Thanks! I've been meaning to do a decent video on this place for a while. Actually been holding onto the Morgan Freeman for the perfect place, and this fit the bill. We're lucky to have this so close.
Did this hike yesterday, 2nd time, never went past the maintained trail. I've been wearing neoprene socks if I'm Creek hiking, been wearing them for 25 years. I would highly recommend those socks, it makes all the difference from being miserable to being I'm stomping in the creek with no worries.
Another amazing suggestion from Jerry. Just did this hike from 1 pm (parking lot full but found a spot .4 miles away so not bad). As Jerry says, the best part is just through the water where everyone else turns around. Dont have to go far in to have some amazing views (.5 miles through water). So worth it.
I'm not sure if I tune into your Channel for Humor, Adventure, or Superlative Photography, they are all great! But if I had to narrow it down, I think it would be the humor!!!!!! So glad to see Tina, your fellow hiker and humorist, out there with you after her covid ordeal!! Keep it going you two, I love it! And I'm sure others do too!
You just keep getting better and better. Absolutely awesome video. And just right music choices. You 2 are my favorite couple on UA-cam. Perfect balance of humor and awesome scenery.
Happy, happy, happy is me to see a recent video of my fave AZ hikers! Tina is back! I want you to know I live vicariously through your videos because you go where I can’t go. Hold on while I fill a basin with ice and water to soak my feet while watching again and in some small way identify with your icy treks through freezing water. Never mind…I’ll just skip to the Mexican food! You guys are THE best!
This was an easy one. So thankful to have something so fun, so close, so beautiful and yet still easy. And thanks! Also, why was it so cold still in May!? It was 100 degrees when we left Phoenix.
That's my favorite Sedona hike too, and the first place I backpacked solo. I hiked there many times. In the spring, you can sometimes find naturalized asparagus growing near that ruin at the beginning. I always wanted to hike it from the top down, from where West Fork is crossed by a Forest Service road. Never met anyone who did it, but I heard you needed an inner tube for your pack. That was long before canyoneering was a thing. I hiked to a point where I would have had to swim and scramble over big boulders, but have gone no farther. Got caught in the canyon during a thunderstorm once. We hid under a little overhang while the walls ran with water and we could hear rocks falling down the cliffs sometimes. We did have a nearby spot we could climb up in case of flash flood. Such a beautiful, magical place. One of my favorite place to hike, period. I hope I can get back there someday. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Two of my friends have done the top down through hike. One as an overnight (Breven) and one as a day hike because he's a maniac (Nick.) Breven has a video of it on his channel: Moonjuice Hikes. I was going to but then had my injury. But it's high on my list. Although everyone who does it says the top is a lot of bushwhacking and boulder hopping and no one is eager to do it again.
Thanks for sharing! You do a great job of blending high quality videography with homespun humor and personality. Glad to see Tina is back on the trail!
I am in love with your videos. I live in Virginia and the terrain here is very different. Your videos bring the beauty of Arizona / Utah to life. Each shot in your video and the selection of music is so artistic and top-notch. Almost, like it was done by National Geographic. Love the chemistry between the two of you. Wife an I will be visiting Sedona in April / May and while we are nowhere near as adventurous as you, we will do some short day hikes. Thanks for you videos. Don't stop. Please.
Love comments like this! Glad you're enjoying the videos. You''ll love Sedona. Make sure you get up early for the more popular trails though. They get more and more crowded as the day goes on.
That was a really good video! Jerry, your camera work is getting better. Some great shots. Glad to see Tina back out there, she’s a real sport! You told a good story, even if it was COLD! 😀😀😀😀😀👍👍👍👍👍
@@JerryArizona You an Tina are a younger version of Lynn and Jessica. Love what you do and your hikes are real. We’re still going and doing what we do. Thanks for taking to places we haven’t hike and back to some we have done
That's what we always say when we go. In fact, when we were in the Zion Subway (at the top section), first thing we thought was 'this is a less pretty West Fork'.....Of course, the scenery there just gets better and better, but still. We're lucky to have this hike so close and accessible to us.
A great Sedona hike, El Patio and getting flipped off by Tina... another classic Jerry Arizona vid!!! Glad to see Tina back at it! OMG the girls at El Patio dont mess around with those margaritas! Sooooooo good! I am overdue for one and some fajitas!
Great seeing Tina back at it…another fine video. Watching your earlier videos motivated me to do the hike last May… enjoyed it so much I went back in the fall and got 4 miles up the fork. You kids inspire me….. hiked Fisher Towers and this past week Chiricahua National Monument because of your work. Thanks for doing this.
Need to get moving this morning, packing for a long weekend in Charleston, 5-6 hour drive awaits. BUT, had to watch a video of Jerry and Tina first. Great start to any day.
She looks like she's feeling better, at least good enough to do a 12 mile round tripper and deal with freezing water. Love that area. Caught a few nice trout under the bridge in a rain storm last year.
We had to pick something flat and easy, so this fit the bill. Still wore her out, but she made it. And still such a beautiful hike. Saw someone fishing that spot when we went.
Loved this hike! Thank you for recommending this gorgeous trail! The Fall colors right now are amazing, and we went as far as area you can begin backcountry camping. Definitely will be doing that next time. Nice to get away from the crowds. We hope to run into you two one day on trail! ( We enjoy our margaritas out there too!)
About 40 yrs ago, as a macho hiker, I used to organize monthly hikes from PHX. To your overbite overhang for a small group of friends in the summer. I used to prepare meatballs ( homemade Sicilian style) and pasta for the group… those were the glory days..
We froze steaks and put them in our backpacks along with aluminum foil packets of mushrooms, potatoes, onions and cream of mushroom soup for this hike before. We had an absolute feast at camp.
@@JerryArizona now you are talking! I forgot , I had also, with friends, got apples in Sedona and frozen pie crusts and over a fire ( this is when you could have a campfire) bake the pies for dessert with our foil wrapped burritos… memories… I now live in Chiang Mai Thailand and do no hiking here but visit NZ regularly to tramp….cheers…
Good to see Tina out and enjoying the hike! Also if we learned nothing else from watching you guys we know El Patio is now our favorite Mexican restaurant!
She had a good time. West Fork is always a good time. El Patio is awesome. Just got carry out from there again last weekend. Actually still have some in the fridge.
Thanks for all the excellent, very well done videos, Jerry. I'm headed to Sedona this weekend and wondering if you could recommend a favorite Mexican restaurant or two for me to try while there.
El Patio in Camp Verde is our favorite 'traditional' Mexican place. Elote Cafe is a solid choice in Sedona, but you may have problems getting a reservation. Dahl & Deluca (probably spelled wrong) is a great Italian place in Sedona also.
@@JerryArizona Thanks, Jerry, for the prompt response and recommendations - will try to give them all a try. Hope your shoulder surgery will be (or already has been) successful and that we see more of your great videos before long.
Guys you are strong and positive, not many would walk in that cold water... Hats off to you :D Cool that many people do it too... The thing is that a rubber shoes cover would be useless in this situation, unless you wear water proof fishing waders... But they are heavy
I was in West Fork for in February and it was incredible.. the water levels were much higher so I was unable to get in as far as you were... Will definitely be back when its much drier...
So happy you guys venture out together again. I hope Tina continues getting better and your hair game will now be matched by the cool swag! Awesome decal on Tina’s windows. Fits the outsoorsey spirit in you guys.
Thanks! The glasses will need to make guest appearances on future videos, for sure. And I'm not much for decals on your vehicle, but those work great on her 4Runner.
Just found your channel and have been binging your content. Thanks for all the trip ideas! We will be in the area early next year for a month or two, and your channel has given us a ton of ideas. Cheers!
I moved to Sedona after 4+ decades of MN winters and within a year slipped on an icy/wet rock while on a hike last December. Everyone back home got a good laugh out of me moving to AZ and slipping on ice…
Dear Jerry, thank you for your fantastic videos, this one and so many others, especially about your visits to the GSE! They gave us great ideas and motivation to see the places in "real life". We are a family from Hannover, Germany, our daughters are 15 and 12 - not easy to motivate but in good shape. All together we hiked during our Eastern holidays 2022 Peek-a-boo, Coyote Gulch and Buckskin Gulch, all as dayhikes (and some other places in Ut, Az und Ca). By the way, also your videos being on a via ferrata (Klettersteig in German) were nice. In our vacations in the Alps we and especially the children enjoy Klettersteige often, they are very popular here and there is a lot of them, easy and not so easy ones. If you visit Europe, you and Tina should give it a try. Best wishes, also to Tina, get well soon! Michael and Sabine
Thank you! Tina is doing well. Glad the videos help. I'd love to go to Germany someday. Beautiful country and my Dad's side is from Germany originally. Let me know if you have any specific questions when you're planning your next trip and I'll do my best to help out as much as I can.
I'm usually torn between the taco & enchilada combo or the mole. The fajitas are good too. Unfortunately, I can't say for sure what's best because we always seem to gravitate to one of those three. One of these days I'll try more.
This is also my favorite hike in Sedona. I've never been past the normal trail where walking in water is required, But I plan on doing it this year. I've done the trail like 6 or 7 times and I've always enjoyed it.
I love west fork! Backpacked there a couple of times. So peaceful. We like the spot with the trees so you can sleep in a hammock. I have definitely fallen a couple of times…including at “the ledge” where I had to full on swim. 😂
Ah, is that the spot where it gets really narrow and you have to hug the round part on the left (looking up canyon)? That part always gets in my head. Haven't fallen in yet, but it's only a matter of time. One of these days I need to hike all the way through to the tank at the top.
That is also my favorite hike in Sedona. When we did it last year though it turned a little ugly. Weather had no rain but on our way back it started pouring with hail out of know where. There was also thunder and lighting which twice hit a tree just across the stream from us. was also worried about flash floods in the canyon since water was running in from all directions over the canyon walls. Many people were trying to run back to the parking lot. Luckily we made it back unharmed but we were soaked from head to toe.
When did you and Tina go on this adventure? We have hiked West Fork 3 times, it is one of our favorites, the other is the Narrows at Zion. Wonderful Video. 👍👍
This was a couple weekends ago. We try to do it every year. The Narrows are awesome. You need to check out Parunaweap. Another fun one along the same lines.
Did that hike a few years back on a photography outing. Hard to take a 'bad' photo along that trail...water, desert varnish, red rocks, the mini 'wave'. Wish I had done it during the peak of fall color.
Enjoyed your video. It brought back many good memories for me as I have hiked this trail many times over the years. We used to take 6-8 guys on this trip and some sons as they got older. We always camped each time in the exact same "our spot" as you did. Access use to be just below the deep pool and up a muddy steep slope. We use to sent one guy up first to tie off a rope so be could pull up our backpacks. Then we walked the short trail into the campsite. Always loved the sandstone slabs arranged into setting areas. Are the mud swallow nests still present on the cliffs above the campsite? The trail can sure change from year to year depending on the snow melt. This is probably my favorite area of Arizona short of the White Mountains of Eastern Arizona.
I'd recommend getting some waterproof socks. They are like socks made from wetsuit material. They run about $35 and will keep your feet dry, most will run up to your lower calves. You'll need to loosen your shoes for the extra material though. They don't breathe obviously, so bring extra socks when you don't need them for water. They do make scuba "boots" too, but the tread isn't what I would call the best for hiking...
We have neoprene socks of different mils. I just wasn't thinking it would be this cold and that wool socks would work. It's tough sometimes to realize how cold it will be when it's 100 degrees when you're pulling out of the driveway. Can't tell you how many times we've stopped to get gas in Flagstaff and I hop out of the truck in flip flops and instantly regret my decisions.
There used to be grizzlies in this canyon if you can believe it, but they've long since been hunted out of the area. I'm sure there are black bears and mountain lions, but I've never seen any in West Fork.
Yeah....We have neoprene socks up to 7mm. Just wasn't thinking. It was 104 in Phoenix the day before we left. Hard to get out of that mindset sometimes.
Thanks! We have neoprene, but for some reason I thought this would be warmer. Luckily there were plenty of breaks from the water so it never got THAT bad.
Do you have to carry a wag bag? Know tp has to be packed out though. Excellent video with composition, photos, storytelling…..and Morgan Freeman voice!
Thanks! Mr Freeman is a huge fan....I'm not sure on the wag bags in this location. To give too much information, we don't need them for an overnight. But they'd probably be a good idea here since the canyon is pretty narrow in most spots so it's hard to get the appropriate distance from the water.
Just did it on Tuesday night of this week! Epic hike and we found a legendary camp spot that looked similar to yours 🤔 Thanks for making this video and exposing me to something so close yet so amazing this close to Phoenix.
We're really lucky to have this so close. Look into Aravaipa (permits required), wet beaver creek, horton creek and even West Clear Creek (although WCC is brutal in most spots and not beginner friendly.)
My daughter and family just moved to Peoria; we visited a trail in Sedona, this was West Fork? I didn't see the name on a sign...it looks amazing. I grew up in Colorado and now live in the NW; both amazing hiking places. Thank you for showing this, I'll be checking out your other videos!
This is West Fork. We actually live in Peoria. One of my favorite trips was when we went to Washington and hiked a bunch up there. Absolutely gorgeous.
What’s the latest do you think I could get a parking spot during the week? My partner and I would be coming from Phoenix but I’m trying to avoid starting our drive up at 5am lol! But as a novice camper and backpacker this looks like a perfect way to grab some experience but not over extend myself.
We left at 4:30AM for this trip and were first in line when we got there. So.....You're probably gonna want to get up at 5. Otherwise you have to wait in line, and they will chase you off if the line's too long because you'll be blocking traffic. Some people park along the road, but I won't do it. You can hardly get completely off the road (sometimes) and I'm always afraid I'll come back to a ticket or a rock that fell into the hood of my truck. Go early.
I thought I saw both of you walk through the water with your regular hiking shoes on. Did you switch to some type of water shoes or not? If not, how did you take care of soggy shoes and socks after getting out of the water?
I’ve tried about everything but now I’ll just wear wool hiking socks and my trail runners and just walk through the water. I take flip flops or something for camp and let my shoes dry out overnight.
Always good to have her along. We've been using the Camelback All Clear UV system. We have two of them and have been using the same two for 6 or so years now. They work great and kill things that a mechanical filter won't. The downsides are that they are electric, so you don't want to drop them in the water and have to keep them charged (although they've made it through a 5 day backpacking trip before). They also don't mechanically filter the water, so if it's not clear it can be a problem. The bottles will also melt in the dishwasher, so you have to hand wash them (learned that the hard way.) I always bring a back up like a life straw or Sawyer Squeeze in case we have silty/muddy water to deal with, but these work for 99% of the hikes we go on.
Do they allow overnight parking at the trail head or do you have to park somewhere else when you go backpacking? I love your videos. I probably should have listen to your advice when you said that you didn’t recommend buckskin gulch for a first time backpacking trip… 🤣 It was hard but I would do it again. Excellent videos, Jerry!
Thanks! Buckskin straight up broke me my first time through. Glad you made it! Yes, they let you park overnight at Call of the Canyon Trailhead. We've actually done a 2 night trip up there before. I'm sure they have a limit for total nights, but it's definitely allowed. I like the security of knowing your vehicle gets locked in as opposed to parking along the road which is a little tight for my liking.
It was filmed late April/early May. And it was freezing. Not sure why it was so cold this trip since it usually isn't by then. This one is good to do in the summer though. One of the few around here. The shade and water make it tolerable.
Oak Creek can definitely flash flood. It is also probably swollen right now because of all the spring run off. A couple of my canyoneering buddies just hiked a good portion of it last weekend though, so I think it's low enough to be safe. You'll know as soon as you see the creek though. If you see anything that looks unsafe, turn around. But I'm fairly certain you'll be fine. Obviously check the weather for rain before you go in. If it's a heavy rain, abort.
So my wife and I follow your steps (once again) and will fly over to the States in October again. I hated hiking, saw some of your videos and I love them now. I hated mountains, hiked Angels Landing after we saw your video, I love them now. One thing is sure: I will not swim any pools on that hike. Please not. No way. Jerry, do I need to in October? We want to get 10-12 km into the creek, camp and hike back like you and Tina did. Water up to the knee is OK, anything higher is critical.
Unless you go in winter with snow melt or, of course, if there's a lot of rain, it has a pretty constant water depth....which shouldn't get above your knees/waist. First deep section you may see that looks like a swim has a bypass on the right (looking up canyon). Right past that it narrows up and looks like you have to swim, but I've always been able to (carefully) get by without getting in the deep water on the left side (looking up canyon.) You should be fine.
Thank you very much for your helpful answer. We did the trail yesterday. Until the beginning of the "camping zone" there were no really deep water holes we had to swim. The water went max to our hip. A really great adventure with beautiful landscape. Thank you Jerry for the inspiration 😊
Is it your favorite hike because you live in Arizona? I live in ND. This looks a little like Zion, sure…but it also looks similar to Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills of SD. When I was in Arizona I spent most my time on desert hikes, for something different. I gave robbers roost a chance on the harvest moon this year, coincidence…but I couldn’t figure out where to cross exactly to get the cave. It looked sketchy so I made the hike back. North Dakota is so flat. I’m not used to heights. I Next time I will do it.
Well, it's my favorite hike in Sedona. And one of my favorites in all of AZ. It's just so beautiful, has the creek and shade and is relatively easy. Not to mention it's only a couple hours' drive from my house. We usually hit it up a couple times a year.
@@JerryArizona When in Sedona I usually tent camp near the trail head. Pine Flats or Cave Springs campground. I mail my tent to Vegas and rent a car. I’ll put it on the list for next time. I had my mom with me this last time and with the help of your videos I was able to take her some nice places without killing her. 😄 Thanks Jerry.
I found one of those secret campsites and loved it, it was to the right side right before it got super deep for the first time(definitely deeper then waist height)
True. But I didn't give any hints on how to actually find it. Most people walk right by without ever knowing, just like most of the campsites out there.
Your composition, framing, editing, and “Morgan Freeman” impersonation put this video over the top. Next level, Jerry!
Thanks! I've been meaning to do a decent video on this place for a while. Actually been holding onto the Morgan Freeman for the perfect place, and this fit the bill. We're lucky to have this so close.
was that an impersonation of Freeman?? Wow, it sounded just like him! 👏
Hey Jerry, I like that you exist! Thanks for the calm wisdom!
Did this hike yesterday, 2nd time, never went past the maintained trail.
I've been wearing neoprene socks if I'm Creek hiking, been wearing them for 25 years. I would highly recommend those socks, it makes all the difference from being miserable to being I'm stomping in the creek with no worries.
Another amazing suggestion from Jerry. Just did this hike from 1 pm (parking lot full but found a spot .4 miles away so not bad). As Jerry says, the best part is just through the water where everyone else turns around. Dont have to go far in to have some amazing views (.5 miles through water). So worth it.
I'm not sure if I tune into your Channel for Humor, Adventure, or Superlative Photography, they are all great! But if I had to narrow it down, I think it would be the humor!!!!!! So glad to see Tina, your fellow hiker and humorist, out there with you after her covid ordeal!! Keep it going you two, I love it! And I'm sure others do too!
Glad you enjoy. We have a good time out there! Happy I can kinda capture some of it.
You just keep getting better and better. Absolutely awesome video. And just right music choices. You 2 are my favorite couple on UA-cam. Perfect balance of humor and awesome scenery.
Happy, happy, happy is me to see a recent video of my fave AZ hikers! Tina is back! I want you to know I live vicariously through your videos because you go where I can’t go. Hold on while I fill a basin with ice and water to soak my feet while watching again and in some small way identify with your icy treks through freezing water. Never mind…I’ll just skip to the Mexican food! You guys are THE best!
Always wise to skip to the Mexican food part!
Yay, Tina back for the hardcore hikes, even if it was difficult for her. Really, really excellent camera work Jerry. Freaking May.
This was an easy one. So thankful to have something so fun, so close, so beautiful and yet still easy. And thanks! Also, why was it so cold still in May!? It was 100 degrees when we left Phoenix.
That's my favorite Sedona hike too, and the first place I backpacked solo. I hiked there many times. In the spring, you can sometimes find naturalized asparagus growing near that ruin at the beginning. I always wanted to hike it from the top down, from where West Fork is crossed by a Forest Service road. Never met anyone who did it, but I heard you needed an inner tube for your pack. That was long before canyoneering was a thing. I hiked to a point where I would have had to swim and scramble over big boulders, but have gone no farther. Got caught in the canyon during a thunderstorm once. We hid under a little overhang while the walls ran with water and we could hear rocks falling down the cliffs sometimes. We did have a nearby spot we could climb up in case of flash flood. Such a beautiful, magical place. One of my favorite place to hike, period. I hope I can get back there someday. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Two of my friends have done the top down through hike. One as an overnight (Breven) and one as a day hike because he's a maniac (Nick.) Breven has a video of it on his channel: Moonjuice Hikes. I was going to but then had my injury. But it's high on my list. Although everyone who does it says the top is a lot of bushwhacking and boulder hopping and no one is eager to do it again.
Another great video…terrific cinematography.
Thank you! I did my best to do West Fork justice. Then again, with scenery like this, it's fairly easy.
Thanks for sharing! You do a great job of blending high quality videography with homespun humor and personality. Glad to see Tina is back on the trail!
Love her gentle sarcasm. Funny girl.
Yeah, Tina is pretty awesome.
I particularly liked that "Shawshank" narration at the end. Sounded like Red describing how Tina was enjoying her Mexican food.
I am in love with your videos. I live in Virginia and the terrain here is very different. Your videos bring the beauty of Arizona / Utah to life. Each shot in your video and the selection of music is so artistic and top-notch. Almost, like it was done by National Geographic. Love the chemistry between the two of you. Wife an I will be visiting Sedona in April / May and while we are nowhere near as adventurous as you, we will do some short day hikes. Thanks for you videos. Don't stop. Please.
Love comments like this! Glad you're enjoying the videos. You''ll love Sedona. Make sure you get up early for the more popular trails though. They get more and more crowded as the day goes on.
Love the voice over & your hike.
YOU ARE AN ADORABLE COUPLE SURROUNDED BY BEAUTY. THANK YOU. 👍💛😎
Excellent video Jerry. Highlighting the natural beauty & sharing the experience. Cold & all. Loved it! Good to see Tina. Great job girl !!
That was a really good video! Jerry, your camera work is getting better. Some great shots. Glad to see Tina back out there, she’s a real sport! You told a good story, even if it was COLD! 😀😀😀😀😀👍👍👍👍👍
It was good for her to get out to this place. Great adventure, incredible scenery and not too hard. Just what we needed.
@@JerryArizona You an Tina are a younger version of Lynn and Jessica. Love what you do and your hikes are real. We’re still going and doing what we do. Thanks for taking to places we haven’t hike and back to some we have done
Sorry for the fat thumbs
Writing this at age 30 demonstrates how much more I have to learn. Excellent video sir!
Great job on the vid. Plus you two make me smile and laugh - thanks for that as well as the scenery. Jack
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed. The scenery definitely did most of the hard work toward making an interesting video.
Also my first and favorite hike in Sedona. I love West Fork. Such a beautiful place.
Doesn't matter how many times we go, there's always those moments we stop and say "can you believe how lucky we are to have this place so close?"
Having been there and hiked around the world I think the scenery is world class on that trail.
That's what we always say when we go. In fact, when we were in the Zion Subway (at the top section), first thing we thought was 'this is a less pretty West Fork'.....Of course, the scenery there just gets better and better, but still. We're lucky to have this hike so close and accessible to us.
A great Sedona hike, El Patio and getting flipped off by Tina... another classic Jerry Arizona vid!!! Glad to see Tina back at it! OMG the girls at El Patio dont mess around with those margaritas! Sooooooo good! I am overdue for one and some fajitas!
I can never decide between mole, enchilad & taco combo or fajitas.....
Ill have to try out the enchiladas next!! so far cant go wrong with the tacos or the shrimp/steak fajitas!! Thanks Jerry!
Great seeing Tina back at it…another fine video. Watching your earlier videos motivated me to do the hike last May… enjoyed it so much I went back in the fall and got 4 miles up the fork. You kids inspire me….. hiked Fisher Towers and this past week Chiricahua National Monument because of your work. Thanks for doing this.
All great hikes! Glad you got out there to see them. West Fork was one of our first and still remains one of our favorites.
Another great video, plus I’ve never commented on your music chooses but you pick some great music. Keep the videos coming.
I have lived in phoenix to long , my blood is so thin , just watching your hike made me cold. Enjoyed it
I'm slowly building a tolerance. It was FREEZING when we got there. Luckily, day 2 wasn't bad at all.
When I was little my grandma had a home up in the canyon near that overhang place. We had all that area on the creek to ourselves. 1971
That must have been amazing. I absolutely love this place.
One of my favorite hike as well! The good stuff starts when you get your feet wet!
It's a classic! When we discovered you could backpack it, I was like "BONUS LEVEL!" Still have to go all the way through. One of these days.
Need to get moving this morning, packing for a long weekend in Charleston, 5-6 hour drive awaits. BUT, had to watch a video of Jerry and Tina first. Great start to any day.
That particular spot for camping is amazing! Been there too! Love the spot
She looks like she's feeling better, at least good enough to do a 12 mile round tripper and deal with freezing water. Love that area. Caught a few nice trout under the bridge in a rain storm last year.
We had to pick something flat and easy, so this fit the bill. Still wore her out, but she made it. And still such a beautiful hike. Saw someone fishing that spot when we went.
Love your videos Jerry, please tell us what date your filming so we can have some context around time of year and the weather you're in. Thank you!
Loved this, glad to see Tina back out and doing better.
Still working through some things, but we're so lucky to have such and easy and beautiful hike so close by.
I've spent many nights all the way up past the 4 miles end of the tourist trail. Some nice old campsites under nice over hanging sandstone cliffs.
One of my favorite backpacking routes. I'm so lucky to have it such a short drive away.
Great video you guys! Loved it. Bloopers at end, classic!
Glad you enjoyed it! West Fork is such a great hike.
Love hiking there
Loved this hike! Thank you for recommending this gorgeous trail! The Fall colors right now are amazing, and we went as far as area you can begin backcountry camping. Definitely will be doing that next time. Nice to get away from the crowds. We hope to run into you two one day on trail! ( We enjoy our margaritas out there too!)
That place is amazing if you can catch the leaves changing colors. Glad you got to check it out.
I've never done this but now I shall. Great work on the video once again. I tell every new arizonian I meet about your channel! Timmy C Arizona
Thanks, man. If you haven't done it, you need to backpack it. So amazing back there.
I so envy. Sedona is my happy place.
Can't say how many times we've said how lucky we are to have Sedona so close....
Beautiful spot. Adding it to my list!
One of our favorite hikes.
Love to see Tina smile at the end. Thanks for sharing. It looks amazingly beautiful.
About 40 yrs ago, as a macho hiker, I used to organize monthly hikes from PHX. To your overbite overhang for a small group of friends in the summer. I used to prepare meatballs ( homemade Sicilian style) and pasta for the group… those were the glory days..
We froze steaks and put them in our backpacks along with aluminum foil packets of mushrooms, potatoes, onions and cream of mushroom soup for this hike before. We had an absolute feast at camp.
@@JerryArizona now you are talking! I forgot , I had also, with friends, got apples in Sedona and frozen pie crusts and over a fire ( this is when you could have a campfire) bake the pies for dessert with our foil wrapped burritos… memories… I now live in Chiang Mai Thailand and do no hiking here but visit NZ regularly to tramp….cheers…
Good to see Tina out and enjoying the hike! Also if we learned nothing else from watching you guys we know El Patio is now our favorite Mexican restaurant!
She had a good time. West Fork is always a good time. El Patio is awesome. Just got carry out from there again last weekend. Actually still have some in the fridge.
I walked coal creek by Cedar City, Utah in September. Very similar but more in the creek. Slot canyon so only do it in August or September.
Got that exact hammock for that exact use
We love our Eno Sub7's. So small, and so awesome after a tough hike.
Thanks for all the excellent, very well done videos, Jerry. I'm headed to Sedona this weekend and wondering if you could recommend a favorite Mexican restaurant or two for me to try while there.
El Patio in Camp Verde is our favorite 'traditional' Mexican place. Elote Cafe is a solid choice in Sedona, but you may have problems getting a reservation. Dahl & Deluca (probably spelled wrong) is a great Italian place in Sedona also.
@@JerryArizona Thanks, Jerry, for the prompt response and recommendations - will try to give them all a try. Hope your shoulder surgery will be (or already has been) successful and that we see more of your great videos before long.
Guys you are strong and positive, not many would walk in that cold water... Hats off to you :D Cool that many people do it too... The thing is that a rubber shoes cover would be useless in this situation, unless you wear water proof fishing waders... But they are heavy
I was in West Fork for in February and it was incredible.. the water levels were much higher so I was unable to get in as far as you were... Will definitely be back when its much drier...
So happy you guys venture out together again. I hope Tina continues getting better and your hair game will now be matched by the cool swag!
Awesome decal on Tina’s windows. Fits the outsoorsey spirit in you guys.
Thanks! The glasses will need to make guest appearances on future videos, for sure. And I'm not much for decals on your vehicle, but those work great on her 4Runner.
Looking forward to doing this hike soon! Great video.
Thanks. Enjoy. This is one of my favorite hikes of all time.
We are Lucky we can boondock out in the woods for free to enjoy! Heading back to San Diego Sunday for week 6 beachside camping! Timmy C Arizona
Just found your channel and have been binging your content. Thanks for all the trip ideas! We will be in the area early next year for a month or two, and your channel has given us a ton of ideas. Cheers!
Awesome! Any questions, let me know. I'll be glad to help.
@@JerryArizona we’ll keep you in mind - much appreciated!
I moved to Sedona after 4+ decades of MN winters and within a year slipped on an icy/wet rock while on a hike last December. Everyone back home got a good laugh out of me moving to AZ and slipping on ice…
Ha! Yeah. You just need to tell them it was the slickrock's fault!
Dear Jerry, thank you for your fantastic videos, this one and so many others, especially about your visits to the GSE! They gave us great ideas and motivation to see the places in "real life".
We are a family from Hannover, Germany, our daughters are 15 and 12 - not easy to motivate but in good shape. All together we hiked during our Eastern holidays 2022 Peek-a-boo, Coyote Gulch and Buckskin Gulch, all as dayhikes (and some other places in Ut, Az und Ca).
By the way, also your videos being on a via ferrata (Klettersteig in German) were nice. In our vacations in the Alps we and especially the children enjoy Klettersteige often, they are very popular here and there is a lot of them, easy and not so easy ones. If you visit Europe, you and Tina should give it a try.
Best wishes, also to Tina, get well soon!
Michael and Sabine
Thank you! Tina is doing well. Glad the videos help. I'd love to go to Germany someday. Beautiful country and my Dad's side is from Germany originally. Let me know if you have any specific questions when you're planning your next trip and I'll do my best to help out as much as I can.
Glad Tina is doing better!!
This was great as always.
Icy water suucks
Mmmm El Patio ❤️
Agree on all points.
Cant wait to get there this summer! 🥳
So what's the best dish at El Patio? We'll have to stop there next time we head up north! Love your videos, keep it up!
I'm usually torn between the taco & enchilada combo or the mole. The fajitas are good too. Unfortunately, I can't say for sure what's best because we always seem to gravitate to one of those three. One of these days I'll try more.
I love your vibes! I hope to run into you guys one of these days in West Fork!
I hiked it from the bottom, up. We camped about halfway but man that was an amazing hike. 12 miles I think.
Nice adventure hike!
This is also my favorite hike in Sedona. I've never been past the normal trail where walking in water is required, But I plan on doing it this year.
I've done the trail like 6 or 7 times and I've always enjoyed it.
I love west fork! Backpacked there a couple of times. So peaceful. We like the spot with the trees so you can sleep in a hammock. I have definitely fallen a couple of times…including at “the ledge” where I had to full on swim. 😂
Ah, is that the spot where it gets really narrow and you have to hug the round part on the left (looking up canyon)? That part always gets in my head. Haven't fallen in yet, but it's only a matter of time. One of these days I need to hike all the way through to the tank at the top.
@@JerryArizona That pool hasn't gotten me yet either, but its always dicey!
Y'all are such a joy. Love your editing, your hikes, and of course your humor. Goes a long way in this day and age. Till next time.....Peace.
I enjoyed this hike with you guys! Greetings from Puerto Rico
Greetings from Arizona!
That is also my favorite hike in Sedona. When we did it last year though it turned a little ugly. Weather had no rain but on our way back it started pouring with hail out of know where. There was also thunder and lighting which twice hit a tree just across the stream from us. was also worried about flash floods in the canyon since water was running in from all directions over the canyon walls. Many people were trying to run back to the parking lot. Luckily we made it back unharmed but we were soaked from head to toe.
Wow. No bueno. The storms up there can be fast and brutal. I've had a couple times up on the Mogollon Rim where the lightning was terrifying.
I was there not too long ago great place great hike😊
When did you and Tina go on this adventure? We have hiked West Fork 3 times, it is one of our favorites, the other is the Narrows at Zion. Wonderful Video. 👍👍
This was a couple weekends ago. We try to do it every year. The Narrows are awesome. You need to check out Parunaweap. Another fun one along the same lines.
Just came back from that hike. Been there so many times . Absolutely beautiful ..
It is. One of my first hikes and still one of my favorites.
Did that hike a few years back on a photography outing. Hard to take a 'bad' photo along that trail...water, desert varnish, red rocks, the mini 'wave'. Wish I had done it during the peak of fall color.
It's beautiful during the fall if you catch it right. Insanely popular around then, of course. But worth it. Definitely photogenic as well.
Enjoyed your video. It brought back many good memories for me as I have hiked this trail many times over the years. We used to take 6-8 guys on this trip and some sons as they got older. We always camped each time in the exact same "our spot" as you did. Access use to be just below the deep pool and up a muddy steep slope. We use to sent one guy up first to tie off a rope so be could pull up our backpacks. Then we walked the short trail into the campsite. Always loved the sandstone slabs arranged into setting areas. Are the mud swallow nests still present on the cliffs above the campsite? The trail can sure change from year to year depending on the snow melt. This is probably my favorite area of Arizona short of the White Mountains of Eastern Arizona.
The swallows were there last time we were there. And the White Mountains are also absolutely amazing. Hopefully we're heading up that way soon.
I'd recommend getting some waterproof socks. They are like socks made from wetsuit material. They run about $35 and will keep your feet dry, most will run up to your lower calves. You'll need to loosen your shoes for the extra material though. They don't breathe obviously, so bring extra socks when you don't need them for water.
They do make scuba "boots" too, but the tread isn't what I would call the best for hiking...
We have neoprene socks of different mils. I just wasn't thinking it would be this cold and that wool socks would work. It's tough sometimes to realize how cold it will be when it's 100 degrees when you're pulling out of the driveway. Can't tell you how many times we've stopped to get gas in Flagstaff and I hop out of the truck in flip flops and instantly regret my decisions.
Looks like a beautiful place. Are there anybears, mountain lions?
There used to be grizzlies in this canyon if you can believe it, but they've long since been hunted out of the area. I'm sure there are black bears and mountain lions, but I've never seen any in West Fork.
You guys should consider wearing water socks, such as Dexshell, on those trips. They make a big difference in keeping your feet warm and dry.
Yeah....We have neoprene socks up to 7mm. Just wasn't thinking. It was 104 in Phoenix the day before we left. Hard to get out of that mindset sometimes.
@@JerryArizona but waters SHOES are a lot better plus if it is very cold weather the bottom half of a 3 mm diving suit works great
You guys are so fun to watch! Thanks for the giggles! 😂
Nice! I’ve been on that trail and the water is icy in spring! And have eaten at El Patio. One slight correction Tina. The accent is on Pa.
😊
Don’t they sell tall neoprene socks? = warmth? Great vid. Always enjoy the views from out that way.
Thanks! We have neoprene, but for some reason I thought this would be warmer. Luckily there were plenty of breaks from the water so it never got THAT bad.
Fantastic videography! Felt I was there with you. I felvideo graphics! 😉
Thanks! Happy to take you along.
Loved this
Also, what tent is that? 🙃
Do you have to carry a wag bag? Know tp has to be packed out though. Excellent video with composition, photos, storytelling…..and Morgan Freeman voice!
Thanks! Mr Freeman is a huge fan....I'm not sure on the wag bags in this location. To give too much information, we don't need them for an overnight. But they'd probably be a good idea here since the canyon is pretty narrow in most spots so it's hard to get the appropriate distance from the water.
Just did it on Tuesday night of this week! Epic hike and we found a legendary camp spot that looked similar to yours 🤔 Thanks for making this video and exposing me to something so close yet so amazing this close to Phoenix.
We're really lucky to have this so close. Look into Aravaipa (permits required), wet beaver creek, horton creek and even West Clear Creek (although WCC is brutal in most spots and not beginner friendly.)
@@JerryArizonaCan confirm all of these as exceptionally beautiful hikes! We are planning a WCC hike , my personal favorite area in the state.
My daughter and family just moved to Peoria; we visited a trail in Sedona, this was West Fork? I didn't see the name on a sign...it looks amazing. I grew up in Colorado and now live in the NW; both amazing hiking places. Thank you for showing this, I'll be checking out your other videos!
This is West Fork. We actually live in Peoria. One of my favorite trips was when we went to Washington and hiked a bunch up there. Absolutely gorgeous.
Now they won’t miss it. Thanks
What’s the latest do you think I could get a parking spot during the week? My partner and I would be coming from Phoenix but I’m trying to avoid starting our drive up at 5am lol! But as a novice camper and backpacker this looks like a perfect way to grab some experience but not over extend myself.
We left at 4:30AM for this trip and were first in line when we got there. So.....You're probably gonna want to get up at 5. Otherwise you have to wait in line, and they will chase you off if the line's too long because you'll be blocking traffic. Some people park along the road, but I won't do it. You can hardly get completely off the road (sometimes) and I'm always afraid I'll come back to a ticket or a rock that fell into the hood of my truck. Go early.
@@JerryArizona will do, thanks!
I thought I saw both of you walk through the water with your regular hiking shoes on. Did you switch to some type of water shoes or not? If not, how did you take care of soggy shoes and socks after getting out of the water?
I’ve tried about everything but now I’ll just wear wool hiking socks and my trail runners and just walk through the water. I take flip flops or something for camp and let my shoes dry out overnight.
Love the Dan Rather /Morgan Freeman voice capping the end.
Just went there a couple days ago! Wish I could have gone further! When did you go?
This was the weekend before last. You definitely want to go a mile or two past the maintained trail. It's worth it even for a day hike.
@@JerryArizona very nice!
What time of the year did you go? Lovely video
This was early/mid April.
Loved the Morgan Freeman voice over! What a fun touch!
He's been a fan for years now.
@@JerryArizona I just refer to him as Mr. President.
@@garlandcampbell7994 we can always dream, right?
what camera do you have? gorgeous shots
Thanks! This is a mix of GoPro Hero 9 Black and Canon EOS R with a 35mm f1.8.
Hey Jerry, what water filter system are you using? Also, it’s good to see Tina!
Always good to have her along. We've been using the Camelback All Clear UV system. We have two of them and have been using the same two for 6 or so years now. They work great and kill things that a mechanical filter won't. The downsides are that they are electric, so you don't want to drop them in the water and have to keep them charged (although they've made it through a 5 day backpacking trip before). They also don't mechanically filter the water, so if it's not clear it can be a problem. The bottles will also melt in the dishwasher, so you have to hand wash them (learned that the hard way.) I always bring a back up like a life straw or Sawyer Squeeze in case we have silty/muddy water to deal with, but these work for 99% of the hikes we go on.
Ahh,, I remember Sedona. People still seek her, but she left town a long time ago, and she ain't comin' back. I miss her.
Do they allow overnight parking at the trail head or do you have to park somewhere else when you go backpacking?
I love your videos. I probably should have listen to your advice when you said that you didn’t recommend buckskin gulch for a first time backpacking trip… 🤣 It was hard but I would do it again. Excellent videos, Jerry!
Thanks! Buckskin straight up broke me my first time through. Glad you made it! Yes, they let you park overnight at Call of the Canyon Trailhead. We've actually done a 2 night trip up there before. I'm sure they have a limit for total nights, but it's definitely allowed. I like the security of knowing your vehicle gets locked in as opposed to parking along the road which is a little tight for my liking.
Was this actually filmed in May? It's that cold there at that time of year?
It was filmed late April/early May. And it was freezing. Not sure why it was so cold this trip since it usually isn't by then. This one is good to do in the summer though. One of the few around here. The shade and water make it tolerable.
A quick question, can that creek have flashfloods?if so which month that my happen? Because I am hiking it sometime in the next three weeks 😅
Oak Creek can definitely flash flood. It is also probably swollen right now because of all the spring run off. A couple of my canyoneering buddies just hiked a good portion of it last weekend though, so I think it's low enough to be safe. You'll know as soon as you see the creek though. If you see anything that looks unsafe, turn around. But I'm fairly certain you'll be fine. Obviously check the weather for rain before you go in. If it's a heavy rain, abort.
So my wife and I follow your steps (once again) and will fly over to the States in October again. I hated hiking, saw some of your videos and I love them now. I hated mountains, hiked Angels Landing after we saw your video, I love them now. One thing is sure: I will not swim any pools on that hike. Please not. No way. Jerry, do I need to in October? We want to get 10-12 km into the creek, camp and hike back like you and Tina did. Water up to the knee is OK, anything higher is critical.
Unless you go in winter with snow melt or, of course, if there's a lot of rain, it has a pretty constant water depth....which shouldn't get above your knees/waist. First deep section you may see that looks like a swim has a bypass on the right (looking up canyon). Right past that it narrows up and looks like you have to swim, but I've always been able to (carefully) get by without getting in the deep water on the left side (looking up canyon.) You should be fine.
Thank you very much for your helpful answer. We did the trail yesterday. Until the beginning of the "camping zone" there were no really deep water holes we had to swim. The water went max to our hip.
A really great adventure with beautiful landscape.
Thank you Jerry for the inspiration 😊
Is it your favorite hike because you live in Arizona?
I live in ND. This looks a little like Zion, sure…but it also looks similar to Spearfish Canyon in the Black Hills of SD. When I was in Arizona I spent most my time on desert hikes, for something different. I gave robbers roost a chance on the harvest moon this year, coincidence…but I couldn’t figure out where to cross exactly to get the cave. It looked sketchy so I made the hike back.
North Dakota is so flat. I’m not used to heights. I
Next time I will do it.
Well, it's my favorite hike in Sedona. And one of my favorites in all of AZ. It's just so beautiful, has the creek and shade and is relatively easy. Not to mention it's only a couple hours' drive from my house. We usually hit it up a couple times a year.
@@JerryArizona
When in Sedona I usually tent camp near the trail head. Pine Flats or Cave Springs campground. I mail my tent to Vegas and rent a car. I’ll put it on the list for next time. I had my mom with me this last time and with the help of your videos I was able to take her some nice places without killing her. 😄
Thanks Jerry.
I found one of those secret campsites and loved it, it was to the right side right before it got super deep for the first time(definitely deeper then waist height)
Don't think I've found that one. I stayed at one in that area, but it was on the left. Cool site. Most of the ones I've seen are.
I like how you said you wouldn't give the campsite location, then filmed it. :)
True. But I didn't give any hints on how to actually find it. Most people walk right by without ever knowing, just like most of the campsites out there.
@@JerryArizona Right on. I live right between the village and "the Y". I'll be watching more of your videos for tips. 🎉
We just did this hike on monday oct 14th. One of our best sedona hikes, make sure you look up for the views!!❤