WILSON MOUNTAIN
Wilson Mountain
Sedona, AZ
Best hiked in cooler weather, the Wilson Mountain trail is a 2.8 mile trek up 2400 feet to the rim of an overlook where you’ll enjoy an eagle’s view of Oak Creek canyon and the surrounding mountains. The view is well worth the climb.
You begin by hiking 1.4 miles up 1600 feet to the first saddle. This is walk through desert with lots of cacti, manzanita, and juniper trees. The temperature is very hot in the summer, so if you hike that time of year, bring plenty of water, and make sure you stop to sip along the way.
Next you will climb up into a beautiful, lush forest where there is black dirt, tall pines, ferns and wildflowers growing. This part of the trail is decidedly cooler and a welcome relief after the first leg. When you reach the top of the mountain you’ll enjoy a delightful stroll through a pine forest until you reach the overlook at the north edge of the mountain. This area was burnt in the Brins Mesa Fire in 2006 but nature has already reclaimed the area and there is plenty of vegetation.
Details…
Directions:
From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Hwy 179 (exit 298). Turn left onto 179 and follow it past the Village of Oak Creek to the Sedona (Burger King) “Y”. Turn right at the “Y” onto North 89A. Take this about 1.1 miles until you cross the huge metal bridge (Midgley Bridge).
The parking lot is on the left side of the road immediately past the bridge, and the trailhead is to the right near the picnic tables with a sign marked “Wilson Mountain #10.” Allow six to seven hours total for your hike. You don’t want to be hiking down at sunset like a friend and I once did!
Difficulty:
Strenuous. The hike is not technical, but you go up and up and up forever it seems!
Things to bring:
Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Bring more water than you think you need, pack a lunch, and bring your camera! A backpack is really helpful. If you hike in the summer, wear adequate sun protection and bring sunscreen. There isn’t much shade until you reach the top.
Fees:
Check with the US Forest Service for pass and fee information before your trip. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking in most locations.
SEDONA QUICK LINKS:
• HIKING
• SUNSETS
• SWIMMING
• ATTRACTIONS
• SCENIC DRIVES
• BODY & SOUL
• VISITOR INFO
• HISTORY
• DISCLAIMER
SEDONA QUICK LINKS:
• HIKES
• SUNSETS
• SWIMMING
• ATTRACTIONS
• SCENIC DRIVES
• DINING
• LODGING
• SHOPPING
• ADVENTURE
• MUSIC
• BODY & SOUL
• VISITOR INFO
• HISTORY
• DISCLAIMER
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