Thirteen creek crossings stand between you and the end of this Arizona trail’s maintained path. Red canyon walls tower over each one like they’re keeping score.
In autumn, the trees along the water turn gold, orange, and red against those cliffs. Near the start, stone ruins of an old lodge peek out from the shade like a bonus round.
You hop across stepping stones while cool water slides past your boots. Balance stops being a skill here and becomes a full-time hobby.
The trail has a temporary closure through October 31, so check the latest trail status before you head out. Pack a spare pair of socks, because the creek gets thirteen chances to win.
A Desert Trail That Somehow Grew A Forest
Red rock country usually means open skies and sunbaked boulders. West Fork Oak Creek Trail #108 flips that script with shade, water, and towering canyon walls.
The trail starts at the West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead in the Call of the Canyon area of the Coconino National Forest. From there, it follows the West Fork of Oak Creek deeper into a narrow, winding canyon.
Tall cliffs close in on both sides as you walk. Trees crowd the creek banks, and the path weaves back and forth across the water again and again.
That mix is what makes it stand out in Arizona. You get cliffs that glow red in the sun, plus the leafy feel of a mountain stream.
The maintained section runs about 3.3 miles one way. Most of it is fairly flat, though you will step over rocks and roots along the way.
Families, casual walkers, and serious hikers all share this path. Some stroll a mile and turn back, while others push all the way to the end of the maintained trail.
Either way, the canyon keeps changing around each bend. It is the kind of walk where you stop for photos more often than you planned.
Autumn Puts On Its Best Show Down Here
Leaf peeping in the desert sounds like a joke. Then the maples and oaks along this creek start turning, and nobody is laughing anymore.
Fall color here usually peaks from late October into early November. Timing shifts a little each year, depending on weather and how cold the nights get.
The colors run from bright yellow to deep orange and red. Set them against red sandstone walls and a green, rushing creek, and the whole canyon looks hand-painted.
Sunlight plays a big role too. The canyon is narrow, so light slips through in beams and lights up patches of leaves like spotlights on a stage.
Fallen leaves also float on the water and gather in quiet pools. Look down as often as you look up, because the creek bed tells its own colorful story.
Morning light tends to feel soft and calm in the canyon. Midday brings brighter color on the cliffs, so either time has its perks for photos.
Plan your trip with some flexibility if you can. Checking recent forest updates before you go helps you catch the leaves at their brightest.
Get Ready To Hop The Creek Over And Over
Thirteen. That is the number of creek crossings most hikers count on the maintained part of this trail.
Each crossing turns the hike into a small balance game. You pick your way over stepping stones, logs, or gravel bars to reach the other side.
In fall, the water is often low, which makes crossings easier. Still, water levels change with rain and runoff, so never assume conditions match last year.
Stones can be wobbly or slick, especially when wet. Take your time, test each step, and do not rush just because someone is waiting behind you.
Trekking poles help a lot here. They give you extra points of contact, which feels great when a rock rolls under your foot.
Some hikers simply walk through the shallow water instead. If you choose that route, waterproof shoes or water-friendly footwear make it far more comfortable.
Remember you cross each spot twice, once going in and once coming back. That means up to twenty-six crossings on a full out-and-back trip, so pace your energy.
Kids usually love this part. It feels like an obstacle course built by nature, with a splash as the only penalty.
The Early Bird Gets The Parking Spot
Parking here is famously limited. When the trail is open, the lot at Call of the Canyon can fill up early, especially on weekends and in fall.
The trailhead address is W Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336. It sits off State Route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon, north of Sedona.
The drive itself is a treat. Highway 89A winds through the canyon with cliffs, trees, and creek views most of the way.
A day-use fee applies to park at the trailhead lot. Fees and pass rules can change, so check with the Forest Service before you arrive.
Do not park illegally along the highway shoulder. It is unsafe for you and other drivers, and tickets are a real possibility.
Arriving shortly after the area opens gives you the best shot at a spot. Weekdays tend to be calmer than Saturdays and Sundays.
Bring a bit of patience along with your snacks. A relaxed attitude goes a long way when the lot is nearly full and the leaves are calling.
Once you are parked, the trail starts just a short walk away. That first creek view makes the early alarm worth it.
Check This Year’s Closure Before You Lace Up
Big news for fall 2026 hikers: the trail is currently closed. The Coconino National Forest issued an emergency order covering the trail and the Call of the Canyon area.
The closure is a safety precaution. The land upstream is still recovering from a 2026 burn, so heavy rain can move water and debris through the canyon more quickly.
Burned ground soaks up far less rain than healthy soil. Even a storm miles away can send fast water, mud, and rocks rushing down a narrow canyon like this one.
The current order runs through October 31, 2026. It has already been extended once, and it could be extended again or lifted early.
Please respect the closure, even if the gate looks quiet and the sky looks clear. Entering a closed area is unsafe and can also bring fines.
Contact the Red Rock Ranger District before making plans. Rangers can share the latest status and let you know when the area reopens.
A smart backup plan helps too. Keep this trail on your list, and save it for when the canyon is safe again.
Old Stone Ruins Add A Dash Of Mystery
Stone walls and chimneys rise from the trees near the start of the hike. They belong to the old Mayhew Lodge, a historic getaway that once welcomed guests in this canyon.
The lodge was a popular retreat for decades. Its remains now sit quietly beside the trail, slowly blending back into the forest.
Fire damaged the main building in 1980, after the land became part of the national forest. Today, only pieces of the structure remain for hikers to admire.
Please view the ruins from the trail and leave them untouched. Climbing on old stonework can damage it and also cause injuries.
The canyon has a literary side too. Western author Zane Grey is linked to the area, and his novel The Call of the Canyon shares its name with the day-use area.
Knowing that history makes the walk feel richer. You are following a path that has inspired travelers and writers for generations.
The ruins also make a great photo stop. Autumn leaves around the old stone walls create a scene that feels part storybook, part time capsule.
Turn Around Whenever Your Legs Say So
Good news for casual walkers: there is no wrong place to turn back. This is an out-and-back trail, so every step forward is matched by one step home.
The maintained route covers about 3.3 miles one way. A full trip to the end and back makes for a solid day hike.
Many people enjoy the first mile or two and call it a day. That stretch already serves up creek crossings, colorful trees, and big canyon walls.
Going farther rewards you with a narrower, quieter canyon. Near the end of the maintained trail, the creek fills the canyon floor, and hiking becomes wading.
Past that point, the route is unmaintained and requires walking through water. This unmaintained section continues deeper into the Red Rock–Secret Mountain Wilderness and is best left to prepared, experienced hikers.
Plan your turnaround time before you start. Fall days are shorter, and the deep canyon loses sunlight earlier than the open desert.
Tell someone your plans, especially if you go solo. Cell coverage in narrow canyons can be spotty, so do not count on your phone for help.
Short or long, the walk feels complete. The creek makes even a quick visit feel like a real escape.
Pack Like The Creek Will Win A Round
Spare socks might be the MVP of this hike. With so many crossings, at least one wet foot is a real possibility.
Start with sturdy footwear that grips well on rocks. Waterproof hiking shoes or boots work nicely when the creek is low.
Trekking poles are worth bringing. They steady you on wobbly stones and take pressure off your knees on uneven ground.
Layers matter in a shaded canyon. Fall mornings can feel chilly down by the water, even when Sedona feels warm.
A light jacket, a hat, and sunscreen cover most weather swings. The canyon offers lots of shade, but sunny patches still appear between the trees.
Carry plenty of water and some snacks. There is no place to refill along the trail, so plan for the whole round trip.
A small bag for trash is smart too. Whatever you carry in should come back out with you.
Finally, toss a dry towel in the car. Your feet will thank you on the drive back through Arizona’s prettiest canyon road.