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Jason Danoff, owner/adventure guide for Trail Lovers Excursions in Sedona
What is your favorite hike and why?
My favorite hike in Red Rock Country is Wilson Mountain. I love the diversity of the trail, as it walks to the highest peak in Sedona and allows hikers to challenge themselves as they capture impressive panor-amic perspectives of the Colorado Plateau and edge of the Upper Sonoran Desert. The trail is also unique in that it can be done so many different ways. It can be explored from the South Wilson Mountain Trail starting at Midgley Bridge or North Wilson Mountain Trail from Encinoso Picnic Site. From there, hikers can either do the short version by turning around at the first bench, or they can choose (or combine) the North and South summits for an epic day in the wilderness.
How often do you hike?
Whether hiking, climbing or canyoneering, I do something every day, sometimes two to three times a day when the weather is ideal.
How long have you lived in Sedona?
Eight years.
Do you remember the first trail you hiked here and when you hiked it?
The first time I hiked in Sedona, I was 8 years old and hiked along Oak Creek via Huckaby Trail with family friends. I will never forget how Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona inspired me.
Where else have you hiked?
My greatest passion is exploring the most unique, remote and beautiful places of the great American Southwest and Four Corners. Some of the sites have included Zion, Bryce, Moab, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon Escalante, Flagstaff, Prescott, Superstition Wilderness, Aravaipa Canyon, Aspen, Glenwood Springs and Durango.
Finish this sentence: When I go hiking, I don’t leave home without…
One hundred ounces of water and a full medical kit containing a multi-tool, Life Straw, Benadryl, aspirin and duct tape. I’ve deduced that these items can be used to save both my life and those of others on the trail.
Wilson Mountain South
Wilson Mountain is Sedona’s tallest peak at an elevation of 7,122 feet. Like Jason says, there are several routes that lead to the top, but we prefer the south trail, which leaves from Midgely Bridge. At 9.6 miles round trip and an elevation change of 2,300 feet, it’s the longer of the two trails, but the views are staggering, and they arrive early in the hike (about a half a mile into the trek you’ll get a peek into Wilson Canyon). You’ll hike almost 3 miles before you reach the first bench with vistas that include Oak Creek Canyon’s many side canyons and Flagstaff’s San Francisco Peaks. Catch your breath here and then make your way up a set of steep and narrow switchbacks to the summit. Once you reach the summit, the trail flattens out, and you can make your way to the edge of the mountain for birds-eye views of Red Rock Country. It’s a long hike, but there’s nothing else quite like it in Sedona.
Jennifer Young, president of Friends of the Forest
What is your favorite hike and why?
My favorite changes as the trail system evolves. A current favorite is the new Scorpion/Pyramid loop accessed from the trailhead behind Sedona Red Rock High School. It is a lesser-known, lesser-traveled trail with grand vistas.
How long have you lived in Sedona?
Ten years.
Do you remember the first trail you hiked here and when you hiked it?
I first hiked in Sedona on a vacation to the area in 1988. I hiked the Wilson Mountain Trail.
Where else have you hiked?
I have hiked in many national parks and recreation areas throughout the West, the Heartland and the Northeast including Adirondacks, Acadia, Badlands, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Canyon-lands, Arches, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, Yosemite, Crater Lake, Grand Tetons, Sequoia and Kings Canyon. In Europe, I’ve hiked the Alps accessed from France, Austria, Switzerland and Italy. I’ve also hiked England, Scotland and Wales.
Finish this sentence: When I go hiking, I don’t leave home without…
My “leave no trace” intention, which is the best way to ensure that we all can continue to enjoy our beautiful natural surroundings, and I check my itinerary with the online map resources provided on www.sedonaredrocktrails.org.
Scorpion and Pyramid Trails
Jennifer is accurate in her description of the Scorpion and Pyramid trails: You’ll find postcard-worthy views coupled with the solitude of less scenic routes. When we hike it, we start at the Schuerman Mountain trailhead behind Sedona Red Rock High School. Schuerman Mountain quickly merges with Scorpion Trail, a narrow pathway that offers up those grand vistas of Cathedral Rock. The junction of Scorpion and Pyramid trails happens 1.14 miles from the trailhead. Turn right and explore the Pyramid loop. You will quickly understand why the trail was named “Pyramid”: There are two red rock formations that look like giant pyramids along the hike. There’s also views of the banks of Oak Creek, spindly ocotillo trees and a rocky chute that requires some surefootedness.
Pyramid eventually rejoins Scorpion Trail. Turn left, and hike back the way you came for a 4.4-mile round-trip hike.
