Wilson Mountain Trail
State: Arizona
Location: Coconino National Forest
Length, One-Way: 5.6 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Best Season: April to November
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Moderate
Greenery in Arizona Forest
Trail Information
This hike heads straight for some of the most panoramic views in the Oak Creek Canyon/Sedona area. Plan a full day for it and start early the climb up Wilson Mountain is a strenuous one. 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 North Wilson Trail which starts just north of Encinoso Picnic Area, 3 miles up canyon from Midgely Bridge. The two trails join at a point midway up the mountain.
At the top you’ll be rewarded with views that stretch over hundreds of square miles of scenic canyon country and include Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Coffee Pot Rock, Capitol Butte, Sterling Canyon and the Verde Valley.
Directions
From Flagstaff:
Drive 22 miles south of Flagstaff or 2 miles north of Sedona on Arizona Highway 89A. The trailhead is just north of Midgely Bridge where you’ll find a small parking lot and a monument to Richard Wilson who was killed by a grizzly in this area in 1885.
