West Fork Oak Creek Trail, Sedona

It was super cold as it's winter now. I got to the parking lot at 6:50AM on a Sunday, but nobody was there (and it was still dark). Waited for hiking buddy until around 7:25AM, still empty parking lot. Started the hike, it was really cold, everything in the shade. Views were alright, lots of dead trees. I can see how this would be very pretty when the trees are alive though and in the sunlight. Lots of creek crossings, many of which were icy so bring a hiking pole or walking stick to help balance. Some creek crossings required going off-trail a bit to find a better place to cross that wasn't freezing cold water and ice. Cool hike, wish I were here to do this again in warmer weather! The sun came out on the way back and it was much more enjoyable then. Parking lot had maybe 10-15 cars when we got back at around 11AM, but still had lots of spots.

Awesome hike! Very dog friendly. It should be mentioned that even though it's rated "easy" you do have to cross the creek about 13 times each way so wear proper footwear to walk over wet rocks and tree trunks. I was there on a Thursday and it took about 3.5 hrs to go and return because we had our dogs and we carried them across the creek every time because the water was is literally freezing.

Amazing hike is an understatement. We took our 6 and 3 yr old and they enjoyed every minute. Tough enough to make them feel like they were conquering the world, easy enough not to worry too much about either of them. The creek crossings during a cold December day were a little more than the 3 yr old could navigate alone, but the 6yr old was challenged and loved it. Beautiful views. The first 1 - 2 miles after you enter the wooded area is pretty shaded, so the temp. may feel like it dropped. We turned around at the narrow creek crossing, soaked in sunlight... after our late morning snack. Get there early, it will get packed.

A nice easy ~3.5 mile hike through the woods and over several streams (~7 miles round trip). If you're going to do this hike, go early because the parking fills up quickly and costs $11 for cars. The hike may be closed if it rained, and the creek crossings are not necessarily easy, so waterproof shoes are recommended.

This was a fun hike for me. If your a beginner then this is the trail for you. I'm a beginner and this was perfect for me. There were experienced hikers, not so experienced, young ones, four legged friends, families and older peeps out on this trail. I do suggest hiking boots because you do some light climbing, you go threw a few streams and there are rocks you walk through