Wilson Canyon

GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER'S GUIDE!

Wilson Canyon is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest. Designated as Trail #49, it is well marked with signs and easy to follow. This trail begins at the picnic ramada just up the old roadway from the Midgley Bridge parking area. At 0.1 miles, bear right onto the trail marked by large rock cairns.

It gradually climbs, then descends to the normally dry canyon drainage. At 0.6 miles, go past the fork to the right signed for the Wilson Mountain Trail (shown below) and then the fork to the left signed for the Jim Thompson Trail, both of which are covered separately. Continue ahead, entering the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness in the partial shade of live shrub oak and small Arizona cypress.

  
As you proceed up the canyon views become limited to the tops of the canyon walls and the upper portion of Wilson Mountain straight ahead. Nearing 1.5 miles, the trail enters the drainage and proceeds over red rock with an occasional rock scramble in the shade of large Arizona cypress. At 1.5 miles, there is a red rock outcrop on the right. A side path climbs this and continues a short way, ascending about 100 feet to a saddle offering excellent views. This is a good place to turn around and return by the same route for a 3 mile roundtrip hike.

FINDING THE TRAILHEAD

From Uptown Sedona take Hwy 89A north toward Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff. 1 mile past the last roundabout in Uptown cross Midgley Bridge and park in the designated parking area on the left side of the highway. A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to park here.

 GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER"S GUIDE!

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