Unmatched Sedona Views

Our trip started this hike from Encinoso picnic area, taking the North Wilson Mountain Trail up. Parking was easy to find there, and the trail got shady very quickly. The monsoons had arrived the week before this hike, and I was literally dripping from the sweat and humidity in the wooded hike on North Wilson! I move to Arizona a decade ago, and I guess I’m just not used to that kind of humidity any more!

When we reached the bench the breeze picked up and the views really opened before us. By this point it was already beautiful, and the views just got better from there. We did stop to call the Sheriff to report smoke across Oak Creek Canyon, a small fire started by the previous night’s storms.

At the top ridge, we found ourselves walking through Aspen and Ponderosa, eventually making it to the Sedona overlook. The views here are truly spectacular, and I honestly think Wilson Mountain has the best payoff for the effort of all of the mountains I’ve hiked this year.

Heading down we took South Wilson, which left us in the sun 95% of the return. While this offered better views than North Wilson, we all ended up with various spots of sunburn from the long exposure.

I’d 100% endorse the exact route that we took if you have someone who can shuttle you from Midgely Bridge to Encinoso. Just bring sunscreen! Wilson Mountain is the right mix of difficulty and payoff to be my favorite hike of the year so far!