Two very different trails climb to First Bench, a terrace above Oak Creek Canyon, then continue as one trail to the top of Wilson Mountain (elev. 6,900 feet), a broad summit with good views. Wilson Mountain Trail begins at the north end of Midgley Bridge, 1.3 miles north of Sedona, and switchbacks up sunny slopes of Arizona cypress, pinyon pine, juniper, agave, yucca, and manzanita. North Wilson Mountain Trail, on the other hand, climbs from a trailhead just north of Encinoso Picnic Area, 3.3 miles farther north, and ascends through a cool canyon with Douglas fir and ponderosa pine. After about 2 miles of climbing on either trail, you’ll reach a cairn that marks the trail junction on First Bench, a giant chunk of rock that slid down from the top of Wilson Mountain long ago. Another 0.8 mile will bring you to the rim of Wilson Mountain, where you can continue across the flat mountain top and keep right (north) at a fork to spectacular viewpoints; the northernmost one overlooks Sterling Canyon and tiny Vultee Arch far below. The San Francisco Peaks stand on the horizon. The hike is strenuous with an elevation gain of 2,300 feet.

Visitor Information

Contact Away