Wilson Mountain Trail: Sedona's Highest Summit at 7,122 ft

5.6 miles round trip via North Trailhead, 2,300 feet of gain, hard. The highest accessible summit in the Sedona trail network — a genuine full-day climb with a deceptive false summit at First Bench and a panoramic upper plateau that earns every step of elevation.

By The Lowdown Guide Editorial Team · Visited April 2026 · Updated April 2026

Trail Stats

  • Distance5.6 mi RT (North) / 11+ mi RT (South)
  • DifficultyHard
  • Elevation Gain2,300 ft (North route)
  • Summit7,122 ft — highest in Sedona
  • Parking~20-25 spots, fills by 8 AM weekends
  • Pass RequiredYes — Red Rock Pass
  • TrailheadMidgley Bridge, AZ-89A (North)
  • Time5-7 hours RT
The Lowdown Verdict: Wilson Mountain is the hardest and highest hike in Sedona proper, and it earns that status. The North Trailhead route is a relentless 2,300-foot climb that humbles hikers who underestimate it — the initial grade from Midgley Bridge is steep enough that many people burn out before reaching First Bench, mistake First Bench for the summit, and turn around short of the true top. If you push through to the upper plateau and summit at 7,122 feet, the panorama is unlike anything else accessible from a Sedona trailhead: the entire basin, the red rock buttes shrunk to scale below, Oak Creek Canyon threading north, and on clear days the San Francisco Peaks at Flagstaff. Bring 3 liters of water, start before 7 AM, do not underestimate the descent.

North Trailhead at Midgley Bridge: Parking and Access

The North Trailhead for Wilson Mountain is located at Midgley Bridge on AZ-89A, just north of Uptown Sedona where the highway crosses Wilson Canyon. The parking area is on the east side of the highway at the bridge — a paved Coconino National Forest lot that holds approximately 20 to 25 vehicles. A Red Rock Pass ($5/day, $15/week) or America the Beautiful annual pass is required.

This lot fills by 7:30 to 8 AM on spring weekends. There is limited overflow parking at the bridge itself, but it goes fast. Arriving at 6:30 AM for a Wilson Mountain attempt on a Saturday or Sunday in April or October is not overcautious — it is necessary. The South Trailhead alternative (Encinoso Picnic Area) is typically less crowded but adds 5+ miles to your round trip.

The trailhead has an information board and pit toilet. No potable water. The trail begins on the west side of the parking area, crossing Wilson Canyon Creek via a footbridge before immediately beginning to climb. The signed trail junction for Wilson Mountain Trail is approximately 0.1 miles from the lot — follow the signs north and up.

The First Bench False Summit: The Most Common Mistake

The single most important thing to know about Wilson Mountain Trail is this: First Bench is not the summit. It feels like the summit. At approximately mile 1.4, the relentlessly steep climb through pinyon-juniper and manzanita suddenly levels onto a broad, open bench at roughly 6,100 feet elevation. The views are sweeping. The terrain flattens. The body screams "done." Many hikers turn around here, satisfied.

The true summit is 1.4 miles and approximately 700 feet of additional gain beyond First Bench. The upper plateau crossing from First Bench to the summit is a different character than the initial climb — the grade is gentler but the terrain is more open and exposed, with the upper Schnebly Hill Formation limestone giving way to basalt cap rock. The final approach to 7,122 feet gains the last 200 feet quickly on the summit knoll.

To ensure you reach the true summit: do not stop at the bench. Continue north-northwest across the plateau following the trail markers. The summit is marked by a USGS benchmark and a register cairn. From the top, Wilson Canyon is visible directly below to the east, and the full arc of Sedona's red rock geography spreads in every direction. If you can see the Midgley Bridge below and the Oak Creek Canyon walls beyond, you are at the right place.

Trail Breakdown: Mile by Mile (North Route)

0.0–0.2 mi

Trailhead to Canyon Floor

Cross Wilson Canyon Creek footbridge. Flat riparian zone through cottonwood and sycamore. Trail junction at 0.1 miles — bear left and north for Wilson Mountain. The canyon walls tower immediately to the right.

0.2–1.4 mi

Hard Ascent — Pinyon-Juniper Climb

Relentless steep climb through pinyon, juniper, and manzanita. Approximately 1,600 feet of gain in 1.2 miles. Rocky, sometimes loose footing. Exposed to afternoon sun. This is the crux — the grade exceeds 20% in several sections. Poles highly recommended.

1.4 mi

First Bench — False Summit at ~6,100 ft

Trail flattens dramatically. Wide open bench with sweeping views. Feels like the top — it is not. Rest here, but do not turn around. The true summit is 1.4 miles and 700 feet further north-northwest across the plateau. Most hikers rest 10-20 minutes at First Bench before continuing.

1.4–2.8 mi

Upper Plateau to True Summit at 7,122 ft

Gentler grade across open basalt-capped plateau. Completely exposed — no shade. Final 200-foot push to summit knoll. USGS benchmark at top. Panoramic views: full Sedona basin, Oak Creek Canyon, San Francisco Peaks. Return via same route.

South Alt.

South Trailhead (Encinoso Picnic Area)

Alternate access from Encinoso Picnic Area near Grasshopper Flats. Adds significant distance for 11+ mile RT total. Best for point-to-point traverse with shuttle. Red Rock Pass required at South Trailhead as well.

Monsoon Season, Lightning Risk, and When to Hike

Wilson Mountain's 7,122-foot summit sits well above Sedona's valley floor, which creates specific weather risks that lower-elevation Sedona trails do not share. In monsoon season (July through mid-September), afternoon thunderstorms typically build over the high country by 1 to 2 PM. The exposed upper plateau and summit have no shelter. Being on the summit or upper plateau during a lightning storm is genuinely dangerous — the flat basalt cap acts as an antenna.

The rule on Wilson Mountain during July through September: be off the summit and off the upper plateau by noon. This means starting no later than 6 AM from the North Trailhead to allow the 5 to 7 hours of total hiking time. In spring and fall (March-May, October-November), afternoon thunderstorm risk is lower but still present. Always check the National Weather Service forecast for the Sedona / Coconino Plateau area before starting.

Winter visits are possible but require experience. Snow on the upper plateau and basalt cap can persist well into March. The steep initial climb is dangerous on ice without traction devices. For a hard comparison hike in a similar character without the elevation commitment, Sterling Pass Trail offers 1,100 feet of gain in Oak Creek Canyon. For a shorter mesa experience, Doe Mountain Trail is a 2.5-mile moderate mesa hike accessible to a wider range of fitness levels. Check current trail conditions before any Wilson Mountain attempt in shoulder seasons.

Guided Summit Hikes and Sedona Tours

Viator lists guided hiking tours in the Sedona area. A local guide for Wilson Mountain can help with pacing on the initial steep climb, navigate the First Bench / summit confusion, and provide geological and ecological context for the basalt cap formation and the full basin panorama from 7,122 feet.

Find Sedona Hiking Tours on Viator →

Affiliate link — we earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Editorial note: Visited April 2026 by The Lowdown Guide editorial team. Summit elevation, trailhead parking details, and First Bench elevation figures sourced from Coconino National Forest survey data and topographic maps. Monsoon lightning guidance derived from National Weather Service protocols for Arizona high-elevation hiking. Pass fee confirmed with current USFS guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Wilson Mountain Trail in Sedona? +
Wilson Mountain Trail is rated hard — it is the most demanding summit hike in the Sedona area. The North Trailhead route is 5.6 miles round trip with 2,300 feet of elevation gain to the 7,122-foot summit. The South Trailhead route is over 11 miles round trip with even more total elevation change. The initial climb from the North Trailhead is relentless, gaining roughly 1,600 feet in the first 1.4 miles to First Bench. The upper plateau adds another 700 feet across 1.4 miles to the true summit. Most fit hikers take 5 to 7 hours for the full round trip. This is a full-day commitment — not a quick morning hike.
What is the First Bench false summit on Wilson Mountain? +
First Bench is a broad flat area at approximately mile 1.4 of the North Trailhead route, sitting at roughly 6,100 feet elevation — about 1,600 feet above the trailhead. It looks and feels like a summit when you arrive: the steep climb eases, the terrain opens up, and the views are spectacular. Many hikers mistake First Bench for the top and turn around here. It is not the summit. The true summit at 7,122 feet is another 1.4 miles and approximately 700 feet of gain beyond First Bench across the upper plateau. The upper plateau climb is gentler but longer than the initial ascent.
Which trailhead is better for Wilson Mountain — North or South? +
For most hikers, the North Trailhead off Midgley Bridge on AZ-89A is the better choice. It is shorter (5.6 miles RT vs 11+ miles RT) and the parking lot is larger and better positioned. The South Trailhead, accessed from Encinoso Picnic Area near Grasshopper Flats, adds considerable distance and is better suited to a point-to-point traverse with a vehicle shuttle. Both trailheads require a Red Rock Pass. The North Trailhead lot holds approximately 20 to 25 vehicles and fills before 8 AM on spring weekends.
Is Wilson Mountain the highest point in Sedona? +
Yes. Wilson Mountain's summit at 7,122 feet is the highest accessible point within the immediate Sedona trail network. The Sedona townsite sits at approximately 4,350 feet, meaning the trail gains roughly 2,750 feet of net elevation from the city elevation to the summit, though the North Trailhead itself starts at approximately 4,800 feet, reducing the trail's net gain to 2,300 feet. The summit plateau offers panoramic views of the entire Sedona basin, Oak Creek Canyon, and on clear days, the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff to the north.
What should I bring for Wilson Mountain Trail? +
Carry at least 3 liters of water per person — there is no water on the trail and the climb is exposed. Bring food for a full day: 5 to 7 hours of hiking requires real fuel, not just snacks. Sun protection is essential; the upper plateau is completely exposed with no shade. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the knee-punishing descent. Start before 7 AM to avoid afternoon thunderstorm risk in monsoon season (July through September) and to secure a parking spot. Wear trail shoes or light hiking boots with ankle support — the initial climb is steep and rocky.