Posts
WEST FORK OF OAK CREEK: POST 2014 SLIDE FIRE
Sedona
 |
| Narrow Canyon Pool, Oct. 7, 2014 |
I cried when I first learned that the 2014 Slide Fire had crept into the West Fork of Oak Creek, impacting one of Sedona’s premier hiking
destinations. Prior to the blaze, the soaring crimson and buff canyon walls
that cradle the creek were embellished with pines, maples, elders, willows and
hop trees. In spring, apple blossoms burst from an abandoned orchard and in
autumn, the canyon glowed in shades of russet, gold and orange. After a
months-long closure, the forest service re-opened the canyon on October 1,
2014. I re-visited a few days
later and found that the damage is minimal. The vast majority of the trail is
intact and I only noticed six areas of moderate fire damage---but nothing bad enough
to detract from the canyon’s beauty.
Despite our wet summer, water levels in the creek are very low and the
sandbars are stained black with ash. But, low water means that hiking into the slot
canyon beyond the maintained trail is now easy to do without having to wade. On
October 7th, the leaves were just beginning to show some color,
which means the week of the 15th should be prime time for fall
foliage hiking.
RATING: easy with 13 creek crossings
ELEVATION: 5324' – 5594’
FEE: $10 daily fee per vehicle or $2 per person walk in
FACILITIES: restrooms, picnic tables, no water
 |
| Fire damage at creek crossing #11 |
GETTING THERE:
From the AZ179/89A traffic circle in Sedona, veer right and continue 10.5 miles north on 89A to the Call O the Canyon trailhead on the left.
INFO: Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, 928-203-2900
