The beauty of Autumn at West Fork is incomparable. West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon is a fourteen mile side-canyon. In West Fork it is cool, shady, and lush. I go to West Fork for the unique rock formations and water. If it weren’t for the fall colors demanding my attention this time of year, West Fork is still worth a visit anytime of the year. So, my wife, son, and I decided to go on an off day, Tuesday, to beat the crowds. This place is busy this time of year and is noted as the most popular hiking trail in Coconino County. The parking lot at the trail head is limited and was already full when we arrived at 9:45 in the morning. It turns out, lot’s of people who don’t work, as in they are retired, knew to go on a weekday too. We parked a quarter mile up the highway, parking on the shoulder and ventured down to begin our hike. The only benefit of parking further away was saving six dollars off the normal ten dollar parking fee. The air was still chilly as we turned the corner into West Fork. However, the lighting was soft and ethereal, setting off the fall colors.
There are a multitude of water crossings to test your balance on the trail. I overheard another hiker say at a water crossing, “that rock is rocky!” Rock and roll. The colors weren’t as good as years past, maybe we hit it a tad late or recent rains knocked most of the leaves off the trees.
It is quite funny to hear other hiker’s comments on my sons riding accommodations in our child comfort Deuter backpack, “He has it made”, or “I would be as happy as he is if I had a ride like that”. Pleasant people and nature’s wondrous beauty on a weekday, who wouldn’t like that?
Enjoy these colorful photographs!
-Russell Johnson
