North Wilson Mountain Trail
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North Wilson Mountain Trail
Difficulty Rating:
If the plentiful easy and moderate trails in Sedona aren’t giving you the challenge you want, add Wilson Mountain to your list. This is the tallest mountain in Sedona, so the 9.5mi hike to the top is about as intense as it gets in this part of Arizona. This route follows the North Wilson Trail from the Encinoso Picnic Area, which is different from the traditional Wilson Mountain Trail but a bit shorter. The view is incredible and there aren’t any significant technical challenges involved. Expect heavy traffic on this hard trail.
Getting there
The trailhead for the North Wilson Mountain Trail is at the Eoncinoso Picnic Area off State Route 89A.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | March-November |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Extreme |
| Route Type | Out and back |
North Wilson Mountain Trail
Elevation Graph
Weather
North Wilson Mountain Trail Description
As the tallest mountain in the vicinity of Sedona, Wilson Mountain is the perfect pick for hikers who want to push themselves to discover awesome views. This hike is strenuous, but it’s not technically demanding, making it suitable for adventurous intermediates. If you find the summit to be a bit too much, the First Bench of Wilson Mountain is a good place to turn around that still offers a rewarding vantage point.
This hike can get very hot. If you’re hiking in the summertime, we strongly recommend starting as early in the morning as you can to avoid the intense heat. Bring lots of water and a windbreaker for the top.
The hike begins at the picnic area. The first two miles are no joke as you push up to First Bench. This is the most strenuous section. After the last switchback, take a minute to appreciate the view before crossing over to Wilson Mountain via a short, steep climb. From here, marvel at the view of Sedona’s magical red rocks.
You can either turn back for the viewpoint or follow the rest of the route to the actual summit if you want to ensure you hit the highest part.
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