North Wilson Mountain Trail

The North Wilson Mountain Trail, beginning at the Encinoso Picnic area just 3.4 miles north of the southern Wilson Mountain trailhead, offers hikers a unique approach to Sedona's iconic Wilson Mountain summit. This lesser-known route provides stunning views of Oak Creek Canyon and the Dry Creek basin, while featuring a heavily wooded drainage that showcases spectacular autumn colors. The trail begins by following Highway 89A briefly before turning into a scenic drainage, where hikers gain approximately 600 feet of elevation over the first 0.75 miles through a diverse mixed forest environment.

This moderate to challenging 9.9-mile round-trip hike climbs steadily through breathtaking forest landscapes, reaching the "First Bench" area at 1.4 miles before connecting with the main Wilson Mountain trail. The path features several narrow sections and some loose debris in steeper areas, requiring careful footing especially during descent. After joining the Wilson Mountain trail, hikers gain an additional 500 feet of elevation through arresting oak forest, eventually reaching the summit plateau at approximately 3.8 miles from the trailhead.

The summit rewards hikers with panoramic views in all directions, including spectacular vistas of the San Francisco Peaks, Oak Creek Canyon's dramatic red walls, and the vast expanse of Sedona's red rock country. This alternative route to Wilson Mountain's summit offers a less crowded experience compared to the popular southern approach, making it an ideal choice for those seeking solitude and autumn color displays. The trail is particularly memorable during the golden hours of sunset, though hikers should plan accordingly to avoid finishing in darkness.