West Fork of Oak Creek (2BII - 2BIV)

Location: Coconino National Forest, Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, AZ
Rating: Basic Canyoneering 2B II to 2B IV depending on route and conditions
Length: 3 to 12 hours or multi-day top down
Mileage: ~6 to 14 miles depending on route
Longest Rappel: None
Start: West Fork Trailhead or FR 231 (top down)
End: Out and back or West Fork Trailhead
Permits: Day use fee required at lower trailhead
Wetsuit: Optional depending on season
Shuttle: Optional (top down route)

Overview: West Fork of Oak Creek is one of the most scenic and popular canyon hikes in Arizona. The canyon features towering walls, flowing water, shaded sections, and numerous creek crossings.

This is not a technical canyoneering route but offers a canyon experience with water travel, route finding, and extended creek hiking depending on how far you explore.

The lower section is a well maintained and heavily visited trail, while the upper canyon transitions into a more remote and less defined route. A fee is required for parking.

Approach: From Sedona, head north on Hwy 89A into Oak Creek Canyon. The trailhead is located approximately 1.1 miles south of Canyon Springs Campground or 0.9 miles north of Don Hoel’s Cabins.

Shuttle Setup (Top Down Option): For a top down route, stage a vehicle at the West Fork Trailhead. From Sedona, head north on Hwy 89A into Oak Creek Canyon.Upper Access (Start Point): From Flagstaff, take Woody Mountain Road (FR 231) south from Old Route 66. Follow FR 231 approximately 18 miles until the road crosses West Fork of Oak Creek. This is a common upper entry point for a top down route.

Road conditions vary and may require high clearance. The top down route is less commonly attempted and requires navigation and planning.

Route Description: From the lower trailhead, follow the well maintained West Fork Trail upstream into the canyon. The first several miles are easy to follow, with a defined trail crossing the creek multiple times.

After approximately 3 to 4 miles, the maintained trail ends and transitions into less defined paths and creek travel.

Beyond this point, expect frequent creek crossings, boulder hopping and uneven terrain, sections of wading and occasional swimming, faint or nonexistent trails, and route finding through the canyon. When finished head back the way you came.

For top down routes, begin at FR 231 and travel downstream through the canyon to the West Fork Trailhead.

Water Conditions:

• Water is typically present year round
• Expect frequent crossings
• Wading is common
• Swimming may be required in deeper sections