The trail and all national forest land within 100 feet of the West Fork of Oak Creek drainage are closed to entry because of rockfall and flood-debris hazards in the watershed burned by the 2026 Pocket Fire. The Call of the Canyon trailhead area has been closed with it. The rest of Oak Creek Canyon reopened in September 2026; West Fork was kept closed because its watershed burned more severely.
Expected reopening: The current forest order runs through October 31, 2026, unless rescinded. It has already been extended once (from October 1), so confirm before you drive up the canyon.
Confirm current status with Coconino National Forest, Red Rock Ranger District, 928-203-2900 before visiting.
Open alternatives: Boynton Canyon Trail · Fay Canyon Trail (Sedona)
Forest Order 03-04-00-26-007, 'West Fork Temporary Area Closure - Extended', signed September 25, 2026; Coconino NF news releases of July 30 and September 14, 2026; Coconino NF alerts page, checked October 7, 2026.
West Fork of Oak Creek Trail Hiking Guide
West Fork is the Coconino National Forest's own pick for one of its most popular trails: a nearly flat walk up a narrow side canyon of Oak Creek, crossing a clear stream again and again beneath sheer cliffs. It is closed right now. The 2026 Pocket Fire burned through the watershed, and the Forest Service has kept the drainage shut because of flood and rockfall risk. Here is what to know for when it reopens.
Permit: The West Fork Trailhead at the Call of the Canyon Picnic Site is run by a concessionaire and does not accept the Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass. The Forest Service trail page lists $15 per vehicle per day (up to 5 people), $4 walk-in and a $50 annual Coconino pass; the forest's pass page gives the weekly Coconino pass as $25 while the trail page says $20. Pay at the entrance gate.
Why It's Closed
The Pocket Fire started north of Sedona on the evening of June 19, 2026, forced evacuations in Oak Creek Canyon and closed State Route 89A; it was fully contained on July 30 after burning more than 27,000 acres. Post-fire storms then washed ash and debris down Oak Creek, and the creek corridor stayed closed into September. When the rest of Oak Creek reopened, the Forest Service kept West Fork closed because a higher share of its watershed burned. The current order bans entering the drainage or being on the trail, with penalties of up to $5,000 for individuals.
The Hike When It's Open
AllTrails maps the usual out-and-back at 6.7 miles with 347 feet of gain. The Forest Service maintains only the first three miles and gives the climb in stages: 52 feet at one mile, 107 at two and 221 at three, so the walk is about as flat as Sedona gets. Expect a number of crossings on stepping stones or through shallow water. Beyond the maintained trail the route becomes a streambed wade into the wilderness; the full 14-mile canyon to Forest Road 231 is a serious trip that the agency treats separately.
Fees and Parking at Call of the Canyon
This trailhead plays by different rules from the rest of Red Rock Country. A concessionaire runs the Call of the Canyon lot and charges $15 per vehicle for up to five people, or $4 if you walk in; neither the Red Rock Pass nor an America the Beautiful card is honored. The site sits about 9.5 miles north of Sedona on 89A, between mileposts 384 and 385. On busy summer days traffic backs up onto the highway, and the Forest Service asks drivers to name their pass, pay and move on rather than ask questions at the gate.
Seasons in the Canyon
The canyon is cooler and shadier than the red-rock mesas, which made it a summer escape. Autumn is the headline, with red and gold leaves floating in the pools, and winter brings icicles under the overhangs. The forest notes the trail may also close in periods of high fire danger, usually in late June, and in monsoon season the narrow canyon is exactly where flash floods do damage, so watch the forecast even after the closure lifts.
Dogs and Wilderness Rules
Dogs must be leashed at all times, and the trail page is unusually firm about waste: bag it and carry it out, don't leave bags to collect later. Nothing mechanized is allowed, including bikes. Picking leaves and flowers, cutting switchbacks and throwing rocks all damage a canyon that sees heavy use.
Hiking tips for West Fork of Oak Creek Trail
- Check the Coconino National Forest alerts page before driving up Oak Creek Canyon; the closure order has already been extended once.
- Budget for the concessionaire's own fee; a Red Rock or America the Beautiful pass won't get you in here.
- Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet for the stream crossings.
- Turn around at the three-mile end of the maintained trail unless you're prepared to wade.
- Come on an autumn weekday morning for the color with the fewest people, as the Forest Service suggests.
Nearby trails to explore
- Boynton Canyon Trail
- Fay Canyon Trail (Sedona)
- Soldier Pass Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
When West Fork reopens, it will be the most sociable creek walk in Sedona. Use TrailMates to find Sedona hikers to share the drive up Oak Creek Canyon. Download the TrailMates app to connect.