SEDONA — West Fork and its trail will continue to be closed for the foreseeable future due to hazardous conditions resulting from flood waters. Trail work, possible rerouting, debris removal, and a consultation process with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) will need to be completed before the trail is reopen.
The canyon of West Fork has continued to receive a large amount of rain, which has moved large boulders and swept forest debris across much of the trail, making it hazardous and incredibly difficult to traverse.
As well, due to the area being a natural and critical habitat of the Narrow-Headed Garter Snake, a consultation process with the USFWS must be followed. In 2014, the species was listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and its habitat was designated by the USFWS as Critical in 2021.
Oak Creek Canyon and the day-use area of West Fork—Call of the Canyon—remains open for visitors and recreation.
For more information and a map of the affected area, please see Forest Order 03-04-00-26-09, which provides more details and a map of the closure area.
West Fork will be closed until the necessary work and consultation process can be completed.
