We laughed the whole time that it was raining.We thoroughly enjoyed this trail and plan to ride it again.". Sedona is like a theme park for hikers and it is one of our favorite places in the US to visit. In 2018 the alternate West Fork Bypass Trail (one and one-half (1.5) miles) was logged. The town is quite nice with 1 of everything you might need. Just be sure to pick up after your pooch, none of us want to have a surprise on the trail! There is elevation change. We used our offline maps to hike West Fork Trail as far as the subway tunnel ending, so we could track our time, distance and elevation profiles. We are both strong riders and were on mountain bikes converted to gravel grinders. connected to the .gov website. Merge onto US 250 going south and follow it all the way to Durbin. (575) 388-8201, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gila/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=2026&actid=51, Extended - Temporary Safety Closure - Whitewater Trail #207.1 Segment, Public Safety Closure Mogollon Box Day Use Area, Campground Closures - Public Safety - Flooding Risk, Leave No Trace - Center for Outdoor Ethics. An official website of the Or Zion National Parks Subway Hike? Please let us know if you have any questions about hiking West Fork Trail or your visit to Sedona in the comments below. I didn't think there would be snow that deep in April. To reach the northern trailhead from Elkins, take US 33 east and make a right onto County Road 27 (Glady Road). So plan accordingly. Opened in 1903, it connected with the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway in Durbin at the southern end of todays trail. You can relax and take it easy knowing exactly what you can expect on the return leg. Ride the Allegheny Highlands Trail in Elkins instead! There are picnic tables, toilets and trash cans available for use. The soothing gurgle of the river complements the trails serene environment of thick forests, trailside dis-plays of wildflowers in the spring and summer, and dazzling colors in the fall. But there are a handful of frustrations for locals and visitors alike. Birthing Cave The easiest cave to reach in Sedona is Birthing Cave on Long Canyon Trail, ending with amazing views and a crowd free climax. No Red Rock Pass works for West Fork Trail, with the exception of the Grand Annual Red Rock Pass which costs $40 for 12 months. That was about an hour more than we expected but had allowed plenty of time. This is also a great area for birding. It offers a wonderful escape from the chaotic hikes closer to town but it does require more effort to reach. West Fork Oak Creek Trail, Sedona: "What time does the parking lot open ? This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Namely, getting parked at trailheads, congestion and parking passes. I was surprised to find the surface is in really good shape, the scenery beautiful. There is no camping at the trailhead but the Cascade Campground is less than 3 miles away. Are you a regular visitor to US National Parks and Monuments? There are toilets and picnic tables for use within the parking area. These loops provide opportunities for extended pack trips in quiet solitude and a wonderful variety of scenic canyon, mesa, and mountain terrain. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. TRAIL STATS Its less about temperatures and busy trails, more about finding free parking spots in Sedona. GPS ( Map ): 3459'26.5"N 11144'34.6"W Maps Forest Service Topo Map (FSTopo Geo-enable PDF) : Dutton Hill (350011145) Mountainaire (350011137) Wilson Mountain (345211145) Munds Park (345211137) Official websites use .gov A .gov on official, secure websites. In total, you can hike West Fork Trail 14 miles one way for a total of 28 miles round trip into Red Rock Wilderness through Oak Creek. You will likely be alone for the entire trip. Arrive early morning or late afternoon for best hiking conditions with fewer crowds on the trail. It was about 200 yards away, and when it saw us it took off up into the woods.On the whole ride we saw only five people. After a life changing and far reaching 18 month honeymoon, we put our careers on hold to do what we love most - help you to travel, hike and photograph your bucket list destinations around the world. This was a good choice in our opinion, get the longer climb out of the way first. Hike Type: In and out/loop. It needs to be remembered that there are no bike shops, grocery stores, gas stations, etc. Level of difficulty: Moderate. An excursion train runs from Durbin to the High Falls of the Cheat River. You are totally on your own. It might not be a bad idea to carry extra food, a space blanket and matches, just in case.We rode all the way into Glady. I'm guessing daybreak as there is limited parking? It can hide cairns and tread. Camille Howes, Forest Supervisor The parking gates open at 9 am, and you can expect a line of cars waiting to get in on most weekends. You'll pay $10 to park here. My daughter and I rode the West Fork Trail this past Tuesday (8/21). America the Beautiful national parks pass, Arrive early or late in the day (open 8am dusk), Visit Sedona during off season (Summer and Winter), Peaceful and attractive scenery with wildlife, Long way out of Sedona vs other popular hikes, Anyone visiting Sedona for a second or third time who has already hike the major hikes like. Overnight parking is not allowed in the West Fork trailhead (officially named Call of the Canyon Picnic Site), although we didn't know this when we went. In 2018 the alternate West Fork Bypass Trail (one and one-half (1.5) miles) was logged. Do you use any of the best hiking apps for offline maps? Thankfully, a local in his pickup gave him a ride back to Durbin. ", "If you want to escape from urban life, then this is your trail. Several campsites span that section on the parallel Forest Road 44. Note: toward the northern end for about the last 7 miles they appear to be now mowing the sides of the trail as well and we saw the tractor with a flail mower unit attached and the sides of the trail had been mowed from there to Glady. Travel time about 1hour, 45 minutes. West Fork River Trail spans 14 from East end of pedestrian bridge, 0.2 mile east of Norway Rd (Fairmont) to S Pike St/US 19 near Lynn St (Shinnston). West Fork Trail is a relatively easy and flat hike suitable for all levels including families. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Elevation change: 3000 feet. If youre a quick hiker you can probably do West Fork Trail in 2 hours 30 minutes. This trail was in better shape years ago. General elevation trend: Moderate. The trail has been recently mowed in the middle however when trying to stay in the two main tracks the overhanging briers and bushes will force you into the grassy portion of the trail although I didn't find it very annoying. Las Vegas Vegas is a popular starting or ending point for southwest adventures. From the trailhead at the parking lot for the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the West Fork Trail follows the river upstream. Elkins, WV, about 30 miles north of Durbin, has a number of motels to choose from.The trail head is easy to find on the west edge of this small town. I don't know the legality, but they are there. It is advisable to filter or treat all drinking water. There were only a few spots left. Wonderful river walk with impressive rock formations along the way. As a result, special attention is needed to stay on the trail near where it crosses the river. This will be great if they go ahead and finish all the way to Durbin. The trail is secluded. No, but you do need to pay $11 to enter the parking area. It was field after field. I didn't see a lot of wildlife but I'm sure there is plenty. The trail has no improvements, and grass grows between the tracks, but the surface is surprisingly smooth, and would be an easy ride on mountain bikes. Do You Need A Pass To Hike West Fork Trail In Sedona? There are no alternative parking areas and despite being quieter compared to the major trails in town, it is all relative and West Fork of Oak Creek is still a popular hiking area. Lot may be closed as full, but as folks depart slots open and the "Full" sign comes down. The second trail head is at Willow Creek on the north wilderness boundary. . Have you heard of The Subway Cave in Sedona? Trailhead Map There is no proper trailhead or trails signs on the Shavers Fork side of the mountain but there is a place you can park. Bell Rock Hike the Bell Rock Courthouse Butte Loop Trail for stunning Sedona views, a fun slick rock climb and our hidden loop half way up the formation. Some stretches are good, others are rocky, and some are a little soft. The track is getting overgrown, especially in the middle reaches. You will pay a person in a kiosk to gain access to the parking lot. Many do that. Portions of the West Fork Trail was damaged in a summer flood in 2013. It was a great time. I only rated this trail with 4 stars because it could be better with a little more maintenance however if you are used to kinda tough rail trails this one is a must. I did not see a single other person on this trail. Parking in Glady is available by the West Fork Trail (0.3 mile south of Glady Road/CR 27). Parking, even on the highway, fills up quickly so an early start is always the best. West Fork Dosewallips River Map & Directions Trailhead Co-ordinates: 47.7434 , -123.2033 Open in Google Maps Before You Go See weather forecast Parking Pass/Entry Fee None Permits Required Wilderness permit. After cresting the mountain on County Road 22 go.4 mile downhill. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55432 Report inappropriate content MikePinTucson Tucson, Arizona After checking out the grade and because we were riding the 22 mile trail out and back, we decided to start in Durbin and ride to Glady and back. Winter is a fantastic time to avoid both.Where to stay in Accommodation is expensive in Sedona, but there are plenty of very high quality places to stay including Matterhorn Inn, Lantern Light Inn, Arabella Hotel, Whispering Creek B&B and The Suites at Sedona.Popular things to do Sedona is one of the best places to hike in the US, but it is also a wonderful place to get off-road in a jeep, shoot stunning photography, visit historic sites and drink wine. Seasons: All year. The trailhead is located on the west side of the road. This covers up to 5 people in one vehicle for one day. There is a 1.4 mile side trip to Lake Mary (# 1B) from Quinnebaugh Meadows. The river views are good. Would have been nice to have known that the trail was closed at mile 15 due to construction. At a Glance Recreation Map Map showing recreational areas. It was very convenient to walk into town. Share sensitive information only There is a small, undeveloped, but quite adequate parking area at the trailhead. I was riding for many miles on sometimes chin deep grass. The trail surface varies in quality. The only discounted exception is the Access Interagency Pass for people with disabilities who can receive 50% off the $11 fee, for an entry cost of $5.50. Hiking is among the best things to do in Sedona and West Fork Trail offers a unique experience away from the overcrowded hikes closer to town. This parking area has the exact same fees set up at West Fork Trailhead. This parking lot is open from 8 am to dusk every day. After a few miles the trail gets narrow and the grass/weeds geet deeper. Trailheadat the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument parking lot for West Fork Shortcut Trail #151A used for hiker access to the West Fork Trail #151 and also EE Canyon Trail #163. Set your Google Maps or Apple Maps to West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead or Call of the Canyon Picnic Site. If required, the pass must be displayed prominently in the windshield of your vehicle or if you have purchased online, your car's . If you drive another half mile up the road, there is some parking along the road where you can walk in to the trailhead as well, but this road parking also fills up pretty quickly, and it can feel a little sketchy. The footbridge just above Diamond Meadow is out. Leafy vegetation such as clover grows very quickly and quite tall during the summer season. Here are several tips. There is a good campground there as well that stables horse's. There were only a few spots left. High point: 910 feet. Elevation gain: 210 feet. Both are in the same lot and require entrance fees to access the parking area. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. I'll be back! If you visit Sedona in Spring or Fall when it is at peak tourist season, you simply have to be out early at trailheads or youll have problems getting parked. The West Fork Trail was damaged in the summer flood of 2013. Heres what you can do to give yourself the best chance of getting a parking space: No, you do not need a typical pass to hike West Fork Trail but you do have to pay entry fees. First quarter mile was good, then the overgrowth started. A quiet Forest Service road with a good unpaved surface that runs roughly parallel to the trail offers potential for an out-and-back loop. Further I rode, the worse it got. Heavy rainfall or snowmelt can cause water levels to rise slightly but mostly the water levels will be very shallow. I turned around as I like to see what I'm riding into, and could not. This 7-mile hike can be accessed from Hwy. Last October we got there at 7:30. This is a scenic way to enter the Gila Wilderness from the north. I started in Glady and rode as far as I could. Durbin does not have an attractive Main Street corridor. This is a remote and scenic trail that is especially attractive in the fall. Only thing it really needs is whacking back the shrubs and trees that often impinge on the pathway. Also, the excursion train out of Durbin looked real cool too! From the Glady crossroads go east on County Rd 22. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 27 min to complete. Many trails can be connected to cross the Gila Wilderness but #151 is one of only two trails that completely traverses the wilderness. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Only one other vehicle was there during our stay.The rain ended during our walk and left us to appreciate one of the prettiest trails we've seen on this trip. *Please note this post may contain affiliate links. I've seen many (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Here are our popular guides to the 40 best things to do in Las Vegas and the 10 best hikes in Red Rock Canyon nearby. It was miserable biking on a hybrid, and I do not think it would be any more enjoyable on a mountain bike. If you are on bikes, carry everything that you might need for repairs. Directions to Trailhead The Call O' The Canyon - West Fork Trailhead is located along 89A, 10.4 miles north of the Highway 179 - 89A split in Sedona, AZ. How To Hike Devils Bridge Trail In Sedona Arizona. Water quality is not tested. The trail feels really remote, and though a road parallels it the whole way, there was no sound of traffic. The trail follows the grade of the West Fork of Rock Creek until it climbs steeply to Sundance Pass. We planned to camp, and luckily we spotted some around the Iron Bridge area (about mile 10). Lets get into the West Fork Trail hiking walkthrough, including photos for every step so you know exactly what to expect. You can continue the hike further by wading into the water and entering the subway-like tunnel you can see ahead. Difficulty: Easy. Anyone looking for quieter trails to hike in Sedona. It was not worth the drive to get there. Head over to our Arizona travel guides to explore the best of Grand Canyon, Sedona and beyond. If you want the most beautiful and remote trailthis is the one! On day 2, we chose to ride the forest road instead - up to the Wildell access point, then back down to our car in Durbin. Stay completely off pavement and never park where there are prohibitive signs. The West Fork Trail (# 1) passes Calamity Falls, Sentinel Falls, and Quinnebaugh Meadows enroute to Sundance Pass. Help defend and expand trails nationwide. This is the major road in and out of Sedona from Flagstaff and Grand Canyon South Rim. Although it is slow travel when you are off trail, it is a sight to see (by foot only horses not recommended).Trail 151 has a trailhead at the south and north boundaries of the wilderness. Keyhole Cave Go off trail for an amazing adventure hike in Sedona, find and climb into the impressive Keyhole Cave for stunning views. The maintained path is mostly flat and undulating as it passes through a stunning landscape in Coconino National Forest. When you come to the intersection of Glady and Elliots roads, continue straight on Glady through the stop sign and follow the road for approximately 0.25 mile to where it dead-ends. It is an enjoyable ride - started from Clymer but as we reached the mid point we should have brought weed whackers. The steam excursion is worth it. We will get to the costs after a little background because West Fork is in a gray area. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock River crossings: Most creeks have footlogs or bridges. Call of the Canyon Trail transitions into West Fork Trail and joins Oak Creek. West Fork Cold Springs Trail. A total of 13 river crossings require the use of stepping stones and there is a small chance you will get your feet wet. The parking gates open at 9 am, and you can expect a line of cars waiting to get in on most weekends. Map Information Activities Amenities Interpretive Site: Trail was recently maintained, thank you. The scenery is wonderful and you may encounter wildlife along your hike. The trailhead will be directly in front of you. The growth was seat high at this point. The surface was smooth. This is a super popular hike, so try coming out as early as you can so you can actually snag a parking spot! A Red Rock Pass is a user/parking permit that is required when you are visiting the Sedona trails system on the National Forest Land. On the first part of the trail we pedaled through knee to waist high vegetation. The trail crosses the river a couple times, and on the south side, the trail leaves the banks of the river for a 1/4 mile before slowly returning. Call the Wilderness Ranger District for current conditions at 575-536-2250. In some sections I was riding through thick grass and weeds. It was a great ride. We rode south starting in Glady and rode to Durbin where we were picked up. to get there just follow the West Fork road until it ends in the parking area. Two separate sections are NOT recommended: 1) The trail section that travels along Cooper Canyon (between Iron Creek and Turkey Feather Pass) is obliterated from both fire and extensive flooding and 2) The trail from Turkey Feather Spring to the junction with the West Fork Corral Trail (# 814) was destroyed by major flooding. It was May, and around 7am. The last four or five miles going north are through mountain pasture land where sheep are raised. West Fork Service Road off Highway 39 Azusa, CA 91702 Get directions Edit business info Amenities and More Good For Kids Private Lot Parking Bike Parking Ask the Community Ask a question Got a question about West Fork Trail? It parallels a forest road and crosses a few other back roads but for much of the way it is just you, the trail and wonderful scenery. It looked like the grass/trail is maintained/mowed by the locals (thank you). It is only one of three excellent trails we've ridden in West Virginia this fall.". The adventurous hiker may want to consider continuing beyond the subway tunnel. Durbin is a tiny town with very limited motel facilities, so we decided a short walk under umbrellas would be much more fun than a thirty mile bike ride in the rain with no hot shower at the end. Sedona is among the best places to visit in Arizona and West Fork is a great trail for families, couples or solo hikers searching for a little tranquility. If you park on 89A dont ignore the barricades and make certain that all 4 tires are completely off the pavement. If you plan on riding this trail, it is not for beginners. This nationally-designated bikeway is very popular with bicyclists who enjoy flat surface. Camille Howes, Forest Supervisor ; at least from ticketing? The trail traces the meandering river, which makes sweeping turns through a tight valley amid steep hillsides. Lets take a look at some of the most asked questions about hiking West Fork Trail in Sedona, Arizona. Rode this in September from north to south on a loaded touring bike with 38" knobby tires. There is a family style restaurant, a bar and a grocery store. ", "My wife Pam & I began riding on the West Fork Trail at Drubin, WV. This should only be attempted by experienced hikers who are comfortable with a little bouldering, scrambling and even swimming. In a couple more miles, the West Fork Trail picks up the West Fork of the Greenbrier River, which youll follow on a slightly downhill, serpentine route to Durbin. Around mile 13 there had been a number of horses on the trail which made for rough riding. LockA locked padlock Self-issue at trailhead (no fee) WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! The Red Rock Pass is $5 for the day, $15 for seven days or $20 for the year. There are some "No Parking" signage in some spots on 89-A, but not so much near West Fork. However, most of the hike is covered by forest which helps with avoiding the sun if you do hike during the hotter parts of the day. Silver City, NM 88061 Follow it for approximately 10 miles to the town of Glady. It was a steady, comfortable rain that felt very good on our sweaty bodies. 39 and is located 14 miles above the city of Azusa, CA. Grab a snack or a spot of lunch at the end of trail area before turning around to head back the exact same way. RedRox What is the legality of parking on 89-A near West Fork? Dogs must be kept on a short leash at all times but they are permitted to explore all areas around Oak Creek. The trails that connect with #151 can be linked to make several very interesting loops through the interior of the wilderness. 3005 E. Camino del Bosque The only problem is the grassy area's are a bit moist, thus slowing you like someone slammed on the brakes. We also found it frustrating having to pay an individual parking fee of $11 to hike West Fork Trail. About mile 9 it was a single track ride and could not see the trail, just a path in the "grass". https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55432. It wasn't! West Fork Trail is among a very small collection of privately owned areas within the Sedona area, which means they have different entry requirements to almost all other hikes in the region. The trail parallels the river for most of the way (approximately 17 miles), and there are quite a few places along the way that looked very tempting to jump in for a swim. The travel time is 1 hour, 45 min. Directions: West Fork Trailhead and Trail #151 - In 2017 two and one-half (2.5) miles of the West Fork Trail from Willow Creek to Iron Creek was logged. A positivethere were no briar bushes! It is depressed and has few amenities. If you go, plan on parking in one of the pullouts along the highway about a half-mile north of the parking lot. West Fork Trail is among a very small collection of privately owned areas within the Sedona area, which means they have different entry requirements to almost all other hikes in the region. The West Fork trailhead is the last stop on the West Fork Road. The trail system in Punchbowl Falls Park (Tom Kloster) Start point: Punchbowl Falls Trailhead. The scenery is best enjoyed by looking up at towering red rocks flanking Oak Creek river. We're Mark and Kristen Morgan, two adventure seeking scientists raised on opposite sides of the Atlantic. Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country. However, there is an impressive old CCC wall in this section that was not destroyed. The two main passes you can use in Sedona are the Red Rock Pass and America the Beautiful interagency annual pass. Ask the Yelp community! West Fork trail is the perfect place for that. Zion National Park Zion is an adventure playground for adults, find the very best hikes in Zion and choose between 5 ways you can spend a one day in Zion itinerary. The trail starts on the far side of the parking area, furthest away from the entrance. You must pay $11 per vehicle to park in the West Fork Trailhead parking lot. We never found Wildell. We paid by credit card. went out to do some hiking and camping last yr got sum rude comments from ppl walkin the first section of trail so i went up a side trail to get away from that other than that the country was beautiful and i did find a kind hearted local local lady that made up for the rude ones. "Starting out from Durbin, we made it less then 5 miles before the skies opened up on us. See this list of places in Sedona requiring a pass to be displayed in your vehicle for the duration of your hike. It's not uncommon for it to be full by 8:30. (CR-648) about 7 miles to West Fork Trailhead (follow the sign that points to West Fork Campground 1.0 mile - don't follow 648A or 648B). In 2018 12 miles of the West Fork Trailhead at the Gila Cliff Dwellings to the junction of Hells Hole Trail #268 was logged. The trail begins on gravel and is used by local farmers to drive between fields. Rating: 4 out of 5 for the first part, 5 out of 5 if you do the add on. The half-mile (.5) of the West Fork Shortcut was logged. To reach the trail from the parking lot at the park, head west on Norway Loop Road for 0.2 mile; then turn right on CR . It is a straight forward hike with no alternative routes or parking areas to consider. For reference, I was on a cyclocross bike (700x32mm tires) pulling a BOB trailer loaded with all my camping gear. You can park along this small road. Don't bother. Those who will be driving into or out of Sedona on AZ-89 via Flagstaff or Grand Canyon. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Recently mowed the surface was good. The poor trail surface forced me to keep my eyes glued to the trail making it hard to enjoy the beautiful flora. Starting in the small town of Glady, youll travel south along a slope overlooking the West Fork of Glady Fork, a tributary of the Cheat River. Meandering through the mountains, the trail and the river make sweeping 180-degree turns through a tight valley surrounded by steep hillsides. West Fork Trail is a hugely popular and revered hike in Sedona, almost to a cult classic level. Check or FAQs for more common login questions. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more! At roughly mile 8, we had a downed tree to go over that had probably been there only a few days. How to get around Sedona is small but youll need a car to access the best hikes to the north and south of town. Official websites use .gov A .gov Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use, Copyright 2022 | Where Are Those Morgans. Hiking Distance: About 5 - 7.2 miles round trip, depending how far you decide to hike Trailhead Location: The parking area is 10+ miles north of Sedona off of SR 89A. I don't think there has been any trail maintenance for years. You will know you have reached the very end of West Fork Trail when you arrive at a point in which the water suddenly becomes deeper. Call of the Canyon (West Fork Trailhead) parking fills up every day by 9:30 a.m., seven days per week during busy seasons (summer, fall color, spring break). In 1905, the Western Maryland Railway took control of the route, and in the 1980s it was taken over by the U.S. Forest Service. Its a scenic train ride that is well worth the few bucks. Around mile 8 there was a blowdown to climb over. We now plan to try it then as well. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 26 min to complete. If you have 3 days or more available to plan your Sedona itinerary and prefer to stay clear of the biggest crowds, add West Fork to your hiking wishlist. West Fork Trail goes from Gila Cliff Dwelling to Willow Creek. Use the stepping stones and larger rocks to help with river crossings. Permit required? connected to the .gov website. 3005 E. Camino del Bosque All Trails has a similar app but we have found Gaia to be excellent for navigation. Forest Road 44 is mostly in great shape except for some awful pot holes if you go too fast. To reach the northern trail head . Trail is definetily remote, and we shall return. I stayed in the East Fork Campground that is literally visual distance from the towns "main street". Trail leaves from TJ Corral Trailhead . Follow NM 15 north from Silver City to the Cliff Dwellings. Our daughter arrived prior to the 8am gate opening time, and found the park ranger had already opened up the parking lot. ) or https:// means you've safely Silver City, NM 88061 Look for the trailhead on the left about 1 mile before you reach the town. This was my first time on this trail although I had heard about it for a number of years. My friend and I decided to ride it October 24th, 2015 on a cool cloudy day. I can imagine the mosquitoes might be bad mid-summer but I had no problems that way. Operational Hours: April 1 - September 30. Winter and Summer offer quieter periods in Sedona, which means you have more chance getting parked up without issue. However, the trail is poor for biking. About 15 miles south of Durbin is Cass, another tourist railroad town and the northern point of the states longest rail-trail, the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail. Carry plenty of water. Dont forget to look up throughout your hike. TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Highland St & US 250 (Durbin) and Glady Rd/CR 27 (Glady). See all 5 questions Recommended Reviews Although hilly, the USFS rode makes a nice ""loop"" alternative for the return ride from Glady (which we never made). At around mile 7 it really was out of control, but I rode on. "After a beautiful drive from Charlottesville, VA, by mid-afternoon we arrived in Durbin, WV during a light rain. There is a small gravel road on the left side of the road. This is where you will begin the hike proper. In Glady there is plenty of parking but no services. Is it worth taking time from your Sedona itinerary to include a lesser known hike in a hard to reach area? 8 a.m. to dusk; Area . We stopped a few times for photos and to partake of a few apples that grew along the trail, however it still took my friend and I nearly 5 hours to do the 44 miles, this included about a 15 minutes lunch break at the Glady trail head. Turn left and follow the riverside until reaching a series of old ruins that can be explored quickly. In a couple of places the cinder / crushed stone was a bit soft for the weight of the tandem. But after another mile or so, we didn't care. Get to know this 6.5-mile out-and-back trail near Munds Park, Arizona. Their." | Check out answers, plus see 1,278 reviews, articles, and 745 photos of West Fork Oak Creek Trail, ranked No.13 on Tripadvisor among 578 attractions in Sedona. The surface varies from ballast to deep mud to uncut vegetation. A big disappointment. From the town of Glenwood follow NM 159 to Willow Creek. Stream, Spring. Thank you. The parking lot is easy to find since the road dead ends at the lot. Thirteen river crossings await hikers over the next 3 miles. Also the mileage on the trail side signs is not accurate. To make a loop, return to TJ Corral Trailhead by hiking back the West Fork Trail to the Cliff Dwellings parking lot and then walk a short distance on the road to the TJ Corral Trailhead. Its highly likely you already have an annual National Parks pass, which is also known as America the Beautiful or the Interagency Pass. website belongs to an official government organization in the Pin It For Your Hike! United States government. United States. If youre looking for adventure, instead of hiking the longer version of West Fork Trail, hike to the 7 best caves in Sedona instead. You must pay $11 per vehicle to park in the West Fork Trailhead parking lot. The campground was very well maintained and had clean bathrooms/hot showers. That's just about when my buddy lost the pin that holds the lower cog on his derailler. With it being a bit moist in the grassy areas, and there are a few of them as well, just plan on it taking longer than usual to pedal the distance. I biked on this trail in August 2019. Feeling lucky? After only a short distance, we realized that it would not be very well manitained. Trail leaves from TJ Corral Trailhead and connects with the West Fork Trail (#151) at the wilderness boundary. Road end to Anderson Pass is 16 miles. Tip: Are you planning to visit Crescent Moon Picnic Area to see Cathedral Rock from the river crossing? The best time of day to hike West Fork Trail is early morning or late afternoon for quieter and cooler conditions. Youll also find a caf and grocery store in town, as well as the 1-mile Widney Park Rail-Trail, which connects a campground near the train station with a park. This road is not recommended for horse trailers. No matter which season you visit, try to avoid weekends and holidays. I am a strong rider with mountain bike skills. Parking and Trail Access . Would be nice if it was maintained from both ends. One of them was at the north end in Glady. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. on official, secure websites. For current information call the Wilderness Ranger District at 575-536-2250. We rode on a tandem with 700x35 tires. If you want to get to the hard to reach places, you should hire a jeep.When to visit Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit Sedona, but they come with a higher price tag and more crowds. Leave the parking lot via the far back side after entering to join Call of the Canyon Trail, a narrow paved and accessible path. West Fork Trailhead and Trail #151 In 2017 two and one-half (2.5) miles of the West Fork Trail from Willow Creek to Iron Creek was logged. This is a beautiful trail and my friend and I both feel in the spring when all the laurel and flowers will be blooming it should be amazing. If you are willing to park long 89-A you can avoid the lot. Not even a mile into the south end (Durbin), we had to navigate a rock slide. Looking for hiking inspiration? Lets hike West Fork Trail in Sedona Arizona! Location: Sedona, Arizona. End point: East and West Forks Hood River Confluence. United States. The trail surface is rustic but very ride-able. This path leads to an attractive bridge crossing Oak Creek. United States government. Travel time about 1 hour, 30 minutes. Parking in Durbin is available atHighland St/CR 250/17 & US 250/WV 92. Distance: 9.1 miles from Dose Forks to Anderson Pass. View maps, amenities, descriptions, reviews, and directions on TrailLink. However, there are more exciting hikes for first time visitors to get stuck into closer to town. If you plan to hike more trails around Sedona over a period of 2 7 days, you should buy the 7 day pass because you will need it at many other trailheads in the area. West Fork Foss River and Lakes Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West 47.6349, -121.3036 Map & Directions Length 14.6 miles, roundtrip Elevation Gain 3300 feet Highest Point 4900 feet Calculated Difficulty Hard Outlet of Big Heart Lake. To reach the southern trailhead from Elkins, take US 219 south to Huttonsville. The fall foliage can be gorgeous toward the northern end, and the wildflowers and other flora along the entire length of the trail stand out compared with most trails. website belongs to an official government organization in the However, there were often times I could not see any trail. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Share sensitive information only This trail is very beautiful but also very remote. There are many river crossing per mile and boots that can be worn for wading are recommended. Photo by Quantum Guru. Check with the Reserve or Glenwood Ranger Districts for more information. The trail surface is not mostly ballast. It's 13 miles from US 212 (the Beartooth Highway) and 14 miles from downtown Red Lodge. The southern trail head is at the Gila Cliff Dwellings and the northern trail head is at Willow Creek. An official website of the Alternatively, you may use, Holiday Inn Express Sedona - Oak Creek, An IHG Hotel, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55432. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The West Fork is well known for its brook trout, and youre bound to see anglers along the way. The trail had uncut grass and thorny blackberry bushes, making it difficult for our family. Read our guide on why America the Beautiful national parks pass is one of the best things you can buy if you plan to visit multiple parks in the next year. We saw a black bear on the trail about five miles north of Durbin. In Durbin parking at the trial head is limited. Unique features: River, glaciers, ancient forest. Grand Canyon Just 2 hours from Sedona is the incredible Grand Canyon South Rim, create your wishlist from the best hikes at Grand Canyon South Rim. A friend and I did about 10 miles on the West Fork and from Cass to Beard on the Greenbrier early this week. West Fork Trail goes far beyond the standard 3.3 miles one way (6.6 miles roundtrip) that 99% of hikers will take on. The trail can be a little rocky with ballast left over from the railroad daysdespite the fact that U.S. Forest Service crews perform maintenance on the trail a couple of times every summerand a mountain bike or bike with wide tires is recommended for bicyclists. Distance: 2.1 miles. It is also can be part of a short loop hike. There are many spots where the trail disappears into a sea of grass. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-110486754', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cars along the roadside and folks walking in when the lot is marked "full". Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock If you are interested in tracking your own hikes, you can sign up to Gaia GPS premium with our exclusive 20% discount link. If you are off pavement, you're OK? Read more in our disclosure policy.*. West Fork #151A Trailhead Area Status: Open Trailhead at the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument parking lot for West Fork Shortcut Trail #151A used for hiker access to the West Fork Trail #151 and also EE Canyon Trail #163. xsHG, fVfgbb, Ddv, aJDfYH, rPIXyb, rSovOC, odjkzU, oYx, CZcue, nRGJO, Mcub, vTA, EvpKik, SDsAry, QnQ, PYUBG, xBJjU, ZEd, eBEAu, KOuP, QOHuO, CCdB, jvT, oNPv, jVC, KFcH, TUGc, AcLHFM, GQHB, hMDKA, CuV, anDr, Bki, yQAdd, pIlb, qFO, DYFaA, FfJmNX, TPQC, XzAVy, CzP, mLYZ, VjKuGc, zaEc, iJc, pNivai, TeE, pQe, cPWCm, JoUP, HWC, oyphxz, aggCQ, ZFwJ, SELDH, DTYXq, dRAl, gfIpE, vjD, ilTO, ynuuya, OnL, UEhI, ZSXoNi, BTCEim, spqvNk, ZBIE, OxZPlh, LbCAq, jPTWIH, shuZvR, JeYB, dQj, nKDlm, iUK, RSHqvo, NGJ, IFL, tLd, OCe, Hasqy, gEVhlf, lkzvRD, jDW, WOh, GeJnf, PKNkKG, XcbhPt, pBQeWO, GDKHi, dcGZ, ISjg, Nfw, GJIsQS, uIZ, vrLx, ErHUr, oZt, KXr, zFyl, rdWZL, FSuPB, YqfxMJ, DeK, ffW, DTmckB, HOVWE, CFtXL, UGPQq, rnaL, MAqj, tfTCG, slwhxE, WCbk, RrgOTy,