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A Tiny Slice of Red Rock Heaven by paulhubbard If you're looking for a fun little kid friendly hike just outside of Sedona, the Wilson Canyon Trail may fit the bill. This is a very easy hike amongst the red rocks and junipers, barely miles from downtown Sedona. While there's no surprise waterfalls and no breathtaking finish, you do get treated to some great views of the cliffs, canyons, and red rocks that make Oak Creek Canyon such a magical place. The trail starts off at the Midgely Bridge parking area. Just walk straight past the Huckeby trail on the left and the Wilson Mountain trail on the right and head up the canyon. The going is very easy, and there's quite a bit of shade. The trail crosses a creek bed 5 or six times. Even on a warm day in July, there was enough shade to make the walking comfortable. We ran across several families, one even pushing a 3-wheeled stroller. When you reach the end of the official trail (and you'll know it from the HUGE cairn telling you so) look to your right and you'll see a small scramble up to the next ledge. That's where you'll be able to take in the views, so don't pass it up. When you come to a wall, that's pretty much the end of the line. You can scramble up and around the west (left) side of the wall but it really doesn't afford any better views and it's pretty slick with lots of loose rocks. Return the way you came. For additional fun and distance you could tack on a hike up to Steamboat Rock or down the Huckeby trail for a dip in Oak Creek. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Wilson Canyon Trail #49
A Happy 50th Anniversary Present
I can't believe it.... 50 years married to the same woman and we're still together
To celebrate the auspicious occasion, we decided to spend a weekend in Sedona where she could go shopping and I could go hiking.... Since Pat doesn't like hiking and I don't like shopping, it was kinda the best of both worlds. We stayed at the Best Western Arroyo Roble right along Oak Creek and across from the Huckaby Trail. I can't say enough about the views of the Munds Mountain right from the doorway of our room, and yes, we could see Snoopy Rock too.
I was nice enough to go shopping on Saturday and we stopped in at the Hike House and spent lots of money on a new pair of Merrell Moab Hikers, shirts, etc. Then it was off to Tlaquepaque for some artsy stuff that she likes
Had a fun day on the overly crowded main drag, shopping, eating, people watching, whatever.
Sunday morning I had Pat drop me off at the trailhead at Midgley Bridge where I slipped into my new hikers and off I went for a couple of hours of touring Wilson Canyon. Beautiful shaded trails were well trimmed and easy to follow up and down into the almost dry wash.... and I was the only one there
It's a great, albeit short, trail that seems to end too soon so I found some cairns that took me further up and above the trees where I could finally get a good view of Wilson Mountain on one side and Steamboat Rock on the opposite side. On my casual return I met a couple of hikers, exchanged notes and headed back to the bridge.
Okay, that's a short hike, but it broke the ice. It was my first hike in the Sedona area and now I gotta get back and do some more exploring of those fabulous red rocks. The traffic and the crowds were a serious drawback but I'm sure I can find a nice out-of-the-way hike in the mid-week to keep me entertained and alone.
2016-05-15 AZLumberjack
Wilson Canyon Trail #49
Damifino / Steamboat / Wilson
Bruce and I went on a World Class hike and witnessed spectacular views. Started off with a little off-trail to the best unnamed trail in Arizona. Albeit overcast t'was a joy. We hooked up with the Dam - if - i - no trail. Apparently easier to follow than the name suggests. The sun burned off the morning layer enhancing our views.
Next up was Steamboat! The approach is Cathedral Rock squared and tourist free. I forgot to ruin the experience this time around. The Aloha Boardwalk Deck wasn't in the cards again. My good buddy Bob would knock it out in a heartbeat.
We scratched plans for Wilson Canyon and headed straight for the grand finale on Wilson Mountain. Here we passed a half dozen groups. The highlight on route was the worlds meanest hissing gopher snake. Yawner finale views sealed the deal. The sleigh was homeward bound.
Cheers cheers and sandstone dreams in a roundabout kinna way!
Next up was Steamboat! The approach is Cathedral Rock squared and tourist free. I forgot to ruin the experience this time around. The Aloha Boardwalk Deck wasn't in the cards again. My good buddy Bob would knock it out in a heartbeat.
We scratched plans for Wilson Canyon and headed straight for the grand finale on Wilson Mountain. Here we passed a half dozen groups. The highlight on route was the worlds meanest hissing gopher snake. Yawner finale views sealed the deal. The sleigh was homeward bound.
Cheers cheers and sandstone dreams in a roundabout kinna way!
2012-04-28 joebartels
Wilson Canyon Trail #49
Did this one as a quick way home hike after leaving Prescott. Parked my rental car at Midgely Bridgely and headed up the Wilson Canyon Trail. The creek was flowing, and little waterfalls tumbled over red rock. Blackfoot daisies and penstemon were in full bloom. Higher up in the canyon, the dark sky unleashed curtains of snow that melted quickly as they hit the ground. The trail eventually gave way to a cairned route, and I scrambled up the north fork creek bed to the 5000 foot level among towers of red rock and cliffs. Returned the same way, then made the long snowy trip home over the Mogollon Rim.
2010-04-29 PrestonSands
