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JIM THOMPSON & WILSON CANYON TRAILS
Sedona
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| The head of Wilson Canyon |
Sedona's red rocks are famous for their
beauty and soul soothing qualities. And, what they're also really
good at is absorbing noise. This is especially apparent on the Jim
Thompson and Wilson Canyon Trails where russet cliffs soak up the din
of nearby Uptown Sedona and the bustling recreation sites at the
mouth of Oak Creek Canyon. The well-marked route traces stoney ledges
high above busy Highway 89A where a constant stream of cars and
trucks can be seen (but not heard) rumbling across Midgley Bridge.
Jim Thompson Trail jogs around the massive form of Steamboat Rock
through a mix of cypress forests, sandy washes and exposed slick
rock. As the trail snakes around vertical rock escarpments, the white
limestone cliffs of Wilson Mountain soon come into view. Although
there are two popular trails that lead to its summit, the lesser-used
Wilson Canyon Trail---which begins at the far east end of the Jim
Thompson Trail--- explores a deeply wooded gorge below the south
face. The slender path makes a mostly easy, half-mile climb among
scrub oak, cypress, juniper and occasional patches of cottonwood
trees that inhabit moss embellished, spring-fed enclaves. To stay on
course, look for basket carins where the trail crosses gullies and
drainages. As the trail ascends, the canyon walls converge, echoing
the sounds of dripping water and wild bird songs before ending in
what appears to be a dead end. However, there's a primitive spur path
for sure-footed hikers who want to make a short but very steep,
400-foot haul up to a secluded lookout point surrounded by soaring
bluffs and whispering mountain breezes.
LENGTH: 7 miles roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 4,390' - 4,920'
FEE: A Red Rock Pass is required.
There's a self-serve pay station at the trailhead.
FACILITIES: restrooms, picnic tables
GETTING THERE:
Jim Thompson Trailhead.
From the State Route 179/89A traffic
circle in Sedona, go right onto 89A, drive 0.3 mile to Jordan Road on
the left. Go 0.8 mile on Jordan Road, turn left onto Park Ridge Dr.
and continue 0.5 mile to the trailhead on the right. The last half
mile is on a gravel road with potholes but is suitable for all
carefully driven vehicles.
INFO: Red Rock Ranger District,
Coconino National Forest, 928-203-2900
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