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WEST FORK OF OAK CREEK
Sedona
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| West Fork of Oak Creek: Oct. 13, 2012 |
Now that autumn's first freeze and snowfall have snuffed Flagstaff's aspen show, Arizona's annual fall foliage spectacular has migrated south into Red Rock Country. Brilliant color is blooming now in Sedona’s most famous
canyon. Today, we hiked under a
canopy of blaze-red maples, tawny oaks and boxelders dripping in honey
gold. But, there’s still plenty of
green getting ready to turn, so it looks like (frosty weather not withstanding) this
week will be primo for autumn color. The rocky, but easy trail is packed with 13 creek crossings (...that's 26 for a roundtrip hike) on stepping stones and logs. Shoes with good traction are a must and a trekking pole is helpful. Also, plan to arrive early at the trailhead or else be prepared to wait for parking, as this world-celebrated trek attracts thousands of casual walkers (who rarely go more than a mile), day hikers and hard core canyoneers. We even encountered a wedding party in full regalia---and hiking boots!
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| Oct. 13, 2012 |
LENGTH: 3.3
miles one-way (on trail) OR up to 14 miles (with wading, swimming &
climbing)
ELEVATION:
5,280’ – 5,520’
RATING: easy
(on trail), moderate –difficult beyond trail’s end
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, go north on I-17 to exit 298 (Oak
Creek-Sedona) for SR 179. Go left
(west) on SR179 and continue to the “Y” intersection with SR89A in Sedona. Veer right (northeast) on 89A and go
10.5 miles to the Call of the Canyon Day Use Area (between mileposts 384 &
385) on the left (west) side of the road.
Roads are 100% paved.
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| Green woodland starting to turn, Oct. 13, 2012 |
FEE: $9 daily fee per vehicle. $2 per-person-daily-fee for
walk-in or bike-in.
HOURS: 9 a.m.
to 8 p.m. (summer), 9 a.m. to dusk (winter). The gate usually opens around 8
a.m.. Use the self-pay kiosk if an attendant is not available. The parking lots
fills up quicky on weekends and high seasons---so arrive early.
INFO: Coconino National Forest, Red Rock Ranger District
MORE PHOTOS:
