October 22, 2010 8:00 AM - 34 attended
Fall Hikes near Sedona, AZ (West Fork Oak Creek-Mt. Wilson trail-Secret Canyon)
This location is shown only to members
RSVP IF YOU MEAN TO JOIN. WE WILL HAVE GREAT FULL MOON THIS WEEKEND IF ENOUGH ENERGY, MOON HIKES AS WELL :-) 
Let's join Lily and explore AZ for the Fall Foliage at Peak!
Tentatative schedule:
1. Hiking West Fork Fri Oct. 22 at 3:30PM for Sunset and Moon Rise Hike (or 8:30AM morning if drive out Thursday eve)
2. Hiking Mt. Wilson Sat Oct .23 8AM
3. Hiking Secret Canyon Sun Oct. 24 8AM
More info about camping or sharing rooms, please read more at bottom of the post and on the discussion board. WE WILL HAVE A GREAT CAMPING AND CAMPFIRE UNDER THE MOON LIGHT...IT'S FULL MOON WEEKEND!
1. West Fork of Oak Creek is one of the most spectacular canyon systems in the state" (100 Classic Hikes in Arizona, Warren) With colorful walls rising hundreds of feet straight up, a picturesque stream, and an interesting collection of flora and fauna. West Folk Oak Creek is another: Subway Zion, Slot Canyon and scenic color hike (easy from 3 to 6 miles one way and beyond that) Red is the dominant rock color - most of the cliffs are of reddish-orange Coconino sandstone, with white Kaibab limestone much higher up. The sandstone rocks are multi-layered, often eroded into many curving shapes and with frequent short, tunnel-like passages, similar to the famous Subway of Zion National Park. Occasionally the creek has pools 3-4 feet deep which harbour trout and other fish although usually the water (in summer) is only a few inches deep. The stream flows gently, and the hike is very pleasant and relaxing - only occasional sunlight reaches the canyon floor months
http://www.americanso...
http://hikearizona.co...
http://hikearizona.co...
Photos from AZ Hiking Meetup:
http://www.meetup.com...
http://www.meetup.com...
2. Wilson Mountain 7,122 feet, is the highest of the red and white sandstone peaks surrounding Sedona, so its upper slopes provide the best elevated views of the area. The top is a grassy basalt plateau about 2 miles across, rather than a discrete summit, and may be reached from two directions, via steep trails that converge half way up and continue to a second junction in woodland on the plateau. From here one branch goes south to an overlook of Sedona and lower Oak Creek, while the other, longer path leads to the north edge of the plateau for an equally fine panorama of upper Oak Creek. The shorter of the two approach routes still involves a round trip of 10 miles and an elevation gain of 2,200 feet (add 2 miles and 250 feet for the alternative), making this the most strenuous hike near Sedona, but the effort is rewarded by beautiful scenery and relatively few other hikers. 
3. Secret Canyon lies within the most popular area for hiking around Sedona, the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, centered around Dry Creek a few miles northwest of town. This is a wide valley surrounded on three sides by high red cliffs split by many deep, hidden canyons, usually with a maintained footpath at least part of the way upstream. Important trails include those up Boynton Canyon, Long Canyon, Sterling Canyon (Vultee Arch Trail) and Secret Canyon - the longest in the area at 4.4 miles, one way, though the end point is not clearly defined and a faint path extends several miles further. This canyon is similar to the West Fork of Oak Creek as it is quite steep, densely wooded and contains a permanent stream with pools and waterfalls, though is much less traveled so offers more tranquility 
Map of the hiking area: http://www.redrockcou...
Directions: Take highway 89A north from Sedona to mile post 385 to the Call of the Canyon day use area. The trail head starts there.
Parking, especially at this time of year, will be particularly difficult. Please be prepared to park along 89A and walk into the day use area. Also car pool as much as possible to help with the parking problem. A fee of $6 per vehicle is collected at the park. There is also a walk in fee. Red Rock Passes are not needed in the day use area parking lot but will be needed for parking along 89A
Camping info: For those who are interested in camping, Manzanita Campground is nearby, book early, see links below. Camping fee is $20/night, there are 3 reserve sites left and 5 others first come first serve. There are also few more campgrounds in Red Rock area for first come first serve, so come early for it as this is a busy weekend for hiking Fall color.
http://www.recreation...
http://www.fs.fed.us/...
REMINDER:
***By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings***
> YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
> YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY
Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks and snake bites. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***
-
-
Lily
For those who are interested in camping, Manzanita Campground is nearby, book early, see links below. Camping fee is $20/night, there are 3 reserve sites left and 5 others first come first serve.
http://www.recreation.gov/campsiteCalendar.do
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/manz...Posted August 30, 2010 at 3:28 PM -
Kanita Nandhavan
okay. Camp #12 is reserved (and paid for) by yours truly. Total is $50 $20/night plus $10 fee). Good for 8 people BUT BUT BUT only one vehicle is allowed. They might have offsite parking somewhere. Who wants in??
Posted August 30, 2010 at 3:59 PM -
Irma
Kanita, Linda and I want in.Let me know if we can carpool with you..
Posted August 30, 2010 at 10:32 PM -
Kanita Nandhavan
irma & Linda. Yes, for camping with me. I don't mind driving (and I love driving), but my car might not be an ideal. It is midsize, good mileage but it's a coupe. I was asking Jeff if I could carpool with him but he has yet to answer.
Posted August 30, 2010 at 11:52 PM -
ChrisG
Carpool anyone? I'm coming from LA, but I'm willing to drive to meetup.
Posted August 31, 2010 at 6:35 PM -
-
Nataliya
Kanita, can I share campsite with you? Please let me know. ms_NataliyaC@hotmail.com I am lookign for carpool too.
Posted September 1, 2010 at 11:05 AM -
Rose T
Lilly, any suggestions on other accommodation nearby like hotel, motel? Thanks.
Posted September 13, 2010 at 11:46 AM -
Tony TT
Rose T, I checked out several motel/inns in the Sedona area such as the Briar Patch Inn, Matterhorn Inn and Best Western. I am staying at the Matterhorn Inn (1-800-372-8207), which is in old town Sedona with great views and is only about ten miles from the meetup point. Let me know what you decide.
Posted September 14, 2010 at 1:19 PM -
-
Rose T
Thanks Tony for the info., there we'll be two of us (me and my husband). I'll be checking the cost on these hotels.
Posted September 14, 2010 at 3:21 PM -
Leigh M
I just booked a room at the Star Motel. I've never been there, but it is inexpensive (about $80 plus tax) has good reviews and is located in town.
Posted September 14, 2010 at 6:30 PM -
Lily
Thank you Leigh and Tony for info. Sorry Rose for the delay. I used to stay at Days Inn or The Views Inn Sedona, but haven't had a chance to check out for this time yet.
Posted September 15, 2010 at 1:27 AM -
Lily
We still have a month for this trip. However I like to update you if you don't plan to camp, room at The Views Inn Sedona http://www.viewsinn.com/
is $85/night (2 queen beds). Please update next to your name if you will join the hike on Friday and if you are a driver, please update when you will leave OC and when you will arrive Sedona. ThanksPosted September 22, 2010 at 1:57 PM -
Leigh M
Lily, What time do we need to be there on Friday to do the West Fork hike?
Posted September 22, 2010 at 2:40 PM -
Lily
Hi Leigh and all, FYI I'll try to set up Friday into morning and sunset hikes. If you can come out evening Thursday, please join 8:30AM hike and the 2nd hike at this trailhead is at 3:30PM for those drive out on Friday. They said this is an easy hike, so hope I'm not too tired to hike it twice...
Posted September 23, 2010 at 12:53 AM -
Lily
FYI Kanita and those who plan camping, there are many campsites are available at the 2 nearby campgrounds: Pine Flat and Cave Springs, but you have to get there early as they are first come first serve. More info check here: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/cave...
Posted September 25, 2010 at 11:42 PM -
-
ChrisG
Anybody interested of carpooling on Thursday and camping at Pine Flat or Cave Springs going back on Sunday.
Posted September 27, 2010 at 10:59 PM -
Nataliya
I just reserved campsite #13 Manzanita campground for 2 nights (Friday and Saturday).
Posted October 4, 2010 at 2:07 PM -
ChrisG
@Nataliya, I'm carpooling with Audrey and Karen and want to proposed the following plan.
If you plan to leave Friday Morning to catch the late afternoon hike, we would like to share camp and rent a Car/SUV. I'm thinking the drive might need a transportation with better clearance and more driver (at 500miles driving) plus only one car is allowed in the parking.
I'll pick them up since we're coming from LA and meet you and Shital at Riverside for carpool. We'll divide the cost.
Posted October 9, 2010 at 9:35 AM -
shital
I think two cars are allowed per campsite at manzanita - 8 people and 2 cars. the 2nd car fee is $7 and has to be paid at the campground.
Posted October 10, 2010 at 4:42 PM -
Linda
Kanita,
Audrey sent me email. She, Karen and Chris would like to share campsite #12 with us Fri/Sat. That would make us eight, right?Posted October 11, 2010 at 8:07 PM -
Kanita Nandhavan
Tim and I are staying at a lodge so there are six of you (Audrey, Chris, Jeff, Linda, Irma and Karen). Not having Tim and I means one less vehicle and/or tent. That should make it easier for you all to share the campsite with crazy restrictions on vehicle and such. I will need to transfer the name on reservation and since Linda and Irma are staying on Thur, should I transfer that to one of you?
Posted October 11, 2010 at 10:42 PM -
A former member
Thank you all for offering your campsite, and I will pay to whoever I am staying with. I am just excited to be with all of you for this trip. Now, I have more campsite than people..: )
Posted October 12, 2010 at 6:55 PM -
Linda
It looks like Audrey, Karen, Chris, Jeff, Irma and I will be sharing the campsite
If someone decides to arrive on Thursday, you are more than welcome to join Irma and I, Campsite @12, Manzanita.
Looking forward to seeing you all next week.Posted October 12, 2010 at 10:22 PM -
-
Lily
Please check email, put notes next to your name. If we don't hear from you, you'll be remove out of the list by Monday evening. Thanks Chris, Linda and Irma for taking care of camping, we'll join you all for dinner campfire under full moon weekend...
Posted October 17, 2010 at 1:34 AM -
ChrisG
Karen, Audrey, and I are driving Friday Morning and plan to attend the friday afternoon hike. Trying to get Shital on board also. Planning to stay with Linda/Irma's campsite. Thanks Linda/Irma/Kanita.
Posted October 17, 2010 at 2:26 AM -
Kanita Nandhavan
I already changed primary occupant to Irma. I'm assuming campfire and dinner is on Sat night. I'll get dinner and join you for campfire. We don't plan to cook at campground. Please let us know when and where to meet (we'll be at Motel 8 (stuck there)). If you don't have my cell No. Let me know, I'll call you (I have yr #)
Posted October 17, 2010 at 8:29 PM -
Kanita Nandhavan
Is there a room for carpool, room or camping for one gal who wants to leave on Fri morning?
Monty, did you get a ride? You didn't say when you wanted to leave and where you wanted to stay.
Posted October 18, 2010 at 9:43 PM -
Linda
Hi Kanita,
We are leaving on Thu, but she can stay with us Fri/Sat in Manzanita #12, as they allow 8 people per campsite (so far, we are six).Posted October 18, 2010 at 9:54 PM -
Kanita Nandhavan
thx, Linda. What time are you leaving on Thursday? If she can leave on Thu, is it okay for her to ride with you guys?
Posted October 18, 2010 at 10:03 PM -
Nataliya
I have a room in Manzanita #13 for Friday and Saturday too.
Posted October 19, 2010 at 9:22 AM -
-
Lily
from the photos of last week, we have a high chance to see more colorful at West Fork Oak Creek...some photos from AZ hiking group of last week there for your eyes http://www.meetup.com/threeh/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbu...
http://www.meetup.com/threeh/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbu...Posted October 19, 2010 at 12:29 PM -
Que Bui
Thanks Lily for organizing this trip. I had a good time and enjoyed meeting new people. Everyone are nice and friendly. Pictures posted by miss Dau-thi and Jeff are awsome. Love it. See you in oc weekly hike.
Posted October 25, 2010 at 7:11 AM -
Kanita Nandhavan
Nataliya's pictures are absolutely beautiful. Lily's pho was better than the restaurant. Thx for sharing and organizing that, Lily.
Posted October 25, 2010 at 4:01 PM -
Nataliya
Lily, thanks for organizing the trip. I had wonderful time!
Posted October 25, 2010 at 4:30 PM -
Jeff waterfallman
You're on YouTube video#1.....Giant Worm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27mvoU6OYVQPosted October 30, 2010 at 9:37 AM -
Jeff waterfallman
You're on YouTube video#2....Misty Rocks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5v4a-tfNVEPosted October 30, 2010 at 9:39 AM -
Jeff waterfallman
You're on YouTube video#3....Foggy Overlook Trek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ieg40MSqzfgPosted October 30, 2010 at 9:39 AM -
Jeff waterfallman
You're on YouTube video#4....Montezuma Well
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1RZHbMOXHYPosted October 30, 2010 at 9:43 AM -
Jeff waterfallman
You're on YouTube video #5....V Bar V Petroglyphs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awj07VskZooPosted October 30, 2010 at 9:46 AM -
Lily
Thank you all for coming to Sedona even it was raining. After looking all the photos at West Fork Oak Creek, I think it's more colorful with the wet fresh leave all day rain...Thanks all drivers, campers, food shoppers and other Organizers helping our lifetime trip so much memorable with photos. I'm sure we may have a next time, but not at the same time, same place or the same weather...until then :-) So much photos, check out for your eyes http://picasaweb.google.com/nnlily
Posted October 31, 2010 at 3:14 AM -
ChrisG
Can't upload my pix cause meetup only allow 500 so here are some video instead
Wilson Mountain:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSsXkpuhAaU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_-mQ3o-C_Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ObcE8l2lk8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI5C5farLt4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdhtGyNxF9YGoing Home:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbmqjOGA8jAPosted November 7, 2010 at 11:18 AM -
ChrisG
Created an album for additional photos:
http://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/?op=delete&phot...Posted November 29, 2010 at 9:25 AM
RSVPs closed
-
LilyEvent HostEvent Organizer, Co-Organizer+4 guestsThank you all for coming to Sedona even it was raining. After looking all the photos at West Fork Oak Creek, I think it's more colorful with the wet fresh leave all day rain...Thanks all the drivers, the campers, the food shoppers and other Organizers to help me making this trip memorable as our lifetime...I'm sure we may have a next time, but not at the same time, same place or the same weather...until then :-)
-
ChrisGEvent HostLove Camping..., Assistant OrganizerTrip was great specially with nice friendly people. Thanks to everyone special Lily for organizing, my carpoolers for a pleasant fun drive, and campers for taking care of me ;P and fun evening. Until next time.
-
Tony TTEvent HostMr. Tony the Tiger!+1 guestWhat perfect timing to see the colors in Sedona. We loved it including frolicking in the rain. Thanks Lily for all your hard work setting things up and cooking the Pho dish.
-
Bob ReyesEvent HostLove Bridge to Nowhere...West Fork Oak Creek was so colorful !! What a perfect place to be in the Fall !! So many different colors. Loved the scenery in Sedona.
-
Jeff waterfallmanEvent Hostlove waterfalls...West Fork Oak Creek reminds me of 'Colors of the Wind' ....but where's Pocahontas?
-
-
Dave SpI'm glad I had the chance to explore the beauty of this area, that I never saw from the highway. We had a great group, dinner and picnic was a lot of fun.
-
LindaWhat a dandy trip!!! Everything went perfect, including the rain, yes!! Lily, thank you so much for organizing such a beautiful trip!
-
ElenaAssistant OrganizerTerrific trip! Everything was perfect: locations, people, weather(yes, those clouds!). Lily: thank you very much for your energy, time, and effort planning and organizing this trip! Dave: thank you for driving and for your brilliant patience :-) I will upload my photos on a weekend, will upload a few tonight...
-
MontyGreat people, food and place. Amazing colors and breathtaking views. The rain made the colors look more alive and the mud made the earth smiling. Thanks Lily for making us tasty food. Linda, the ranchero omelet was yummy, gracias!!!
-
Kanita Nandhavan+1 guestNataliya's pictures are absolutely beautiful. Lily's pho was better than the restaurant. Thx for sharing and organizing that, Lily.
-
-
Tia MartinOn the Roads...Puddles in my tent, mud on my shoes, raindrops clanging on my tent, soaked socks...It was all worth the journey into West Fork....wow!
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
A former member
-
A former member
-
A former member
Other nearbyMeetups
The Meetup Groups shown here are topically similar to HikingOC (Meet to Hike in Orange County & Travel the World).
Groups are more likely to be displayed here if they:
- have a Meetup scheduled
- have a high rating
- have a group photo
- are "public" and not "private"
- have shown they are likely to stick around (older than 30 days)
-
139 Trail Riders
-
-
10 Members
-
-
-
31 Practioners
near Orange
That sucks! I am off Oct 15-19. Missed it by 4 days. We will be hiking in Monterey and Santa Cruz instead.