Wilson Mountain Trail

Wilson Mountain Trail (Trail #10) is a strenuous, challenging hike in Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon area. The profile is hard from the start: about 2,300–2,400 feet of gain is packed into roughly the first mile, so plan on steady climbing early rather than gradual build-up.

There are two common ways to start that meet midway on the mountain for the final push. The Midgley Bridge side starts at the Midgley Bridge parking area; the Encinoso Picnic Area side starts 3 miles farther up Oak Creek Canyon via North Wilson Trail, which tends to be shadier.

After the two routes join, keep moving past the “First Bench” plateau. Many people turn around there for views without taking on the last steep grind; continuing past it leads toward the long, flatter summit plateau.

The summit area and rim overlooks spread across the Red Rock Country region. Views include Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona, plus distant landmarks such as the Verde Valley to the south and the San Francisco Peaks to the north.

Trail Number 10 is a standard/terra trail with a surface of ground. The Forest Service notes it as “strenuous and challenging with steep ascents,” with the practical expectation of a full-day hike and an out-and-back style outing.

Access is controlled by parking permits: a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass is required for trailhead parking. The route is within the Red Rock–Secret Mountain Wilderness area, where motorized or mechanized vehicles are not permitted in the Wilderness (including mountain bikes).

More information: Visitor information, Hike Wilson Mountain via North Wilson Trail - Stav is Lost, WILSON MOUNTAIN TRAIL - Sedona - The Hike House