| when | Trip Report : November 16, 2002 |
| where | Sedona |
| the hike |
This is a scenic trip up to Wilson Mountain, a grey volcanic basalt
outcropping that towers above Midgely Bridge. The first part of the
hike goes along red rock paths through Mesquite, Manzanita and Prickly
Pear. After a bit you’ll be hiking along the side of the mountain to the
first saddle. Along the way you’ll have a bird’s eye view of Sedona
and the surrounding red rocks. Once at the top of the saddle You’ll see
Mt. Humphreys and Oak Creek Canyon to the north. After that you turn west
towards the mountain itself – walking up it though a dense pine forest.
The peak is forest with a fire shed – from there there’s 2 trails
leading to nice viewpoints – one is about 1/4 mile, the other 1/2 mile.
Best hiked in cooler weather, the Wilson Mountain trail is a 2.8 mile trek up 2400 feet to the rim of an overlook where you’ll enjoy an eagle’s view of Oak Creek canyon and the surrounding mountains. The view is well worth the climb! You begin by hiking 1.4 miles up 1600 feet to the first saddle. This is walk through desert with lots of cacti, manzanita, and juniper trees. The walk is hot in the summer, so if you hike that time of year, bring plenty of water. Next you will climb up into a beautiful, lush forest where there is black dirt, tall pines, ferns and wildflowers growing. This part of the trail is decidedly cooler and a welcome relief after the first leg. When you reach the top of the mountain you’ll enjoy a delightful stroll through a pine forest until you reach the overlook at the north edge of the mountain. Although the climb is arduous the views are phenomenal from the top. In a way they are on par with the Grand Canyon, only on a smaller scale. This is a great place to spend an afternoon with a picnic lunch or reading a good book, and if you get restless there are plenty of other good views to be seen by exploring the rim of the mountain top. Wear comfortable hiking shoes. Bring more water than you think you need, pack a lunch, and bring your camera! A backpack or comfortable belly pack is a must. |
| distance | 8 miles |
| time | 7-9 hours |
| EC | +-2500' elevation change |
| elevations | 4506' (Midgely Bridge) to 6970' (Wilson Mountain) |
| type | round trip |
| starting at | Midgely Bridge |
| on trail | 100% — Wilson Mountain Trail |
| rating | "B+" Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs? | 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 |
| weather | Sedona |
| meet | 7:00 AM in the Fry’s parking lot on the SW corner of I-17 & Bell Road. Park behind Denny’s, near the entrance to the Deer Valley Park & Ride. |
| drive | From Sedona take 89A towards Oak Creek Canyon. In a while you’ll come to a bridge, Midgely Bridge with a parking lot after it on the left side of the road. Parking is limited! |
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