West Fork Trail Closed Nov. 10th to 20th

[chumley]

I haven't seen this posted here yet, so ...

For Immediate Release
Date: October 30, 2008
Contact: Red Rock District (928) 203-7500

Sedona, AZ —The Red Rock Ranger District announces several temporary closures of the West Fork Trail and parking area beginning Monday, November 10 through Thursday November 13 and once again the following week Monday, November 17 through Thursday 20. The West Fork Trail is located in the upper portion of Oak Creek Canyon at the Call of the Canyon Day Use area. Temporary closures are necessary for public safety during trail reconstruction activities. Trail enhancement will allow for increased accessibility to the West Fork Bridge and Oak Creek. This project is being accomplished through a partnership with Recreation Resource Management, Arizona State Parks and the Coconino National Forest.

For more information on alternative recreation opportunities, please contact the Red Rock Ranger District at (928) 282-4119.

[JoelHazelton]

Maybe make the parking area bigger?

[PaleoRob]

Looks like we got in there just in time then!

[te_wa]

well, you can always go in from the w. side

[PaleoRob]

Man, take away m feel of exclusivity then, will ya!

[hippiepunkpirate]

Guess I can forget about doing West Fork next week. At least we know all those entrance fees we're SUPPOSED to pay go toward something.

[JoelHazelton]

The way to go is to get your $20 annual red rock pass and just park in the street.

[te_wa]

no way man! stick it to the man! not only should you not pay for the redrock pass, you should hike naked!

I really liked hiking in from the top, it was an interesting change and I saw no-one in canyon save for 2 backpackers came in from the other end. plus, I saved $5 ;)

[Hoffmaster]

Not that anyone asked, but I have to agree with te-wa on this one.

[big_load]

you should hike naked!

I can't dealwith the catclaw.

[JoelHazelton]

you should hike naked!

I can't dealwith the catclaw.

Not in the West Fork!

Technically, a Red Rock Pass is still required at the top, is it not? Only technically, of course.

[hippiepunkpirate]

The way to go is to get your $20 annual red rock pass and just park in the street.

That is the way to go!

[joebartels]

Technically, a Red Rock Pass is still required at the top, is it not?

No sir-e-bob, http://hikearizona.com/images/maps/sed/red-rock-map.jpg
There's all sorts of nice places to camp a top the north drainage and drop in too.

[te_wa]

the top is obviously NOT a wilderness, if there is a road going into it. the top is also the boundary of Prescott Natl Forest. So officially, if you park on the West side of the fr 231(pnf) then you dont need a pass. regardless of where you happen to be walking. remember, the pass is not required for walking. you can see on Joe's map that the forest boundary seems to overlap fr 231 but that simply isnt the case.

[JoelHazelton]

Huh, maybe I'm reading the legend wrong, but the map looks to me to indicate that you do need a red rock pass up top. I have actually been up there before and wandered around the very upper section of the canyon. And a forest ranger did drive by, too. Thinking back, I did park on the west side of the road...

[Weezerbot]

Well, I've been gone from this community far too long. Its funny what happens when life gets in the way. Well I'm back and we are looking to hit up this trail again over Thanksgiving weekend, so I'm glad to see it will be open by then. Can anyone point me to some nice camping spots in the area that are not in designated campgrounds? Won't be backpacking in, looking to 4wd then hike out from there during the day.

[hikeaz]

Well, I've been gone from this community far too long. Its funny what happens when life gets in the way. Well I'm back and we are looking to hit up this trail again over Thanksgiving weekend, so I'm glad to see it will be open by then. Can anyone point me to some nice camping spots in the area that are not in designated campgrounds? Won't be backpacking in, looking to 4wd then hike out from there during the day.

Technically, a Red Rock Pass is still required at the top, is it not?

No sir-e-bob, http://hikearizona.com/images/maps/sed/red-rock-map.jpg
There's all sorts of nice places to camp a top the north drainage and drop in too.

[Weezerbot]

Well, I've been gone from this community far too long. Its funny what happens when life gets in the way. Well I'm back and we are looking to hit up this trail again over Thanksgiving weekend, so I'm glad to see it will be open by then. Can anyone point me to some nice camping spots in the area that are not in designated campgrounds? Won't be backpacking in, looking to 4wd then hike out from there during the day.

Technically, a Red Rock Pass is still required at the top, is it not?

No sir-e-bob, http://hikearizona.com/images/maps/sed/red-rock-map.jpg
There's all sorts of nice places to camp a top the north drainage and drop in too.

Yes I saw that, wow thank you for the insight!

I am not familiar with the area, and that map doesn't help me very much.....and "There's all sorts of nice places to camp a top the north drainage and drop in too" doesn't help me understand how to get there.

Now, can someone actually help me? Or am I left to camp at Bootlegger for the weekend? :-({|=

[te_wa]

Just in case you read directions for the Upper W. Fork trail, disregard them, as they tell you to go up to Flagstaff and then head south on fr231. this is a 40 mile waste of time and gas.
SO, you take FR 535 west. 535 sits atop the Rim just ~1 mile north of the Switchbacks on 89.
follow 535 which climbs uphill on a moderate grade with a medium clearance vehicle to the intersection with 536. you can continue on 535 but 536 is a fine short-cut. There is an old defunct corral at the intersection. Turn left onto 536 and follow it to fr231 (woody mtn road)
you will turn left on 231 and find numerous, hundreds actually, of potential campsites along the road. it is well travelled and popular with RVs and car campers.
BUT to really get a great view:
From 535/536 instersection head West a short distance and the road (536) will veer right at a fork. This fork is 536A where you will turn left w/ a 4x4 vehicle and drive into "howard pocket" to the very edge of W. Fork. You can view the 1000' drop to the canyon floor from several fine campsites-this area simply put: shames the Mogollon rim from any viewpoint. It. is. awesome.
Hunters frequent this area, RVs and cars cannot get there as the road is narrow, rocky in a couple of spots and although doesnt require 4 wheel drive when dry, it could rain and you'd be stuck.
pick up a copy of the Coconino Forest Map

[joebartels]

Can anyone point me to some nice camping spots in the area that are not in designated campgrounds?

If you want solitude you'll have to be an explorer. A Coconino FS map (REI or Wide World of Maps) will serve you best in navigating the roads up top. The directions to Casner Cabin Draw take you past all sorts of spur roads you desire. Otherwise a campground with specific posted "trail" information is probably your best bet. The area is very cold at night right now. It's most beautiful in October and most pleasant in June.