Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon

Hiking and Backpacking

Coconino National Forest-Red Rock Ranger District. For free detailed maps, hiking advice, and information on campgrounds, contact the rangers of the Coconino National Forest. Ask here or at your hotel for directions to trailheads for Doe's Mountain (an easy ascent, with many switchbacks), Loy Canyon, Devil's Kitchen, and Long Canyon. 8375 Hwy 179, Village of Oak Creek, AZ, 86351. 928/282-4119. www.redrockcountry.org. Weekdays 8-5.

West Fork Trail. Among the paths in Coconino National Forest, the popular West Fork Trail traverses the Oak Creek canyon for a 3-mi hike. A walk through the woods between sheer red-rock walls and a dip in the stream make a great summer combo. The trailhead is about 3 mi north of Slide Rock State Park. Trailhead: AZ 89A, 9½ mi north of Sedona, Sedona.

Any backpacking trip in the Secret Mountain Wilderness near Sedona guarantees stunning vistas, otherworldly rock formations, and Zen-like serenity, but little water, so pack a good supply. Plan your trip for spring or fall: summer brings 100°F heat and sudden thunderstorms that flood canyons without warning. Most individual trails in the wilderness are too short for anything longer than an overnighter, but several trails can be linked up to form a memorable multiday trip. Contact the Sedona Ranger District for full details.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Ballooning
• Golf
• Hiking and Backpacking

• Horseback Riding
• Jeep Tours
• Mountain Biking