 Bear Mountain Trail
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| The hike to the top of the mountain is mostly unshaded, steep and difficult in places. Great views the whole way. The trail begins at a broad path at the parking area, crosses two washes and then starts a gradual ascent 1/4 mile to the wilderness boundary at the base of the mountain. The trail narrows and begins a 450 foot switchback that is steep and rocky in places. It levels out following narrow plateau area and then begins a steep rocky 500 foot climb in a narrow side canyon to a broad plateau. It crosses the plateau gradually ascending, dips down, and then climbs another 400 feet to a false summit. Fay Canyon views are to the right (northeast). The trail continues a moderate climb to true summit. There are great panoramic views here. Continue over level ground another 200 yards to the Red Canyon overlook and a view of the San Francisco Peaks in the distance to the north. Return by the same route. Do not attempt this hike when there is significant snow on the mountain. | |||||||||||||||
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The Hike House Sedona Trail Rating System provides actual hiker feedback and ratings of each of the Sedona hiking trails. The cumulative trail ratings for the Bear Mountain Trail submitted by fellow hikers is located above with the Trail Data. Your trail feedback and ratings are an important resource for fellow hikers and provide a personal account of your trail experience from which others may learn. So please hike Sedona, help others, and rate a trail today! |
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Bear Mountain Trail
Thursday, April 28, 2011 By 12 Comments
We hiked this trail May 18 2011. We progressed to the first ridge, as several hikers we passed coming back told us that from that first ridge, there was a final ridge another hour up. It took us 2 hours to hike that first ridge and we decided to turn back in the interest of time. Note that we took our time, pausing many times to take photos and admire the great views and wildlife. We are in our 50s and in fairly good shape, so while it was challenging overall, we did not find the degree of difficulty too taxing for our conditioning. The trail was fun, as it was varied in terms of trail terrain and views. This trail was also well-marked with cairns and in good shape. At no time was there a step up more than 4 ft, but it was a continuously a fairly step grade – so a good workout! We would NOT recommend it for those with a sedentary lifestyle. Great job Mike at the Hike House for advising us about this trail, it was just what we were looking for!!!
Bear mountain trail was a great hike!!!!All the way to the top is basically straight up, i mean like on your hands and knees!There is a lot of wildlife on the trail such as snakes lizards and lots and lots of bugs!!!Believe it or not there is a bear figure (looks like a lion to me) in the rocks some of my family could see it others could not.Overall it was a fantastic last hike for my family and i we had a blast!!
I recommend this trail for adventure seekers who like a big climb!!!
-Madison Age 12
Mike from The Hike House recommended this trail as a must do. We are very active and fit family. I’m 47 and race/train triathlons, boyfriend is 37 and road/mountain bikes. My sons, 17 and 15, road and mountain bike. We carried our camelbacks filled. It was mid morning in August when we did this hike. Not for the sedentary. Due to time restraints we didn’t get to the top summit but it was well worth the hike. Took lots of pictures are various stops along the way. Not many others on the trail.
We are both ex-Navy SEALS (Vietnam era) – 67 years old and in outstanding physical condition. We hiked up and back in 2 hours 53 minutes total hike time; 3 hours 19 minutes total time (stops for pictures, eating, etc.). It was more strenous than we expected and we got an excellent work-out. Coming down was hard on the knees and we are both glad that we had our Leki hiking poles to absorb some of the shock. We began on September 7, 2011 at 6:03 A.M. and 68 degree temperature. We had cool winds most of the way up and back; however, it did get a little warm at the end (9:25 A.M.) – 88 degrees. Small cairns marked the trail almost all the way. We took a couple of wrong turns coming back down (couldn’t spot the cairns), but quickly were able to correct after about 25 feet. A great hike for views and for conditioning. Dennis Andres’ book “Sedona’s Top 10 Hikes” was spot on accurate as an overview of this hike.
Great trail. Beautiful red rock views at the top, and fewer people than on most trails with similar views. There is some climbing up the rock, but we did not find it overwhelmingly difficult. It is long, so bring plenty of water and take your time. The views at the top are worth it, and you are likely to be the only ones up there.
I fought the Bear but the Bear won. Just too tired to do the last 300ft to the very top. But the view back towards capital,bell,cathedral was great!
I went to Bear Mountain and saw a bunch of nature.Like bushes,trees,and,moss.I almost made it to the top (2 miles up) but I got blisters on my feet.
Sincearly, Kelsey Ent age 8
Beautiful views the whole way up! I was a little worried about the level 5 difficulty but it wasn’t too bad at all. Good workout! Love my hiking trips to beautiful Sedona! Thank you Hike House for your advise!
This is a great winter hike with interesting terrain and excellent views. The cross-bedded Coconino sandstones at the summit are fantastic. We ate lunch on rim with great views and lots of sunshine.
51 Year Old Dad, 51 Year Old Mom, 21 Year old Son, 20 Year Old daughter set out about 9AM. First check is to make sure to cross the road from the parking lot to begin the trail otherwise you will be headed the wrong way.
Trail crosses through a wash bain and then the climb starts. Step climb with several rock passes (nothing beyond reason). Once you start the push up the mountain stay tuned….it is constant and you gain elevation to the first false top…..after a break you keep climbing to the second false top and you really think you are there because there is a huge canyon between you and Bear Mtn still….trick — stay to the right and the path leads you right around the canyon and up into the final climb. Once you reach the top – 360 views including the SF Peaks.
The entire family loved this hike…it creates a sense of accomplishment but is also very doable. One key note – make sure to take plently of water…the distance is deceiving because of the quick altitude gain and you will down quite a bit of H2O….it is worth carrying the extra weigth.
Views are absolutely SPECTACULAR with lots and lots of once in a lifetime picture settings.
Oh yeah….make sure to stay right the entire trip….at the first step we took a left thinking the trail went around and it is a false trail that requires you to double back….no big deal but avoid this and it will save you some time.
All the Best!
This hike was great. But first, I need to commend the great staff at the hike house store. My girlfriend and I stopped in to get some information on hikes in the area and the staff was more than happy to share knowledge, maps, and advice. We were looking for a medium distance hike with good elevation gain and good views. Bear mountains was all three. It took us about 3.5 hours round trip. It was a very good workout and our bodies were worn out when we got back to the car. The views on the ascent and descent are astonishing. I would highly recommend the bear mountain hike for anyone looking for a moderate to difficult hike with good elevation gain. I would also highly recommend the hike house. They were extremely helpful in finding a camelbak for my girlfriend. They made sure she got one that fit properly and spent a lot of time explaining the different features of the various packs. All in all, hike house really made our trip to Sedona great. Thanks!
Very unique hike. Fabulous views and rock formations. Really gets your heart rate up but well worth it. In my top ’10′ Sedona hikes.