Backpacking the West Fork Trail: Sedona’s Most Scenic Hike

Sedona is known for red rocks and desert hikes, but the West Fork Trail is something else entirely. Tucked into Oak Creek Canyon, this trail winds through water, shade, and canyon walls that rise like cathedrals. Most people experience it as a short out-and-back day hike, but I decided to take it further — to backpack the West Fork Trail and spend a night out here.

What I found was one of the most scenic, refreshing, and unique Arizona backpacking trips I’ve ever done.

Water Crossings and Canyon Walls

From the very beginning, the West Fork Trail makes you work for it. You’re in the water almost right away, wading through cool currents as the canyon narrows around you. Some crossings were ankle-deep, others up to the waist — the kind where you throw your pack on your shoulders and just go for it.

Unlike many Arizona trails, this one feels more like an oasis. Towering canyon walls in shades of red and orange reflect the sun while sycamores and cottonwoods throw shade across the creek. Every bend in the canyon feels like a new scene.

Finding Camp

About eight miles in, I found a perfect campsite right by the water. Someone had built benches and even a table out of flat rocks, complete with a fire ring. It was the first time I’d ever backpacked into a site that came with “furniture,” and after a long day of hiking, it felt like luxury.

I strung up my hammock nearby, boiled water, and dug into my all-time favorite trail dinner — Mountain House Beef Stroganoff. I’ve eaten it on just about every backpacking trip I’ve ever done, and it never disappoints.

Testing Gear: Solar Sleeping Bag

For this trip, I decided to test out an emergency solar sleeping bag I’ve had for years but never used. With overnight temps only dipping into the 60s, it seemed like the perfect chance.

Verdict? Surprisingly solid. I stayed plenty warm, even if it wasn’t the coziest night of my life. Paired with the sound of the creek and the glow of the canyon walls under moonlight, it made for a memorable night’s sleep.

Morning in the Canyon

By sunrise, the temps had dropped sharply. Yesterday’s 80s and 90s gave way to a morning in the high 50s, and every step into the creek felt like an ice bath. Still, that shock of cold water was the perfect wake-up.

The day-hiker section of the trail — about 3.3 miles out and back — was crowded. But once I pushed beyond it, I had the canyon completely to myself. No voices, no other hikers, just the sound of rushing water and birds echoing through the cliffs.

Why Backpack the West Fork Trail?

Most people only know West Fork as Sedona’s most popular day hike. But spending a night out here gives you a completely different perspective:

• Solitude. Past the day-hike crowds, you’ll likely have the canyon to yourself.
• Unique campsites. Rock benches, fire pits, and riverside clearings make for unforgettable overnights.
• Year-round water. The creek is always flowing, making it rare for Arizona.
• A different Sedona. Forget the dusty red-rock climbs — this is lush, green, and cool.

Wrapping Up

Backpacking the West Fork Trail showed me a side of Sedona that most visitors never see. Between the endless creek crossings, the rock-built campsite, and the silence of the canyon at night, it’s an adventure I’ll never forget.

If you’re planning your own Arizona backpacking trip, the West Fork Trail deserves a spot on your list. And if you want to see more of Arizona’s wild side, check out my Superstition Mountains trip or my Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim backpacking adventure.