The trail is marked for the first three miles however, many hikers continue beyond that. Usually, that involves negotiating a few strategically placed stepping stones or taking a couple of steps in shallow water. As a matter of fact, you'll probably find a new reason to be here every time you visit.Īs for the trail itself, it's an easy stroll, but you do have to cross the stream in a number of places. You can even add to that list if you come in the winter, when icicles hang from red rock overhangs and snatches of snow persist in cool shadows. You'll know even more if you come in the spring, when migrating songbirds decorate the trees with flashes of brilliance, or in the fall when pastel leaves float in clear reflecting pools under a canopy of solid color. You'll know some of them once you've strolled beside the pleasant little stream that ripples along the canyon floor and looked up, way up, at the dizzying cliffs that tower above it. There are a number of reasons why West Fork is the most popular trail on the Coconino National Forest. The creek is clear, and the environment soothes as you walk along. Stone mile markers line the trail at half-mile intervals. Families with small children will probably be satisfied with less. I usually turn around at the two-mile mark. You wouldn't want to screw up something so perfect.Ĭontinue crossing the creek numerous times as far up as you like. West Fork is one place I can truly say I'm glad I can't bring my mountain bike. Shortly before reaching the creek, lush, and I mean lush paths welcome the hiker. Scattered throughout the field are old apple trees. Zane Grey wrote Call of the Canyon at the lodge.

It is the former site of the Lolomai Lodge. A spectacular field of ferns opens up to your right. Follow the trail overlooking the creek on your left. After crossing the bridge, the trail turns left.

The steep climb in and out of the creek was a mini adventure you now admire from above. A few minutes into the hike, you cross a bridge built in the summer of '98.

West fork trail sedona