West Fork of Oak Creek with Red Canyon Walls

One of the most gorgeous hikes in the nation can be had north of Sedona, Arizona on the West Fork Trail that follows the West Fork of Oak Creek as it meanders through sheer walls of red rock. The lush vegetation deep within its own canyon is quite a contrast to the arid environment that can be found not far away. Boots are a necessity as the trail requires several crossings of the creek but is a relatively smooth hike despite the sheer enormity of the surrounding canyon walls and mountains. The red Schnebly Hill Sandstone with its overlying layers of Coconino Sandstone offer a back drop for about any direction you can see while hiking back into the well named Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness of Arizona. Picture was taken in September of 2010.