| |
| West Fork of Oak Creek from FR253, AZ | | -
-
-
-
-
| |  |
|
1 |
-
| |  |
|
2 |
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
|
| | West Fork of Oak Creek from FR253, AZ | | | |
|
|
West Fork of Oak Creek from FR253, AZ
| | |
|
| Hiking | 15.53 Miles |
2,769 AEG |
| | Hiking | 15.53 Miles | 6 Hrs 57 Mns | | 2.40 mph |
| 2,769 ft AEG | 29 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | Another trip to Sedona's premier destination in foliage. Same as three years ago, we started at 28° battling mythical crowds.
Hiking down Telephone Trail #72 demands my full attention for foot placement but I still love the route. Appears the phone line was hit by a falling tree in the bottom third. Once again, nobody on this trail.
West Fork of Oak Creek
We carefully crossed the highway utilizing safety-first procedures and followed the use-trail along the inner guardrail. Parking was full, the highway was lined with parked cars. Busy in spots, a far cry from crowded. The end of the maintained trail had the largest gathering, maybe 14 people total in small groups spread out.
The autumn foliage was pretty sweet. Perhaps a third of the areas was in prime. Still, plenty of green maple leaves, which surprised me considering the overnight low was 22°. Appears to be trending late and should be good color for another week to the end of the trail. In total, three other groups did not have dogs, so we didn't feel like total poochless losers.
Everyone seemed happy to be out and friendly. We continuously passed a couple with a small dog wearing a sweater, the witty comments kept rolling. Along with an older couple that we accused of being runners over six times. Upon leaving, one lady wanted a report on snakes and tarantulas. Then a family of three, each with fruit picker baskets on a pole.
Thompson Point Trail #142 is the choice of better footing vs Telephone Trail. It sports better canyon views too but doesn't have the unique feel of Telephone Trail.
Synopsis
Perfect all around. Finished by 3 pm. Robbed Call of the Canyon without driving through Sedona. |
|
Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
|
|
|
Wildflowers Observation Isolated
|
|
  |
West Fork Oak Creek |
Light flow |
Light flow |
| | | I got lucky and squeaked out all the creek crossings across the rocks and such. | | _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
