Oak Creek Trail

There are plenty of trails to hike in Arizona but the Oak Creek Trail in Sedona is possibly the most popular of them all. It is certainly the main hiking trail in the Coconino National Forest. Running beside a quiet, bubbling stream, the trail is the perfect destination for a warm spring afternoon. At various times during the year, the area is filled with migrating songbirds, beautiful blooms, and crystal clear waters. In the colder months, which surprisingly do occur in Arizona, you may stroll among dangling icicles and snow-capped mountain ranges. The trail is an easy walk, but there are areas where traversing the stream is necessary. You can pass on stepping stones or walk the shallower areas. From beginning to end, the trail leads you through 14 miles of the Oak Creak Canyon. The trail often gets crowded on the weekends, especially later in the afternoon, and it is best enjoyed during the least crowded periods, so plan to take your time and head out early or on a weekday. The trail is lined by tall pine trees in certain areas and there are some spots of thicker vegetation. Perhaps most breathtaking are the brilliant red and orange colors of the canyon walls.