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West Fork camping (upper)
Posted: Jul 07 2003 11:05 pm
by AK
I'm planning on heading up the West Fork for an overnighter this weekend 7/12-13. I'd like to know if there are suitable camp spots further up the canyon. I've read in Canyoneering Arizona that you can't camp within the first 6 miles (lower), But I'm going further up (upper) where the tourists are not.
Posted: Jul 08 2003 5:52 am
by CindyC
There are places but I have found them few and far between. If you climb up a bit away from the water, you will have a bigger selection. Right past 6 miles there is a nice little 'beach' area. There is (or at least was the last time I camped there) a nice swimming hole right in front of it. It's beautiful pack there. Have a great time.
Posted: Jul 08 2003 10:07 am
by hikeaz
At about the 5-6 mile mark (coming from the Sedona end) there is an overhang on creek left. (right side if you are heading upstream). It is about 40' long and right on the creek bank. Just upstream of here, if you climb up a small side "trail" on creek left and keep heading toward the high wall to your right (about 1/8 mile from the creekbed) there is a "cave" of sorts. It is about 30' deep and varies from 6' to 20' wide, with a sandy floor. There is no need to bring a shelter on this hike.... save 3-6#'s.
If the opportunity presents itself, I'd say do this as a one-way/shuttle hike. There are about 3 or 4 short pools to swim and the water is cold, but it's a terrific adventure. The lower section is inundated with people, and there's that pesky Red Rock Pass, as well.
From the top it is about 6 hiking hours to the overhang. From the bottom, about 4-4.5.
There is not much of a "trail" in the upper section, but obviously you can't get lost.
Posted: Jul 08 2003 11:03 pm
by AK
Cool. thanks for the advice.