Wilson Mountain Trail

This is one of the more beautiful hikes I’ve been on. It’s about 8.5 miles round trip and depending on how long you stay on the top, it can take you about 5 – 6 hours. This is the tallest point in Sedona with a 7,122 ft elevation. About a 2,200 ft elevation gain from the trailhead.
The trailhead has non flushing bathrooms that are not maintained very well. There are picnic tables and camping areas. The trailhead isn’t too difficult to find and starts off pretty shaded and not too steep. As you get further along the climb becomes more strenuous and the switchbacks keep ya on your toes. The trail itself is not maintained that well. Several fallen trees, a lot of brush and plants impeding the trail on both sides, and many many rocks (yeeer feets will feel it at the end of the day!!!)
It is important to pack a lot of water anywhere you hike in Arizona but especially on a hike this long and with no areas in between for replenishing. I recommend a lunch for top, a sports drink for electrolytes, and little snacks to keep you going on the hike. A first aid kit is also a good idea as there are plenty of cacti and rocks about.
All in all, the trail is beautiful and the scenery diverse. The rock formations, all the red rock, and then the view at the top are truly enjoyable and make this hike completely worthwhile. I’ve done it twice now and loved it both times

First off, the BLM directions to get the to trailhead were a bit confusing (imagine that), the trailhead is at the parking lot for Midgley Bridge, it shares the same trailhead as Wilson Canyon Trail. This is the highest peak in the area at 7,122 feet, and it had the most amazing views from the top. When your ascending from the north side, I could a snow covered Humphries Peak in Flagstaff, as well as perfect views into Oak Creek Canyon. The most rewarding were the views down into Sedona.
The trail was well maintained. It was a pretty gradual incline the entire way, total elevation gain was 2,200 feet, to make a 9 mile roundtrip. We didn’t come across too many other hikers on the trail, which was nice.
Pack lots of water, even in March, the temps were nice, but it was hot and dry, we both got sunburnt even with SPF 50 on. This was definitely worth the trek to the top, for the views alone.