Wilson Mountain - Avoid the crowds while backpacking in Sedona, Arizona 

Wilson Mountain - Avoid the crowds while backpacking in Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is popular. Very popular. If you want to see the well known spots, you will not be alone. But if you know your way around and aren't afraid to put in the work, you can find solitude. It just takes
We've hiked the North Wilson Mountain Trail before, but it was a complete white out at the top so we never saw the views. We knew we needed to go back.
So recently, we drove both trucks up to Sedona. We spotted my truck at the Midgley Bridge parking lot and took Tina's 4Runner to the Encinosa Picnic Area. From there, we took the North Wilson Mountain Trail to the summit. We set up camp at the Sedona Overlook, then hiked about 1.5 miles to the North Overlook. The North Overlook gives great views of Sterling Pass and Vultee Arch and is worth the extra miles.
This trip was tough. There is no water on the trail, so we had to bring all of ours with us. It's about 7.5 miles and 2,200 ft of elevation gain on North Wilson Mountain Trail to the summit, and a lot is full sun exposure. The humidity was especially brutal. But the campsite and views were worth it.
Day 2 we went down the Wilson Mountain Trail to Midgley Bridge to my truck. That is definitely the more well known of the two trails and, in my opinion, it has better views. But I feel it was worth it to drive the extra vehicle and get the full experience of the trail.
We saw only a handful of people over these two days. Once we set up camp, we didn't see anyone until we started our hike down. The Midgley Bridge parking lot is almost always full, but I think most people take the Huckaby Trail downstream under the bridge from there instead of heading up Wilson Mountain.
Then again, maybe they were just smarter than us and didn't want to take the fully sun exposed, steep trail to the summit in monsoon humidity...
Either way, this was a great hike and another one checked off the list. If you want great views, small crowds and a good challenge, try Wilson Mountain.
Music by Epidemic Sound:
Going Under - The Eastern Plain
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Blues for Mark - Vendla
Deep Into Your Eyes - Johan Glossner
La Nata - Bassio
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Lay Me in the Ocean - Blood Red Sun
Escucha Mi Salsa - Son Habana
Can'y Let you Go - John Runefelt
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