West Fork Trail...The Call of the Canyon

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
April 23, 2014

The Call of the Canyon is a novel written by Zane Grey back in 1924 and became the first of many Hollywood films made in Red Rock Country that same year. In his book he writes "Here in the canyon you'd think there was blazing fire everywhere."...an eloquent description of the canyon you are about to enter on the West Fork Trail. 

Right from the get-go, this hike grabs hold...a quarter mile or so before you even get to the actual trailhead. A paved path leads you thru an apple orchard that dates back to the first settlers, cliff walls reach for the sky on your right...

 and the sound of running water from the creek on your left remind you how wonderful life is!

The first spot of interest is the old ruins that were once home to Bear Howard...one of Sedona's legendary settlers. It seems he killed a herder in California, escaped prison, and headed for Arizona. Arriving in Dry Creek Canyon in 1879, on the run from the law, he made his home near West Fork. Later, the cabin was sold and turned into what became the Mayhew Lodge.

 Mayhew Lodge became famous for its hospitality, serving as a getaway for movie stars and diplomats.





Elvis Pressley, John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable and Carol Lombard just to name a few.





Just past the ruins, the true trail begins...

Aside from the total beauty that surrounded us, the trail was fun! There are several creek crossings...one source said 15 and another said 13. I lost count after 10!















Spring and fall are the recommended times of year for this hike. Green was certainly a predominate color of the day. The sunlight filtering thru the new leaves...

and especially with the red rock as a background was beautiful.

On the other hand, blue was not to be outdone! Lupines and butterflies lined the trail...

...along with these tiny white beauties that reminded me of stars floating along the ground.

The water is crystal clear...

...with mirror-like reflections.

The trail guide rated this an easy/longer trail. Joe and I agree maybe moderate would be a better rating. There was some rock scrambling. In fact, a lot of places were too tall to step up or down. Crossing the creek was a little tricky too as the rocks were slippery. I chose the "just get your feet wet" option to cross as the water was only ankle deep in most spots. The longer part...well just under 7 miles round trip from the parking lot. A total of 4.5 hours for us. I did stop a lot!

I did have to remind myself to look up from time to time...

This hike rates at the top of our list of favorites. So much so, we are thinking about a return trip to Sedona this fall on our way south just to see the fall foliage on this trail. We'll see. That's along time away for making plans.

Wildlife was scarce, but I did capture a few pictures...

                a lizard with a blue belly...

                                               a raven...

and my favorite for the day, a pair of American Robins.

I just cant believe tomorrow is Friday! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

 

Until next time, take care and...

 

enjoy!