West Fork Oak Creek Trail, Sedona

It was super cold as it's winter now. I got to the parking lot at 6:50AM on a Sunday, but nobody was there (and it was still dark). Waited for hiking buddy until around 7:25AM, still empty parking lot. Started the hike, it was really cold, everything in the shade. Views were alright, lots of dead trees. I can see how this would be very pretty when the trees are alive though and in the sunlight. Lots of creek crossings, many of which were icy so bring a hiking pole or walking stick to help balance. Some creek crossings required going off-trail a bit to find a better place to cross that wasn't freezing cold water and ice. Cool hike, wish I were here to do this again in warmer weather! The sun came out on the way back and it was much more enjoyable then. Parking lot had maybe 10-15 cars when we got back at around 11AM, but still had lots of spots.

Awesome hike! Very dog friendly. It should be mentioned that even though it's rated "easy" you do have to cross the creek about 13 times each way so wear proper footwear to walk over wet rocks and tree trunks. I was there on a Thursday and it took about 3.5 hrs to go and return because we had our dogs and we carried them across the creek every time because the water was is literally freezing.