Finding a beautiful spot in Arizona isn’t tough; in most cases, all you need to do is look in any direction to see beauty. As for the most beautiful hike in Arizona? We could give a laundry list of those but today we’re going to focus on just one that never fails to impress. That place is…

Trevor Huxham/Flickr
The West Fork of Oak Creek trail #108! This iconic trail shows off some of the highlights of our state: canyons, red rocks, lush riparian areas, and even a little bit of history.
Michael Wilson/Flickr
Located just a few miles north of Sedona right off of Highway 89A, West Fork extends 3.3 miles into Sedona’s red rock country. The hike starts at the Call of the Canyon trail and crossing a quaint wooden bridge with a view of what’s to come.
Kevin Muncie/Flickr

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Canyon walls eventually tower overhead with natural striped patterns and tunnel-like formations line the stream. A collection of pine, aspen, and other trees swaying with the breeze and, at times, all you can hear are the birds above. Sounds ideal, right?
Bruce Washburn/Flickr
As you wind through the canyon, you’ll get to see all the stunning sights mentioned above plus the ruins of Mayhew Lodge, a cabin that came to be a resting area for hunters, fishers, and even a few celebrities. It operated from 1925 to 1968 and evidently housed guests like Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, and President Herbert Hoover. The lodge was listed as a National Historic Place in 1975 but was destroyed in a fire just five years later.
loren chipman/Flickr
In fact, if you want to preview more sights and experiences of the West Fork trail, check out the video below. In just a little more than two minutes, it shows the stunning views you’ll find of the trail, especially as we head into the fall season.

For more information about hiking the West Fork of Oak Creek #108, visit the Coconino National Forest website for driving directions, a trail map, and other helpful information.

If the cooler temperatures have given you a hunger for more hiking, be sure to check out some of the fantastic trails listed in 10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Arizona.

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Most Beautiful Hike In Arizona

Leah | November 06, 2020

What are the most beautiful hikes in Arizona?

The West Fork Trail in Arizona is just one of many beautiful hikes throughout the state. Other trails offer a variety of scenic views. If you visit the Grand Canyon, the Bright Angel Trail is a great option for a stunning trip down into the depths of the canyon. It's a long trip, however, usually taking 10 hours out-and-back. In the Coconino National Forest, you'll be dazzled by the Devil's Bridge Trail. This natural arch made of red sandstone is lovely, and the rest of the Sedona scenery around it is equally as gorgeous. If you manage to get a permit for it, take on the Havasu, Mooney, and Beaver Falls Trail. It's absolutely jaw-dropping and as such, very exclusive but worth the effort to get there.

Which hikes in Arizona are short and sweet?

Looking for scenic hiking trails in Arizona that the whole family can take? There are plenty of options. The Aspen Loop Trail in Flagstaff is a popular choice that includes gorgeous scenery - especially in the fall - in an easy 2.5-mile loop. Just outside of Williams along Route 66 is another picturesque trail that's only 1.75-miles long. It's called the Keyhole Sink Trail and it's a true hidden gem. For some historic beauty, try the trail to the Lower Dwelling at Tonto National Monument. The path is paved and less than a mile long for the entire trip, and the view of the cliff dwellings is worth every step.

Which state parks in Arizona should I visit?

The best hikes in Arizona are often at one of its many parks. The Catalina State Park, located near Tuscon, is one that offers beautiful trails through desert scenery and forested rivers alike. The Lost Dutchman State Park has astounding sights and trails that range from moderate to difficult, making it a hiker's paradise. Of course, we can't leave out one of the most popular state parks in the state: Slide Rock State Park. Other than the fun natural waterslide that draws in thousands of visitors each year, the area also has amazing scenery and it's fun to hike through the area.

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West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead, W Fork Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA