-
- During peak autumn color, The West Fork of Oak Creek Trail winds through a kaleidoscope of color. You may find yourself humming Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” as you wander between plumes of yellow, orange, and red.
-
- Rosy sandstone cliffs funnel the West Fork of Oak Creek along its winding path. The West Fork offers spectacular scenery in an often intimate-feeling setting.
-
- The West Fork Trail winds around and through a secret canyon forest. Maple is abundant, in varieties that change yellow, orange, and red during the Fall.
-
- Yellow maple leaves sing in chromatic harmony with pink sandstone cliffs.
-
- A sheet of sandstone has broken away from the canyon wall here. Oxide stains on the outer layer have darkened it over the years, and the “clean” sandstone underneath glows pink in comparison.
-
- A small cascade tumbles across mossy boulders in Oak Creek Canyon.
-
- Seep-spring Monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus) shoots up through mounds of watercress
Oak Creek Canyon
From blushing red buttes and white mesas to shadowy canyons and chattering forest creeks, Sedona boasts a pluralistic and diverse natural beauty. State Route 89A winds through Oak Creek Canyon, offering up plenty of scenery from the comfort of your vehicle. Plan on taking some time, though, since you’ll find scenic overlooks, picnic areas, swimming holes and hiking trails all along the drive.
The West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon showcases some of the region’s best scenery. From the Call of the Canyon day-use area, the trail first crosses a high bridge over Oak Creek and then transports hikers under a lush canopy and towering red cliffs. Birdsong and the sounds of running water echo softly through the canyon. Whether it’s the verdant green foliage of spring, the gold leaves of autumn spinning through red rock pools, or the crystalline decorations of winter, any season provides its own unique reasons for revisiting this Arizona classic.