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Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain(edit)

based on 218 tracks & routes | |

DIFFICULT

#5 hike out of 626 in Coconino National Forest |

DIFFICULT

4.6 mi

Distance

1 hrs 43 min

Time

1,435 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a difficult out and back trail to Bear Mountain in Coconino National Forest. The views are fantastic!

Getting Started

Bear Mountain is a 5 mile round-trip strenuous hike with about 1600 ft of elevation gain located 15 minutes from Sedona. There is a $5 day pass fee required at the trailhead. The route finding on this trail is difficult so I would recommend using a GPS with the trail loaded.

While this hike does not offer many views of the surrounding red rocks that Sedona is famous for it is a very fun hike none the less. This hike offers steep terrain with a lot of scrambling up the rocks. Be prepared with a lot of water and give yourself more time to complete this hike then you would expect. While difficult the hike is very fun and well worth the effort to get to the top!

Taking Children

I would not recommend this hike for children.

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

tbu62 3 years, 11 months ago

Very steep hiking with incredible views. Bring plenty of water, pack a lunch. Wear proper shoes and layer clothing. Anticipate a 4.5 + hour hike, so start early. (Snakes are common during summer months).

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Jeff 4 years, 6 months ago

This is a great trail you will work for your views of amazing Sedona. Started at 5:30 am temps 60 degrees. With little to no shade, I would suggest an early start. You will have a few knee-high step-ups and some scamble but all it worth it so many photo opportunities.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

tibbsfive 4 years, 6 months ago

Yes 4 hard climbs. The wild flowers this time of year were amazing. We started at 8:30 I would start as early as possible to avoid crowds and heat. Took around 4 hours with rest and snacks. Great views the entire time!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

leslieschilsky 4 years, 11 months ago

You can’t see it from the start but this hike takes you up 4 peaks, each getting higher and higher. Great views at the end.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

dhpierce1 5 years, 6 months ago

This hike is a great workout with rewarding views at the top. With good visibility, you can see the San Francisco Peaks to the north; the red rocks of Sedona to the east & south; and Mingus Mt., Cottonwood & Jerome to the west.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

S J P 5 years, 6 months ago

Tough but so worth the effort. Wear good gripping hiking shoes. Having a hiking pole is also very helpful. Spectacular views.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

ashli 5 years, 7 months ago

Tough but rewarding. Definitely try to summit in the morning before it heats up.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

cameron1 5 years, 8 months ago

2019-03-13 Great hike. The views keep getting better the higher you climb. My total travel Tim was about 4 hours, with about 1 hour of rests/photos/food. Left the trailhead at 1pm, back by 6pm. There was light snow at the top, a nice way to cap the trail. The trail is quite a scramble, so if that’s not your thing maybe do a different one. But the effort involved is totally worth it for the views.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

misterjones 5 years, 8 months ago

I hiked Bear Mountain 2011 while vacationing in AZ. It gets a lot of hype for being difficult, but honestly, it didn’t seem that tough even on a hot day in June. Difficult or not, the views from the top of the surrounding red rock country are absolutely stellar!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★