Sedona -Day 2 (Best Laid Plans)

One of the trails I dreamt of since I started researching Sedona was West Fork Trail. It’s a trail that winds through a narrow canyon alongside the West Fork of Oak Creek. It’s a 7 mile roundtrip hike -perfect day 2 hike, and a change in scenery. Based on my parking experience on day 1, I showed up at the trailhead at 9:00 a.m. I was actually nervous that I was too late, but I was the first one! Yay me! The park attendant opened the window to her booth with a very surprised look on her face. We said good morning, and then she said “You hear that river? It’s high from the rain and the trail is a mess.” Me: “I’m ok with a little mud.” Her “OK, well you know you have to cross the creek 13 times?” Me: “Ooh, I forgot about that.”

I told her I wanted to check it out anyhow, and she was grateful to get a trail report. I thought I’d be fine. I’m an Alaskan. I have great gear. I’m wearing my trusty Salomon Gortex X Ultras!! I got this!

I made it through the first crossing without a problem, next one was a different situation. I walked up and down searching for a shallow section, but couldn’t find one. I thought about taking my boots off and walking barefoot, but since it was 45 degrees and I had many more crossings to go, I abandoned my West Fork dream. That’s a hike that should be done in July, not January. I was glad I tried though. It was good to see the other end of the canyon.

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Detour

I drove away from my West Fork failure completely crestfallen, but I did a quick, emotional self-rescue and headed to Soldier’s Pass. That trail intersects with a few others so I thought I could get in a good 7 or 8 miler. The trailhead to Soldier’s Pass is tucked away in a posh Sedona neighborhood. It was packed. I had eaten up most of my morning driving out to West Fork, and this tiny parking lot was full, and the access road was blocked. No 4×4 parking trick this time. It was as if the universe was patting me on the head with a “There, there little dreamer.”

I had to salvage my day! I decided to head out in the direction of Robber’s Roost. Getting there was half the fun. There’s a red dirt road off of 89A South, that takes you 6 miles back into a valley.

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This was an entirely different experience than Devil’s Bridge. There was no one on this trail. I was delighted! I had the trail all to myself. Nothing but the wind and the sound of my footsteps. I couldn’t have been happier; I was alone. And then it hit me. I was alone! I was 1.7 miles in and a feeling of dread swept over me. I started out without worry on this bear-free trail, but completely forgot about mountain lions. “Here kitty, kitty, kitty!”

I turned around and headed back to the truck. I could see the headlines: “Lone Female Hiker Mauled by Mountain Lion: An Alaskan Should Have Known Better.” OK, that’s a long headline, but it would have been true. I reached my truck in one piece, without so much as possum sighting. I could feel another patronizing pat on the head.

Red Rock State Park

If I’m down, it’s not for long. Between my West Fork failure and Robber’s Roost freak out, I only had about 4 miles under my belt. I needed one more loop to finish the day with any self-respect. Red Rock to the rescue!

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I took the Eagle’s Nest loop which was a perfect 3 mile hike. I ran into just enough people to feel comfortable, but not enough to be annoying. I saw more deer than people. Just delightful!

Shout Outs

I am so glad I started my hiking adventure in Sedona; it’s a magical place. This was the off season, but for this Alaskan girl, it was still too crowded. I can’t imagine trying to navigate Coconino in peak season. If I go again, I will definitely make another attempt at West Fork. I will stop by Oak Creek Espresso and pick up that lovely Nicaraguan roast, locally roasted at Ren Tao. I might be lucky enough to stumble in on another, I kid you not, ukulele jam session.

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I will definitely visit Elote Cafe again! (Thanks to Amy who recommended this place.) They don’t take reservations, and the line outside is long, but it is worth the wait. If you’re single, they will seat you at the bar, and to be honest, it’s the best seat in the house. Adrian is the tireless bartender who will take great care of you. And if you’re lucky, you might strike up a conversation with a new friend, and even share a heavenly dessert.