Hiking the West Fork Trail, Sedona
West Fork Trail in Sedona boasts of being one of the most
popular hiking trails in the United States. It’s actually in the country’s
top10 list. One reason for its popularity is that it’s categorized as an easy
hike. This easily makes it a common first choice among newbie hikers,
particularly those who live in Sedona Arizona as well as those residing in the
surrounding states.
Specifically located in the Coconino National Forest, the
West Fork Trail starts out at the Call
of Canyon Recreation Area on to Mayhew's Lodge the Trailhead and moves along to
Fourth Stream Crossing. From there it proceeds to Rock Slide then to the Trail
on Overhanging Rock. Narrow Canyon Pool is the end of the trail.
What’s so great about
West Fork Trail?
It’s an easy
six-mile hike back and forth. There’s some elevation, some that need stepping
stones to climb but most of it is a very manageable uphill trek. The trail is
good in whatever season you choose to hike it. What’s more, West Fork Trail has
a little bit of something you’d want in a hiking trail.
There are streams to
either wade through or cross over stepping stones. Canyons, trees in colorful
foliage, and even hummingbirds are encountered on the trail. The canyon walls
with their constant red stain stand in contrast to the vegetation and tree
foliage that change colors depending on the season. A plus is that the canyons
shade most of the trail from the glaring sun especially during the summer
months. Be sure you’ve got change of clothing and shoes that are okay to get
wet since the urge to take a dip into one of the creek pools can be simply
irresistible. During the wet season, the creek can have pools of water at least
three feet deep and serve as home to small trout.
Finally, West Fork
Trail is popular and easy because of well positioned mile markers appear every
half mile to make sure hikers, particularly first-timers, don’t lose their way.
What’s not so great?
Nothing’s perfect in
this world and this includes even the most popular and easiest hiking trail.
West Fork Trail’s popularity is also actually its downside. Since it’s a
favorite among newbie hikers and tourists, the trail can be awfully crowded
especially during the summer months. Camping may also be prohibited during this
season due to the threat of forest fires. Also during these months and in the
spring, finding free parking along 89A can be very difficult. There are
paid-parking areas in the lot facilities though. And one last thing, the Red
Rock Pass is not accepted for entrance.
Still a great hike
When you consider
everything though, and weigh the downside against the upside of the West Fork
trail, you still end up with a great hike. If it’s the crowds you’re concerned
about, you can hike West Fork Trail during the months when there aren’t that
much tourists. And if you want a longer more challenging hike, West Fork Trail
offers an extension that’s about 11 miles of unmarked trail that leads to the
Secret Mountain Wilderness.