ATTRACTIONS: One of the rare riparian hikes around Sedona. Views of Oak Creek Canyon from above and then the trail follows the creek close up and personal. There is a ruin site on this trail. It is the only site I know of that is near Oak Creek.
LEVEL: Easy-Moderate
HIKING TIME: Approximately 2 hours roundtrip.
DRIVING TIME FROM THE INTERSECTION OF 89A AND SR 179: About ten minutes.
DESCRIPTION: This hike integrates portions of four official Forest Service trails and in addition it includes some unique variations and inventions of my own. This hike begins at an unofficial parking area and parallels the creek, passing through a forest of sycamore and cottonwood trees. It then makes a moderate climb. For about a mile it provides dramatic views of the creek over one hundred feet below. After which it plunges back down to the creek's shores, where it again is emerged in a riparian forest filled with birds, and all forms of four legged creatures.  If you are observant and very fortunate you might catch a glimpse of a mule deer taking a water break.

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