Arizona is Beautiful

1. West Fork of Oak Creek 

The most popular trail in the Sedona area is along the lower end of the West Fork of Oak Creek - this
stream flows year round through a deep, forested canyon, quite narrow in places, with many pretty
eroded rock formations and plentiful wildlife. The carpark at the trailhead is set in a clearing next to a
grassy meadow which in summer is filled with wildflowers of every colour and frequented by
humming birds and large butterflies - a most attractive sight. 

The official trail is 3 miles long; beyond, the canyon extends for a further 11 miles, and is one of the best
all-day hikes in Arizona, assuming transport is available at the upper end. A few places in the stream
may require swimming but there are no serious obstacles.

2. Directions to Table Top Mountain: 

Go South on I-10. 
Mile 0: Get off at Queen Creek Rd/Hwy 347 (exit 164) and turn right (East) toward the town of Maricopa. The road soon
turns South-Southwest and takes you thru Maricopa (15miles). 
Mile 26.9: Hwy347 ends at an unmarked road, but there is a sign pointing toward Gila Bend, Yuma, and there is the famous
Burnt Bun Cafe on the right. Turn right heading toward Gila Bend. 
Mile 32.2: This unnamed road intersects with I-8. Get on I-8 West. 
Mile 38.9: Take Vekol Road (exit 144) off of I-8 and turn left (South) up over the bridge and follow the road around to the
left so as to continue South (avoiding getting back on I-8) and head into the valley. 
Mile 41.3: The paved road ends and there is a fork in the road. Take the right hand fork and follow the Table Top trail
signs. There is also a sign that says high clearance vehicles required. Disregard this. The road is good to the camp site for
any car, no matter how little clearance. 
Mile 43.8: Turn off the graded road to the right (West) onto a little car trail. If you get to the cattle guard, you've missed this
turn. The trail leads toward the Southwest. We will be camping near a wash just a little ways in.