Mt Wilson - Sedona

Overview: Wilson Mountain is 7,122 feet tall and named after Richard Wilson. Richard Wilson was a bear hunter who was killed by a grizzly in 1885. His body was found in Wilson Canyon, which is also named after him. This is the tallest mountain around Sedona, Arizona. The trail to the summit leads to an absolute killer-view of Sedona and far beyond, of Oak Creek, and even of the San Fransisco Peaks. The hike has two parts: Part 1 goes up to the First Bench. This can be done from Midgely Bridge (most exposed, but most scenic) and from Encinoso Picknick Area., also called North Trail. Part 2 goes from 1 bench to the Sedona Lookout. If you start out late, or loose your wind, only going up to 1st bench is well worth the effort. But the Sedona Lookout is unsurpassed, as you can see! A stunning, vertical drop of several hundred feet straight down, looking right into the famed red-rock stone sculptings of Sedona. Absolutely amazing.

Although hot and at least moderately strenuous, well worth the time.

Tips: Water, Water, Water. Do not attempt uprepared, plan ahead and bring food and water for a strenuous day.

Also camera is a must, the views are spectacular.

Parking and the length of the hike are perfect reasons to start early. The parking lot is also used for people viewing the bridge and vista points, so parking can be very limited.

Read the trail markers carefully, it would be easily to mistakenly head down the wrong direction.