Need Oak Creek Canyon Info

I'm thinking of spending a few days this fall in the Oak Creek Canyon area around Sedona. Looking for suggestions on what not to miss, etc. Plan to take in West Fork, Red Rock Crossing, maybe Boynton Canyon, etc.

1.) When are fall colors typically at peak in this area?
2.) Any suggestions on photogenic subjects that I should not miss?
3.) Any suggestions for camping in the area? Looks like Pine Flat campground might be the only option. It will be the first time I've had my camera out this entire year!

Thanks in advance!!

Phillip, West Fork is usually peak around the last week of October/first week of November. The sycamores closer to Sedona are a few weeks later.
For camping, you can try go to the top of the canyon just past the overlook and camp off FR 535. I'd go in a few miles to get away from the Hwy89 traffic. Or one mile further on the right is FR 237, which I would prefer.
If you do not mind boulder hopping, hiking up Pumphouse Wash from the head of Oak Creek canyon right before the switchbacks may offer some comps.
You might try Slide Rock at sunrise.

When I went up to west fork last year the colors were basically at peak and that was around the 20th of October. I don't know what the weather will do for the colors but basically the last week and a half of October is a safe bet. Encinoso day use area and slide rock state park might have some decent colors as well. Red rock crossing usually has some nice colors as well especially if you can get an epic sunset to go with it. Pine flat, and Manzanita campground should be open then. It's also possible to find some delayed aspen groves up in Flagstaff which is only a 30 minute drive from Oak creek. I plan on spending a weekend up there myself somewhere in the last two weeks of October. Hope the colors stick around. Just a reminder though that if you want to get good light in the canyon go well before the sun is up. Also try to chose a weekday to visit these places, kids will be in school.

Good advice from both Peter and Doug. I'll give my two cents. Peak color is is usually the third week of October - normally no later than the 24th. However, it could easily be as late as what Doug suggested. The forest service's fall color hotline usually has accurate information or you can get a hold of the ranger. The campground situation is not good. Spaces are tight and the road is on top of you. I'd opt for a hotel or there is dispersed camping just outside of town traveling towards Cottonwood. Quite frankly, I wouldn't want to spend more than a couple day in Sedona - it's a tourist town and doesn't have the same "feel" as a small town outside a national park. At least the night skies are dark. There are lots of places in the vicinity to check out too: Bell Canyon, West Clear Creek, Jerome, Flagstaff, etc. I hope this helps.

Last year up West Fork, I had good color in the maples Oct 22, which coincides with what Peter and Michael said. In 2010, it was good Nov 4. A windy cold front that time of year can help strip the colored leaves though. If you have to lock in a date ahead of time, I'd opt for around Oct 22-24th as Michael mentions if West Fork is high on your agenda.

Thanks Guys! This helps me with my planning. Can't wait to get out and do some shooting!