Backpack West Fork Oak Creek (Sedona) - Dog Friendly
Details
"There are a number of reasons why West Fork is one of the most popular trails on the Coconino National Forest. 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, you will fall in love with it, too.
West Fork is fantastic throughout the year. In springtime, migrating songbirds decorate the trees with flashes of brilliance. In autumn, the canyon is ablaze with color, with red and gold leaves floating in clear reflecting pools under a canopy of solid color. In wintertime, icicles decorate from red rock overhangs, and snatches of snow persist in cool shadows. As a matter of fact, you'll probably find a new reason to be here every time you visit."
- https://www.fs.usda.gov
I have not been here in years, so I think it's a good time to go see it again. If i guessed well, we'll get some fall colors.
The Plan:
Saturday, Oct 25th: 9 am meet at Walmart in Cottonwood. Carpool up to the West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead (89A) and start the hike. We'll take it easy going about 6 miles up the creek. First 3 miles are on a maintained trail, rest will be a wet adventure. Be prepared for multiple water crossings. It could get deep (waist?) depending on how much it rained recently. Once we clear the 6 mile mark we'll look for a campsite and set up for the night.
No fires allowed so bring some other kind of entertainment.
Sunday, Oct 26th: We'll break camp and head back the way we came. We can have team lunch at Indian Gardens Cafe.
Details:
Distance: ~12 miles (round trip)
AEG: 1300 feet
Difficulty: Challenging Beginner to Intermediate
Dogs: Yes
Kids: No
Water: Everywhere the whole time.
Things to know: Multiple water crossings. No fires. Partial bushwhack.
Disclaimer:
The planned hike is listed above, but the group's ability takes precedence. If I think someone may not make it for whatever reason (injury, out of shape, solar flares, etc...) I'll change the plan and do my best to tailor the trip to the groups wants and capabilities.
I will not leave you stranded in the middle of the trail.
Writeups/Maps/GPX:
https://hikearizona.com/decoder.php?ZTN=147
Recommended Gear List:
- Water for the entire day (this means 4 Liters/Quarts for someone weighing 100 - 200 lbs, you weigh more, ring more water) and some way to treat/filter water.
- First aid kit.
- Backpack... duh.
- Sleeping bag, Tent, hammock.
- Clothing: I recommend one set of hiking and one set of sleeping clothes.
- Small dish towel. This comes in very handy.
- Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, deo and quick dissolving toilet paper).
- Headlamp.
- Utensils for the food.
- Food: you must feed yourself.
Optional:
- Trekking poles.
- Stove. I have one that anyone can borrow if you want to cook something.
- I'm bringing a little fold out grill to cook on over the fire. You can bring another if you want.
- Tweezers (should be part of your first aid kit, but just in case it isn't).
- Entertainment... whatever floats your boat.
- Camp shoes (flip flops or some other loose fitting light shoe). This will feel nice on your feet after an all day hike.
- Chair.