First Ascent of Secret Mountain South Route // Sedona, Arizona

Описание: I had been searching for a way to climb Secret Mountain from the south for years. Studying maps, and google earth, along with exploring the back of Long and Boynton Canyons. I noticed a narrow and steep ridge falling into the depths of Long Canyon from Secret Mountain and wondered if that could take you up the mountain. It looked promising enough judging by the topo lines. At least enough to go check it out.
Secret Mountain has a vantage point overlooking arguably the most beautiful and breathtaking section of the Sedona backcountry. The only problem is, to get there is a great challenge. Either by hiking from Loy Canyon with a round trip of 24 miles, or by driving an hour and a half on rough forest road only to get to the trail head and having to hike at least 20 miles round trip. So, that was my motivation to finding a more "direct" route to the true summit. You could argue that the highest point of the mountain is on the south end. This location is just as high as the South end but is heavily forested and you don't even feel like you are on a mountain. Also, this spot is only about a mile off of the trail to the east and probably only 2 miles from the trail head. There is no adventure there! So here is my proud video of probably the most epic way you could climb to the summit of Secret Mountain.