WEST FORK TRAIL
GUIDED BACKPACKING TRIP
SEDONA, ARIZONA
Backpack one of Sedona’s most iconic canyons at the best time of year—when golden cottonwoods and fiery red maples light up the trail.
OCTOBER 4-5, 2025
The West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon is one of Sedona’s most famous hikes, and October is the prime time to experience it.
While the first stretch is popular and scenic, the real adventure begins when the maintained trail ends.
Brilliant fall colors glow against towering sandstone cliffs, the crowds fade, and the canyon transforms into true backcountry.
About West Fork Trail
TRIP AT A GLANCE
DATES:
DURATION:
DISTANCE:
DIFFICULTY:
ORIGIN:
GROUP SIZE:
October 4-5, 2025
2 DAYS
14-16 MILES
MODERATE
QUEEN CREEK, AZ
4 (MEN ONLY)
PRICE:
$325 (Bring your own gear) / $525 (includes gear rental)
TERRAIN: The first 3.5 miles are flat, shaded, and maintained, with colorful creek crossings and alcoves. Beyond that, it’s rugged wilderness—boulder hopping, bushwhacking, and constant creek travel with ankle-to-waist-deep crossings. Camping is prohibited in the lower 6 miles of the canyon.
MILEAGE: Approximately 14.4 miles round trip over 2 days.
CONDITION: Daytime highs between 70–75°F, nights in the mid-40s to low-50s°F. The water is cold year-round, as the canyon rarely sees direct sunlight.
MEALS: Includes 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, plus snacks.
GROUP DYNAMIC: Small group, capped at 7 (men only). Expect steady but demanding days.
What to expect ON THE TRAIL
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TRIP LOGISTICS & PREPARATION
PERMITS: Private entry covered.
TRANSPORTATION: Group transportation to and from Queen Creek, AZ is included.
MEALS: Includes 2 lunches, 1 dinner, and 1 breakfast, plus snacks.
GEAR: Bring your own backpacking setup, or rent a full package.*
CLOTHING: Quick-dry layers for daytime, base layers for cool nights, and lightweight rain jacket.
FOOTWEAR: Trail running shoes or light hiking shoes that drain well, plus camp shoes. Neoprene or wool socks are recommended.
ESSENTIALS: Sunscreen, dry bags for electronics and clothing, medications, toiletries.
*The rental package includes a backpack, 3L hydration bladder, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove with fuel and cook set, water filter, headlamp, trekking poles, dry bag, and towel.
THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU IF...
You want more than a day hike—you’re ready for rugged backpacking.
You’re comfortable hiking long days and carrying a pack in difficult conditions.
You don’t mind cold water, slippery rocks, and bushwhacking.
You’re ready for a challenge that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
You’re looking for solitude, camaraderie, and stunning scenery away from Sedona's crowds.
Field Notes
Pack at least one lightweight, roll-top dry bag to keep essentials safe. One for clothes, one for your sleeping bag — that one must stay dry.
Count on being wet. Quick-dry layers and a solid pair of trail runners or hiking shoes that drain well will make the miles a lot more comfortable.
Sandals might sound tempting, but only a fraction of the route is in the creek — most of it is rocky, brushy, and rough on bare toes.
Wear pants to protect against scrapes and the occasional patch of poison ivy.