Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
North Wilson Mountain Day Hike

when	Trip Report : October 15, 2022
	Trip Report : October 30, 2021
	Trip Report : November 2, 2019
	Trip Report : April 6, 2013
where	Sedona
the hike	North Wilson Mountain Trail starts just north of Encinoso Picnic Area that is an exceptionally scenic hike in viewing fabulous fall colors. There are two options on this hike:     Option 1: for the best viewing fall color, hiking up to First Bench, enjoying a broad plateau running along the east side of the mountain, where we’ll take a break and enjoy the spectacular views to the north of Sedona and the surrounding Red Rock Country, Oak Creek Canyon, and Munds Canyon. And we will hike back the same way we came.     Option 2: From First Bench it’s another mile of hiking through heavy timber and 800 feet of elevation to the Tool Shed where fire-fighting crews store their equipment. After the Tool Shed it’s a relatively level 1.5 mile hike out to the mountain’s North Rim, where the trail abruptly ends at a sheer cliff face, offering what Sedona Hikes describes as a “soul-stirring view” with the San Francisco Peaks sitting on the distant horizon. The Brins Fire of 2006 burned over 5,000 acres in this area, including parts of North Wilson Mountain and the area around Vultee Arch and Devil’s Bridge, in addition to much of Brins Mesa.     Leader will lead the hike up to First Bench (option 1). If there are some hikers who sign up for option 2, we’ll need a deputy leader. Required: •  Sturdy hiking boots •  At least 3 liters of water •  Rain poncho •  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: •  Lunch or snacks •  Camera •  Your smiles  :)
distance	9 miles (option 1) or 12 miles (option 2)
time	5-6 hours
EC	+-2250' elevation change
elevations	4750' (Encinoso Pinic Area) 6290' (First Bench) 6950' (Wilson Mountain)
type	round trip
starting at	Encinoso Picnic Area 34° 55.505' N,  111° 44.132' W  [NAD27]
on trail	100% — Wilson Mountain North Trail #123
rating	"B"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	$5 per vehicle for a Red Rock Pass, plus sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5/non-member. NOTE: If you have a Senior Pass that will work in lieu of the Red Rock Pass.
weather	Sedona
meet	8:00 AM at Encinoso Picnic Area.
drive	•  Take I-17 north past Camp Verde to SR 179 (Exit 298). • We will stop at the Ranger Station on the east side of SR 179 just before the Village of Oak Creek for our Red Rock passes. Restroom facilities are located here. Even if you already have a Red Rock or Senior Pass, we will all stop here before heading out to the trailhead. • From Sedona, at the 179/89A junction, take 89A north towards Oak Creek Canyon. • At 5.3 miles from the junction and near MP 379.5 you will come to the Encinoso Picnic Area on your left. We will park in the Encinoso Picnic parking lot. The Wilson Mountain Trailhead is located at the north end of the parking area.

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