Some trails just walk you through scenery. This one walks you through a story. Back in the early 1900s, a hunting and fishing retreat tucked into this stretch of Oak Creek Canyon caught the eye of novelist Zane Grey, who used it as the backdrop for his book “The Call of the Canyon,” a tale of a shell-shocked WWI veteran finding peace in the wilderness. That lodge, later known as Mayhew’s Lodge, burned down in 1980, but the canyon that inspired it is still very much alive, and now anyone can walk straight into the setting.
Just north of Sedona along Highway 89A, this trail has quietly become one of the most talked-about hikes in the entire state. It’s not a secret anymore, but the towering canyon walls, the shaded creek, and the way the light filters through the trees still manage to feel like a discovery every time you go.
What Makes This Hike Worth Lacing Up For
The first three miles of maintained trail are rated easy, which makes this one of the more approachable canyon hikes in the Sedona area. You’ll wind alongside Oak Creek through a forest of sycamores, maples, and box elders, with sheer red and cream-colored cliffs rising hundreds of feet on either side. Most people turn around somewhere near the two and a half to three mile mark, where the canyon narrows dramatically and the creek crossings start to demand more effort than casual footwear can handle.
Speaking of crossings, expect to hop across the creek on stepping stones repeatedly along the way. It’s part of the charm, honestly, and a good excuse to bring hiking shoes you don’t mind getting a little wet. For those craving more of a challenge, the canyon actually continues well beyond the maintained section, stretching into rugged, unmaintained wilderness terrain that can add up to roughly 14 miles for experienced backcountry hikers willing to wade through deeper pools and scramble over debris.
Fall is when this place really turns heads. The canopy of maples and cottonwoods lights up in gold, orange, and red, drawing photographers and leaf-peepers from all over the region. Spring brings migrating songbirds and wildflowers, while winter can dress the canyon walls in icicles against the red rock, a combination you won’t find on many other trails nearby.
Atmosphere & Scenery
This is a fully outdoor experience, shaded for much of the walk by a dense riparian canopy that keeps things noticeably cooler than the open desert trails Sedona is famous for. That shade, paired with the sound of running water, gives the canyon a hushed, almost cathedral-like quality as the walls close in.
The terrain underfoot is mostly packed dirt and stone, occasionally uneven near the creek crossings, so it has a wilder feel than a paved path even in its easiest stretch. As you move deeper in, the canyon narrows and the cliffs seem to lean in overhead, creating a dramatic sense of scale that a lot of hikers describe as the highlight of the whole trip.
Other Considerations
How much does it cost to park? The trailhead at the Call of the Canyon picnic site charges a day-use fee of $15 per vehicle for up to five people, or $4 for walk-ins arriving on foot or bicycle. A standard Red Rock Pass does not cover this site, so budget for the separate fee.
When should I go to avoid crowds? Arrive early. Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends and during peak fall foliage season, and traffic can back up along the highway once the lot is full.
Can I bring my dog? Yes, but leashes are required and you’ll need to pack out any waste.
Is it kid-friendly? The first mile or two along relatively flat, shaded terrain works well for families, though the creek crossings further in require some sure-footedness.
Does the trail ever close? It can close during periods of high fire danger, which has historically happened in late June, so it’s worth checking current conditions before you make the drive.
West Fork Trail
📍 W Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/recreation/trails/west-fork-trail-no-108
