Closure of West Fork Trail Due to Flood-Induced Hazards
Hiking enthusiasts in Arizona will find the popular West Fork Trail No. 108 between Flagstaff and Sedona temporarily inaccessible. This closure comes in response to unsafe conditions caused by recent flooding in the area.
The Coconino National Forest Service has issued an order to ensure public safety after heavy rains led to a surge in water levels. This resulted in the displacement of large boulders and forest debris across the trail, creating hazardous conditions for visitors.
Efforts to restore the trail will involve debris removal, rerouting, and consultations with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. These steps are necessary before the trail can be reopened to the public.
The closure order outlines that all National Forest System Lands within the West Fork of Oak Creek drainage are off-limits. This includes the area from the intersection of the West Fork of Oak Creek drainage and Forest Road 231 to the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness boundary.
The entirety of West Fork Trail No. 108 is situated within the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, and the closure will remain in effect through February 27, unless lifted beforehand.
Weather forecasts indicate additional rain is expected in the Sedona area over the coming weekend, possibly impacting the timeline for reopening.
The order specifies, “A violation of the above prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.”
For more information, visit the official Coconino National Forest website.
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