Mormon Misfit 

Region: Brins Mesa/ Wilson Mountain      

Distance: 8.5 Miles + 2,769’       

Difficulty: Hardest     

ACA: 3AlV 

Duration: 7-10+ hours

Longest Rappel: 200’

Rope: 1 x 200’ + 1 x 200’ Pull Chord

Anchor Materials: 70’ of webbing + 10 rapides

Parking: Leave a shuttle vehicle at Brins Mesa and Park at Midgley Bridge.

Overview: This route is ideal for experienced canyoneers craving the most rugged of Sedona adventures. Misfit is not a canyon but better described as a technical cliffaneering route that follows a steep line past unique features down the South face of Wilson Mountain and into  Mormon Wash. The effort is high throughout the route making this a rewarding accomplishment, and very seldom traveled. I’ve debated sharing this route because it requires not only a certain level of skill and physical condition, but also a borderline masochistic appreciation for sufferfest and the rugged outdoors. If you’re looking for a wild and challenging full day adventure then this route might fit the bill. Route finding, bushwhacking, anchor building, blood, sweat, and tears are to be expected. Your reward will be rarely seen views of Sedona, unique formations, and a remote cave that sits 1,200’+ above the canyon floor.

  • A bucket list summit

  • Unique mini slot formation

  • Memorable cave

  • Moderate downclimbs

Approach: From Midgley Bridge hike up Wilson Mountain Trail to the Sedona Overlook trail. From the overlook continue Right or South West along a faint social trail and toward peak 6742. Follow the ridge West from the peak through cat-claw on down to the drop in point.

Descent:

R1: 50'+ off tree near the edge. Look down canyon left from edge too locate a 50’ Coconino spire for correct drop in location.

Pack rope and continue LDC toward spire. Down climb into crack/ slot LDC. Once you come out of crack, down climb RDC at drop.

R2: 80' off tree down chute.

R3: 30' off tree. Optional downclimb in dry conditions on the Left side.

R4: 65' off of tree.

R5: 40' off tree into keyhole pour-out.

Check out the cave on the right Mesa Vista Hollow, with sweeping views of Brins Mesa and red rock spires.

R6: 200' off tree with multiple ledges and free hang at the start.  

Watch for cactus on second ledge. First person down recommended trail rope before dropping into a clearing. Potential of tossing the rope into a tree or cactus.

Immediately after bypass next drop RDC .

R7: 15' tree RDC .

R8: 30 ' off tree. to ledge.

R9: 120' slick rock off big tree.

Midway between R9 and R10, downclimb 25’ LDC.

R10: 160' 2 stage from a bolted anchor  RDC on edge.

 

Exit:The last rappel lands you in a drainage that will connect with the main drainage. Tren Right and follow drainage through dense trees until it opens up to a mini slick rock section. Continue in the wash back to TH or cut time in the wash by exiting the weash and connecting with Brins Mesa trail. Please tread lightly when out of the wash among javelina trails. Don't bust the crust.

Drive shuttle vehicle to Midgley Bridge and your drop off vehicle.

 

Coordinates:

R1/ Drop in: 34.90358, -111.76035

Mormon Wash Exit: 34.89455, -111.77293