Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area wilderness guide
Wilderness Area · AZ

Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area

Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area is a striking landscape of red rock formations and rugged canyons, offering outdoor enthusiasts a variety of adventures in the heart of Arizona's Coconino National Forest.

Wilderness Area47,1944+ Trails
DesignationWilderness Area
Total Wilderness Area47,194
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area

Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area is a striking landscape of red rock formations and rugged canyons, offering outdoor enthusiasts a variety of adventures in the heart of Arizona's Coconino National Forest.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located within the Coconino National Forest in Arizona, the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area spans a diverse landscape of red rock cliffs, towering buttes, and winding canyons. This protected area covers approximately 47,194 acres and boasts an array of ecological diversity, from shaded pine forests to desert scrublands. The area is famous for its striking natural beauty and dramatic geological formations that captivate hikers and photographers. Historically, the region was home to indigenous cultures that left behind a legacy of rock art, adding a layer of cultural intrigue to its natural splendor. Visitors can explore over 100 miles of trails that guide them through scenic canyons and offer breathtaking views from elevated ridges, with popular trails such as Bear Mountain and the Secret Canyon Trail leading the way. The wilderness area is a haven for those seeking solitude, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing amidst peaceful surroundings. Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area is particularly alluring for its iconic red rock vistas and the appeal of its varied terrain, which continues to draw thousands each year.

Field Guide · Wilderness Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Devil's Bridge, a stunning natural rock arch offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.✦ Secret Canyon, known for its secluded pathways and mesmerizing rock formations.✦ The Seven Sacred Pools, a series of natural pools carved into the rock that are a unique sight during periods of water flow.✦ Brins Mesa Trail, providing an incredible vantage point for sunset and panoramic vistas of the region.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area
Park Recreation

Climbing

Available in Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits or fees required for entry.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Manzanita Campground

Located alongside Oak Creek, this campground offers shaded sites and easy access to the creek.

Pine Flat Campground

Surrounded by ponderosa pines, this campground is situated off Highway 89A, providing a tranquil setting.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Sedona, Arizona
⌖ 7.61 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona's striking red rock vistas and diverse trails make it a top destination for hiking, mountain biking, and more. Its vibrant landscapes offer adventure-seekers a perfect outdoor playground.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Village of Oak Creek, Arizona
⌖ 13.89 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Village of Oak Creek, Arizona

Village of Oak Creek boasts stunning red rock landscapes ideal for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and photography. It’s a serene desert base near Sedona with access to iconic trails and protected parks perfect for adventure seekers year-round.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Cornville, Arizona
⌖ 17.58 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cornville, Arizona

Cornville is a hidden gem in the Verde Valley, perfect for hiking, bird watching, and wine tours. The area's red rock views and unique wildlife make it a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Clarkdale, Arizona
⌖ 17.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Clarkdale, Arizona

Clarkdale is a serene Arizona town enriched by the Verde River. Outdoor enthusiasts can relish in hiking, kayaking, and exploring nearby national monuments, all under endless blue skies.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Flagstaff, Arizona
⌖ 19.76 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff is a high-altitude playground offering extraordinary hiking, biking, and skiing opportunities. As a certified Dark Sky City, the night skies are just as impressive.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Parks, Arizona
⌖ 20.89 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Parks, Arizona

Parks, Arizona offers a peaceful high country escape with forested trails, camping, and fishing access just a short drive from Flagstaff. It’s a great base for exploring northern Arizona’s volcanic landscapes and alpine wilderness.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Sedona from Above: Sunset Over the Mogollon Rim
ADVEXPEDITION
Sedona, Arizona
Air TourADV Bookable

Sedona from Above: Sunset Over the Mogollon Rim

A 50-minute, 80+-mile helicopter tour with Apex Air Tours that flies three remote wilderness areas around Sedona and drops into canyons to reveal ancient ruins.

Air TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Page Springs Wine & Dine
ADVEXPEDITION
Page Springs, Arizona
Guided TourADV Bookable

Page Springs Wine & Dine

Spend a day touring three Arizona vineyards with DUKOUT Adventures’ Page Springs Wine & Dine tour, capped by a memorable lunch at Sedona’s Mariposa Grill. Discover the region’s unique wines framed by stunning desert landscapes.

Guided Tour10 HoursCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Hardtail- Full Day Rental ($49)
ADVEXPEDITION
Sedona, Arizona
Bike RentalADV Bookable

Hardtail- Full Day Rental ($49)

Drop into Sedona's red-rock singletrack with a ready-to-ride hardtail and explore Bell Rock Pathway and the Big Park Loop. Perfect for visitors who want low-logistics riding and up-close views of classic sandstone formations.

Bike RentalRestricted to Bell Rock Pathway and Big Park Loop. Full Day: $49Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Secret Wilderness
ADVEXPEDITION
Sedona, Arizona
Air ActivitiesADV Bookable

Secret Wilderness

Explore Sedona’s breathtaking red rock canyons from the air on a thrilling helicopter tour covering Munds Mountain Wilderness, Secret Wilderness Area, and Boynton Canyon. Experience unparalleled views and wildlife sightings on this unforgettable aerial adventure.

Air ActivitiesStarting at $399 • Over 45 miles - 28 - 30 Minuets • All Ages • Up to 6 PeopleCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Quiet Currents: Quantum Touch and Access Bars Energy Healing in Sedona
ADVEXPEDITION
Sedona, Arizona
WorkshopADV Bookable

Quiet Currents: Quantum Touch and Access Bars Energy Healing in Sedona

A 1.5-hour Energy Medicine workshop in Sedona led by Sedona Healing Journey that uses Quantum Touch and Access Consciousness Bars to rebalance chakras and induce deep relaxation—this guide lays out what to expect and the logistics.

WorkshopPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip