For breathtaking panoramic views, weave your way through picturesque red rock canyon and ascend Wilson Mountain, Sedona’s tallest peak and most impressive viewpoint.
The Wilson Mountain Peak Trail is about 9 miles and is considered moderate due to the distance and elevation. However, this is a relatively gradual ascent the entire way up, with a couple flatter plateau sections to rejuvenate. You can also add 2.5 miles total by heading to the canyon overlook viewpoint. We had an incoming storm so we did not add that section. It took us about 4 hours with only a few stops on the way up to drink water. We wanted to get to the top to beat the weather. Dogs are not allowed on this hike.
Note that the parking lot is small and fills up quickly.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Wilson Mountain Peak Trail, search for the Midgely Bridge Trailhead in Sedona, Arizona or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Sedona, go north on Highway 89 until you cross the bridge over Wilson Canyon. The entrance to the trailhead parking lot is immediately to the left. Be careful on this turn since it’s a busy highway.
Driving Info: Easy to drive there and easy to find, although it’s on the busy highway so be aware.
Time & Weather: We did this hike in early March. Since it’s Arizona desert it can be painfully hot or cold. We had about 50 degrees throughout the hike. On the ascent you’re going practically straight up so you warm up quickly. There was a ton of wind as well.
Gear: Good boots or trail shoes are highly recommended. This trail is quite rocky, in the sense that you rarely have good footing on the trail due to the loose rock below your feet. Also, in the colder months it can stay snowy and icy around the backside of the mountain that doesn’t get winter sun. Hiking poles are also suggested for the descent.
Trail Navigation: This is a very easy trail to navigate. One junction at the middle plateau but it’s easy to find the path up the mountain.
Water & Food: As is the case for any desert hike, bring plenty of water and stay hydrated. Bring a snack to enjoy at the very top.
Trailhead Info: The parking lot can fit roughly 15 cars, but it fills up very quickly since other people bike and hike the canyon below. There is a bathroom at the trailhead.
Pictures of the Wilson Mountain Peak Trail:
You immediately carve into Wilson Canyon along the red dirt path.
As you get further into the canyon and higher up the mountain, the trail becomes much rockier.
A good view into the depths of the canyon, with the 7,100+ foot peak on the left.
Turning back the entire initial ascent, you are greeted with these stunning views.
The other side of the canyon with the views of Midgley Bridge and Sedona in the distance.
Get to one of the initial plateaus and begin to walk around the backside of Wilson Mountain.
More picturesque canyons to the right.
As you wrap around the backside of Wilson Mountain, there are lots of places that don’t see any winter sun. In March there were still a handful of snowy and icy spots.
There is still plenty of snow in the shadows of the mountain.
The junction where you can tack on the canyon overlook.
Once you reach the plateau of Wilson Mountain, you get some flat hiking through this forest to the viewpoint.
The trees start to thin out as you approach the viewpoint.
Residual scarring from a fire in 2006.
The final approach – it’s often quite windy at the top so secure your belongings.
Alas! The highest and quite possibly best viewpoint of Sedona.
Down to the right towards the option canyon overlook viewpoint. We had bad weather rolling in so we decided not to do it.
As you descend back down, enjoy the flat plateaus and watch your step.
Since the parking lot at the trailhead is right on Highway 89, be extra careful pulling out since folks can speed around the curves.
This is one of the many trails that makes it onto our list of the best hikes in Sedona. If you have limited time be sure to check it out so that you can prioritize properly.
