It's tradition for us to fly kites at the top of Wilson Mountain. So we packed a few kites in our packs and headed up the trail. There was a wind warning today for 45-55 mph winds in town. I'm not sure what those winds would be at the top of the highest peak in Sedona, but we figure with an early start we'd be finished by the time the winds picked up. But, as Mother Nature often does, she decided to begin those little breezes early, and the temperatures plummeted as well. By the time we hit the peak it was 45 degrees with strong gusty winds. The rains luckily didn't begin until we reached the car.

I was determined to get that kite in the air. There's a certain beauty to watching a colorful kite fly over a stunning canyon vista. With frozen fingers, determination, and a video camera, I set that kite in motion. I am attaching pictures as proof that the kite got airborne, if only briefly. That was just before it attacked Ron then turned on me. When all was said and done Mother Nature won, and left me laughing so hard it hurt!

We generally hike both canyon overlooks but I was frozen and we headed back down after spending time at the amazing vantage point of the Sedona Overlook. This is my favorite hike because the view of the canyon is stunning, no matter how many times I see it.

The trail varies and is rocky in some places, dirt, sandy and ground rock in others, with amazing views of the red rocks, Midgley Bridge, pine forest, the canyon, creek, and even a glimpse of the San Francisco Peaks. Sedona never disappoints, and neither does Wilson Mountain.

If anyone is looking for a place to eat after this hike there is a place called Indian Gardens just up the switchbacks a little bit with a beautiful garden setting in the back to enjoy your meal. We opted for a drive through Cottonwood on our way back to the valley to a little diner called Bings Burger Station. It's reasonably priced and has an outdoor eating area or an inside diner.

Next time we'll head up North Wilson. Most reports on Alltrails believe Trail 10 is prettier. In my opinion North Wilson is stunning! It goes through a forested setting, through red rock canyon walls, across and open field, then meets up with the other trail at the first bench. Either trails are good, but North Wilson is my personal favorite. I hiked with Ron Jackson.