GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER'S GUIDE!
Wilson Mountain is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest. Designated as Trail #10, it is well marked with signs and easy to follow. This hike heads straight for some of the most panoramic views in the Oak Creek Canyon. Plan a full day for it and start early -- because the climb up Wilson Mountain is a strenuous one. It's the dark black summit shown in the upper right of the photo below.
The majority of the 2300 foot climb is packed into the first mile or so of the hike. You'll have more reasons than just exertion to stop and take a breather along this route, however. The views start as soon as you leave the car and they just keep getting better.
There is shade along parts of this trail, but enough of it is out in the open to make it hot work under a summer sun. An alternate, cooler route is provided by the North Wilson Trail, which starts 3 miles farther up Oak Creek Canyon and is covered on a separate page. The two trails join at a point midway up the mountain. This is known as the first bench, and there is a great view (shown below) on the south side of the bench.
At the top you'll be rewarded with views that stretch over hundreds of square miles of scenic canyon country (shown below). The south end of Wilson offers one of the biggest views in Sedona, encompassing all of the Verde Valley and Oak Creek Canyon. To reach this Top 10 Viewpoint you have to find your way south from the system trail to a break in the cliffs and out onto the southernmost point.
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!
HIKE DETAILS
RATED: Difficult
TOTAL DISTANCE
11.5 miles out and back
ELEVATION GAIN
2,805 ft
EST. HIKING TIME
5-6 hours round trip
BEST TIME TO GO
Mar-May, Sept-Nov. Hike early in the day to avoid summer heat on the ascent.
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pet and pack it out,
Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device
