Sedona overnights - looking for feedback on Munds Wilderness and Wilson Mtn

[swimbike]

Heading to Sedona from the east coast at the end of the month. Planning on spending a few days out in the Munds Wilderness but am curious as to restrictions on parking and overnights. I am assuming I will need a Red Rocks Pass to leave the vehicle - does that apply to the parking lot on Schnelby Hill at the Munds Wagon TH? Looking at maps, it appears there is a dirt parking area further east at the "Schnelby Hill Vista Overlook" - does anyone know if you can park and leave a vehicle at this location?

I also saw a note that says no camping west of the Schnelby Hill Vista Overlook. I am considering staying overnight at Munds Mountain, the top of Jacks Canyon or over near Jacks Point Tank along Hot Loop? Is that permitted? Any suggestions for overnight locations in Munds Wilderness. Looking forward to Hangover Trail and making my way toward Wilson Mountain. Again, are overnights allowed at the top of Wilson Mountain? Any preferences for taking the main trail vs. the north trail?

Thanks all for your feedback - this is a great board and am looking forward to the trip.

[joebartels]

This is the map you want
https://hikearizona.com/images/maps/2016/O_398.jpg
- camping is only permitted outside of the green line
- the Red Rock pass is only required in the red sandstone colored areas

I am assuming I will need a Red Rocks Pass to leave the vehicle - does that apply to the parking lot on Schnelby Hill at the Munds Wagon TH?

yes at the bottom trailhead, based on the above map

Looking at maps, it appears there is a dirt parking area further east at the "Schnelby Hill Vista Overlook" - does anyone know if you can park and leave a vehicle at this location?

I've never done it, looks fine

I am considering staying overnight at Munds Mountain, the top of Jacks Canyon or over near Jacks Point Tank along Hot Loop? Is that permitted?

yes, definitely fine and a good out of the way place if you have 4wd
that road is horrible when wet
without 4wd near the corner of FS153/FS801 is probably your target range for camping

Again, are overnights allowed at the top of Wilson Mountain?

on top yes
not at either trailhead ( Encinoso is day use only for reference )

Any preferences for taking the main trail vs. the north trail?

north is slightly higher rated by the majority

[cactuscat]

@joebartels
Wow - way to help out!
Can you just plan my next trip for me? I have wished before that HAZ had a "where should I hike this weekend" feature!

[joebartels]

@cactuscat
ha, when you're ready to go camping in the Phx Preserves let me know!
Chad, Preston and Letty would be better resources for Graham

March Safford Hikes with a description or Official Route

[swimbike]

@joebartels

That is above and beyond. Thank you!

[JoelHazelton]

Any suggestions for overnight locations in Munds Wilderness.

If you're backpacking and don't mind packing water (seems likely since you're considering the top of Wilson), the saddle between the north and south summits of Munds Mountain would be a beautiful area to camp. Gorgeous open meadows and huge views if you walk a few minutes in any direction.

Another consideration for parking and hiking is the Woods Canyon trailhead along hwy 179. It's paved access and shares a parking lot with the ranger station. Overnight parking is allowed. From there you enter the Munds Mountain Wilderness within 2 miles and can either camp along the flowing Woods Canyon or do the long, hot haul up Hot Loop to Horse Mesa and then eventually Jacks Canyon and Munds Mountain. This option would start you about 2000 ft lower with much less shade than Schnebly Hill.