West Fork Oak Creek Is Running at 100 — Get to Sedona

100 out of 100. But there's a 43% rain chance this afternoon, so the plan is simple: go early.

West Fork Oak Creek in Sedona is one of the most photographed canyon hikes in Arizona for a reason. The canyon cuts through red rock walls 200 feet high while a clear creek runs the length of it — you'll do 16 to 20 creek crossings depending on water level, the canyon narrows to slot-like proportions at the far end, and the whole thing is 6.9 miles round trip with only 400 feet of gain. That's moderate in mileage, easy in effort, and genuinely spectacular in payoff.

Right now: 55°F, AQI 34 (clean), winds at 7 mph. That 43% rain chance is real — it's the same system hitting the Grand Canyon today. The good news is that the canyon is magical in overcast light. Rain actually makes the creek crossings more interesting and the red rock walls darker and more dramatic. If it rains lightly, it's still a great hike. What you don't want is to be deep in the canyon if there's significant upstream precip, since the creek can rise. Check the forecast before you head in and if it looks aggressive, stick closer to the trailhead.

Riley comes on this one. West Fork is dog-friendly and he's done the first three miles so many times he knows the good creek spots. Keep them on leash — this is Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, the trail is busy, and there's wildlife throughout. The water is cold (snowmelt season), but dogs don't care about that the way humans do.

The trailhead is off Highway 89A about 11 miles north of Sedona at the Call of the Canyon Day Use Area. There's a $12 day-use fee. Parking fills by 9am on weekends without exaggeration — Oak Creek Canyon is Sedona's most-visited corridor and the trailhead has about 60 spots. Get there by 8am or you're parking on the highway shoulder and walking in.

The creek crossing situation: normal April flow is ankle to knee-deep on most crossings. After rain, it goes higher. Pack shoes you're okay getting wet or bring sandals for crossings. The trail ends at a pour-off about 3.5 miles in where the canyon gets too technical to continue without water gear — that turnaround point is where you'll want to spend 20 minutes and just look at where you are.

The forecast for tomorrow shows 6% rain and 72°/49° — nearly identical conditions but with less moisture risk. If you're flexible, tomorrow is cleaner. But today at 100/100 with morning weather on your side and Sedona in April light, this hike earns its reputation.

Leave before 9am and the canyon will feel like it's yours.