[chumley]

Popular Wilson Mt. Trails Will Soon Open
For Immediate Release
Date:September 17, 2007
Contact: Red Rock Ranger District - 928-203-7500

Sedona, AZ - The Red Rock District of the Coconino National Forest is pleased to announce the re-opening of several popular trails including Wilson Mountain, North Wilson and Sterling Pass as of Friday September 21. These trails have been closed since the 2006 Brins Fire due to extensive trail damage and public safety concerns including falling trees, rolling rocks and unstable trail conditions. “All the caring folks here in Sedona and the Verde Valley gave generously to the rehabilitation of these trails making this all possible” says Heather Provencio, Red Rock District Ranger.

Individuals within the community and businesses alike came forward and donated over $12,000 to the Friends of the Forest in the interest of seeing these trails stabilized and safe for public enjoyment. Friends of the Forest volunteers and the County organized Coconino Rural Environmental Corps (CREC) crew worked in some treacherous rocky terrain to once again provide safe hiking conditions. Primitive cross-cut saws and hand tools were utilized in the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness to help accomplish this laborious task.

The historic Wilson Mountain Trail was built in the late 1800’s and will continue to provide some magnificent scenic views of Sedona and its geologic wonders along the Mogollon Rim. The favorite Sterling Pass Trail once again winds up to the ridgeline above Oak Creek Canyon and Slide Rock ultimately tying into the Vultee Arch Trail and Dry Creek Canyon. The North Wilson Trail also provides spectacular views into Oak Creek Canyon from Encinoso Picnic Area and eventually ties into the Wilson Mountain Trail.

Thank you, to all of you who helped support this effort. To learn more about Friends of the Forest, go to: http://www.friendsoftheforestsedona.org or call the Red Rock Ranger Station at (928) 282-4119.