Lost Wilson Cliff Dwellings

With a high clearance 4x4 required to reach the trailhead, plus a hike that's rated as difficult, these are among the least visited cliff dwellings in Sedona. These Sinagua cliff dwellings are located along the base of Lost Wilson Mountain. That is the boxy top summit to the east that towers over the parking area.
 

 
FINDING THE TRAILHEAD

Starting from the Vultee Arch Trailhead, located at the end of FR 152, take the Vultee Arch Trail and immediately start looking for the easiest place to turn right and head uphill. 
 
You will find the first small cliff dwelling almost right away. It's at the first point jutting out from the base of Lost Wilson Mountain, the point closest to the parking area. Once you find this ruin you can follow the contour of the land southeast, wrapping around the next point at the base of the mountain. 
 
GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER"S GUIDE! 
 
This in turn will lead you to a large overhang sheltering a more impressive cliff dwelling (shown above). There are more cliff dwellings on the south side of Lost Wilson, but these are most easily approached from the Brins Mesa trailhead (see map below).

HIKE DETAILS

NOTE: the GPS track for this route represents my best guess. There are ruins and there is a way to connect them. Experienced hikers will not have a difficult time finding the way, since the land here tends to funnel you to the necessary break points. 

NOTE: A high clearance 4x4 vehicle is required to access this trailhead
 
RATED: Difficult due to steep uphill climbs, route finding, thick brush, and the remote location. Do not expect cell service or a fast emergency response. Large predators exist in this seldom visited area.
 
TOTAL DISTANCE
3 miles out and back
 
ELEVATION GAIN
925 ft
 
EST HIKING TIME
3 hours roundtrip
 
BEST TIME TO GO
All year
 
PET FRIENDLY
No. DO NOT visit any archaeological sites with your pet.