between towering red rock
cliffs and underneath a canopy of brilliant fall leaves is my kind of hiking.
The trail is easy with very little elevation change. We will cross the creek
several times but I have never gotten wet yet. It usually involves a bit of
rock hopping. We’ll even get to poke around an old, abandoned lodge,
built in the early 1900s. After 3.4 miles, the trail runs into the creek bed
– at this point, we’ll stop for a snack (and an awesome view),
then return the way we came. Be prepared for some fascinating, multi-layered
rock formations, possible wildlife sightings, dense trees, and a stream that
runs year round. This is Oak Creek Canyon at its best.
|
| distance |
6.8 miles |
| time |
3-4 hours |
| EC |
+-270' elevation change |
| on trail |
100% —
West Fork Trail #108 |
| rating |
"C"
Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs? |
no |
| cost |
$9 per vehicle at Call of the Canyon day-use area,
plus sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also
allows voluntary contributions of $1/member or $3/non-member |
| weather |
Sedona |
| meet |
7:00 AM in the
Fry’s parking lot on the SW corner of I-17 & Bell Road.
Park behind Denny’s, near the entrance to the Deer Valley Park & Ride.
|
| drive |
On Interstate 17, continue north to the Highway 179 turnoff to Sedona.
From the junction of Arizona 179 and 89A in the center of Sedona, drive
north on 89A for 10.5 miles – slightly over three miles beyond
Slide Rock State Park and less than a mile from Bootlegger Campground.
About a half mile past Milepost 384, watch for a parking area road sign
and make a sharp turn to the left into the Call of the Canyon day-use area.
A $9 entry fee per vehicle is required for this area. The normal Red Rock
Passes are not accepted here. The trailhead starts from the west side of
the parking area loop.
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