Bear Mountain Trail

It's easily a top 5 in Sedona. With a few switchbacks, overlooks, and plateaus, it helps minimize the difficulty. I found it more difficult on the way down. The red rock, sandstone, makes it a bit slippery in decending pockets, regardless of footwear. Poles are never a bad idea. There are areas of shade for those clear sky days. The trail is well marked and maintained to the summit. Foot traffic is usually light, containing friendly, fellow avid hikers. Breathe it all in and enjoy the rock formations and views.

This trail is awesome and not for beginners. Kids don’t belong on this trail and dogs don’t belong on it either. We started at 5:30am and made it back down at 10am. It’s 5 miles, treacherous, extremely steep, and you’re climbing most of the time as well as walking along the edge of the cliffs. If you think you’re done climbing, you aren’t. If you think you might be at the top, you’re not. If you think the flat area lasts, it doesn’t. This was a really awesome hike.. beautiful. But be safe and make sure you’re wearing hiking boots and have enough water.

Favorite hike in Sedona! But beware: it is not an easy one. It is long and much more of a climb than a hike. Wear the right shoes -- don't necessarily need hiking-specific ones -- that have enough traction. Some scrambling and steep steps along the way. Bring enough water and a snack. There are points along the way where you can sit and relax. Be sure to follow the white diamond marks to ensure you're on the path! For those who are in good shape, this is probably a moderate hike. For those who aren't in the best shape or are new to hiking, it's hard. It's the length that can make it challenging more than the climb, but if you have any doubt, Doe Mountain just across the road may be the better option. If you're up for the 4-5 hour round-trip trek, the top is so rewarding!!

Great experience. It is a challenging difficult hike with stunning views. I recorded 5.2 total miles and 2,024 feet total assent.

Have alltrails or strava up on your phone. Trail is not well marked in many different spots. This is not a hike for the faint of heart. Very cool hike. Red rock views of sedona and you are able to see the different layers of rock. I think the summit and much of the top part of the trail is the coconino sandstone rock.

Best hike we've done in Sedona. A little less crowded than the other trails we went to (its December) likely due to the difficulty? If you can walk, and climb stairs, you can do it but I can see this being a challenge for many folks when it is hot out. It is slightly longer than the signs read, I tracked 5.7 miles.. Took about 3 hours with stops/pictures/etc. Its amazing!

This has to be the toughest hike in Sedona with breathtaking 360 views at the Summit. Eventhough it is only 5 miles, there's a almost 2000 feet of elevation gain and lot of rocks that will slow you done. It look my group about 2.5 hours to make it to the top. Each of us had about 3 liters of water as well.

Absolutely incredible hike!!! Challenging and not for the faint of heart. Expect to work hard and climb a steep slope, but the views make the challenge worth it. Not crowded because of the steep climb which made it very appealing to me! It took my wife and I about 2:35 to go up and down. We push the pace more than most, but enjoyed every step! I’d do it again for sure!

This was my favorite hike in Sedona this far due to the quick elevation gains via big boulders and then the smooth rock at the end as you climb towards the big mountain summit with great views, including Mount Humphries in the distance with a coating of snow on the head. Tried to up,old picture, but useless yelp as usual makes it so you have to attempt it a dozen times to get the to upload (not worth it).

This is one of the first trails that is marked as difficult for hiking level that I would actually agree with. BUT it was so fun and totally doable. Get ready for climbing over lots of rocks. I'd only do this one if you are well prepared, have proper shoes/hiking gear and know your fitness level for challenging hikes. We decided to turn back about 1/2 of the way after starting our hike late in the day. Out of an extra abundance of caution hiking with dogs and me being 5 months pregnant we didn't want to chance having to descend the steeper rock section in the dark. We adjusted based on our climb time to mileage and elevation completed versus what was left. The view we got and the portion of the hike we did were amazing. It was a steep climb with lots of rock scrambling and elevation change. This is technically a dog friendly trail because it is national forest, BUT I highly caution people unless their dogs are used to scaling rocks. Our two have been doing it since they were tiny and my husband is super confident in being able to safely ascend and descend with both of them.

This is a workout. A hike recommended to us by the local's at Hike House in town over Sterling Pass. We started it at around 10am on a weekday and easily found parking at the trailhead parking lot. You can purchase your day pass for your dashboard from the kiosk outside and look over the trail maps. There are also bathrooms here. Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks - because you are going to be hungry at the top. We certainly were. My stomach was growling. This hike is challenging. We're both pretty fit and used to hiking and we thought we would be able to do it in much less time than people said - but it took us almost 5 hours round-trip and we only spent about 15 minutes at the top. So you need to allow plenty of time to do this. It is difficult - probably on par with the most difficult ones I've done in both Zion and in Colorado. A 2,000 foot elevation gain in only 2.5 miles is tough - it also means you have to go 2,000 feet back down, which is always more challenging as you try to find the footholds so you don't slip. It's also harder on the knees and feet. There was shade on some of this due to the geography so it wasn't full sun the entire time - but once you get closer to the top - there is sun so SPF up or wear hats, etc. We knew there were going to be about 4 false summits and we actually enjoyed the final one more than the actual summit which had a lot of greenery and bushes blocking the views of the red rocks. The best view is the last before the top - you can see everything and it looks like the top of the world. Make sure that you are wearing proper shoes. I had someone overhear us at the resort about doing the hike and said she only had these particular shoes that she brought to do it and it "wouldn't be a big deal". Her shoes were flat and not at all appropriate. This trail has a lot of smooth rock that you basically have to walk straight up and thus, straight back down. I had La Sportiva rock/trail running shoes and they saved my ass a bunch of times. Don't underestimate it. It could cost you your ankles.

This is a gonzo tough trek up to 6500' or so. The trail offers several spectacular views of Sedona and is well worth the time it takes (4-6 hours). It's a great trail for people who like that less often trekked hike. During the whole morning we only met 7 people. My daughter who was hiking with me isn't the type to sit still or I would have sunned on a ledge all morning Reading the trail guides had us over prepared. We each started with 4-5 liters of water and food for a day. By the time we reached the summit we dumped 1-2 liters each. 3 is enough on a moderate day. We didn't eat any of the food. Just as the trail guides say, there are three "false" summits. This is a bit tough psychologically but I knew in advance. Also the peak is no where near as spectacular as some of the mid-hike ledges so don't pass up a nice vista or shady spot thinking you will get better at the top. The trail is largely broken rock. Have a good pair of hiking shoes and some mole skins if those are new. Along the trail are several natural hazards. Watch what you reach for and make sure it's not a lose rock, prickly pear, or rattle snake. We shall all this as well as mini bears (a.k.a. Chipmunks), and a Racer snake.

I did this trail pretty much almost twice, because the first time, I forgot my jacket about 2/3 up the trail (I proceeded to go to Fay Canyon after I went back down the first time, then came back to hike for my jacket). The first time I came, I arrived to the parking lot around 8AM and there were 8 cars; I paid $5 and started the hike. A lot of it was still shaded so I was a bit cold (hence the jacket), and I didn't see many people along the way which was great. Reached the top at around 9:40AM, 1.5 hours. Views were great, sun was out and it was warm, and only saw a few people at the top. I started heading down around 10:15AM, and towards the bottom, there were a lot more people; I wasn't a fan of that. I got back to my car at 11:30AM, and the parking lot as well as the streets were full. The second time I came, I started around 12:45PM, and I managed to snag a parking spot even though the parking lot was pretty much full. The hike was somewhat empty and I went about 1.8 miles up to get my jacket; didn't see many people on the way back down either. So, my recommendation for this hike is: either go really early, or come around noon / 1PM to avoid the rush. Great views, fun hike, would recommend!

There's less foot traffic on this trail in comparison to others throughout Sedona, so Bear Mountain should be your #1 destination! It shares a parking lot with Doe Mountain though, a 1 miler and therefore very popular, so plan to get there early to secure a spot, or if you're lucky there's room for ~5 cars on the side of the road just outside of it on the dirt. A Red Rock Pass for $5 is required to park and the kiosk to purchase one is located directly at the parking lot. Bear's trail head is located just across the street from the parking lot. You could probably do Bear and knock off Doe Mountain afterward, then make your way down the road to Fay Canyon (a 2-miler) for a very efficient day of hiking. Bear Mountain is ~4.3 miles RT with a gain of ~2100 feet, so a little more difficult and therefore not for all the lazies scattered around the area. It's a VERY rocky trail, so come prepared. It can also be difficult to follow at first especially if you don't know to look for the white markers/ arrows painted onto the rocks throughout the trail. We actually veered off ~1 mile up and had to double back to find the trail again. We did it in 4 hours, 25 minutes which did include getting lost, taking pictures along the way and at the top, as well as a quick snack. The views are STUNNING going up and you're pretty much at one of the highest points in Sedona when you reach the peak. It gets windy some, so bring a windbreaker and/ or some extra layers. You might be sweating your butt off on the ascent, but you'll get cold very quickly once you're sitting still. In complete awe of the Sedona landscape and the beautiful red rocks plastered on the horizon. Bear Mountain certainly is a must!

Incredible hike with great views - and a real sense of accomplishment when you get done!! The vertical is steep enough that if you're a novice you probably should avoid this one. If you like a challenge then this one is perfect. It's 5 miles round trip but the vertical is almost 2,000 feet! It took us 3 HRs and 40 min but I hear of others taking 5+ hours (and some reviews mention 6 hours, so come prepared w water and snacks). I added a photo from the parking lot and viewing that I still am amazed that the trail leads you up and over that Mountain! And after the first steep climb you actually go a bit sideways and conquer 3 more peaks to get to the very top. From there you can actually look a bit northeast and see the San Francisco Peaks all the way up in Flagstaff! For Hikers looking for a challenge, this is a must-do!

Spectacular trail with amazing views. The trail is moderately difficult and steep at some points. There are times where you will have to use your hands to climb. Definitely not a climb for those with joint problems. The beginning of the trail is right next to the parking lot for the Bear Mountain Trail and the Deer Trail. It's $5 for parking and I think there is also a restroom. We came during the winter around the end of December. It's chilly, but not too cold that you have to wear a large winter jacket. After a few minutes, I was sweating from the hike and had to peel off some layers. It is about 2.4 miles one way, and the sign says it's about a 5 hour hike. Unfortunately, we were on a tight schedule, so could only get a little bit more than half way to the top. It took about 1 hour getting there, and about another hour getting down. Be careful coming down, because if you trip you could potentially fall into the many clusters of cacti.

I've done this "hike" twice now, exactly two years apart. The first time I did it, it was not fun, it was grueling. Imagine climbing up uneven, rock laden stairs for two hours and then stick pins in your eyes and pull out your fingernails and that would approximate my journey to the top. I was sick, so I thought that could have affected my perception of the difficulty of this trail, but I wasn't sure. So I tried it again yesterday feeling healthy, in shape and ready to take on the challenge. Guess what? It still was the most painful hike I've ever done. It is not hiking, it is climbing and scrambling over loose rocks and boulders. I think this may be the highest place in Sedona and the views are incredible, but a helicopter may be a better option. I gave this one star only because I don't think it is really a hike, more of a continuous rock climb and scramble for 2.5 miles straight with very little flat terrain. Dangerous and painful for people with bad knees.

Such a spectacular trail. Difficulty would be described as moderately difficult. There were pretty steep ascents/descents where all four limbs came into play. There were many times where we felt like we were off the trail and headed the wrong direction as it is not always clearly defined. However, having to pick our way and use our senses made it that much more challenging and fun! Multiple times, we stopped in awe of the view: it shows you almost the entirety of the Verde Valley as Bear Mountain is on the edge of the canyons. The trail is 2.5 miles one way and about a 2000 ft climb. Bring plenty of water and start early (before 8am) as it took us about 4 hrs to hike. It is not for the beginning hiker unless you are in very decent shape. The trailhead actually starts across the parking lot through a grassy meadow.

My 58 year old body made it to the top! With my 57 year old hubby as my tour guide, we were successful in following the trail. Very well marked. Lots of great photo ops and the view from the top is breathtaking.

My boyfriend and I have done this trail twice now, and the earlier you go, the better. Its pretty lengthy and challenging but well worth it. Give yourself about 5 hours round trip depending how often you stop to rest and take in the view. Bring lots of water do not underestimate. The view is incredible when you get to the top!

Great trail. But it's quite difficult. Coming down I couldn't believe that I did it! There's a definite End of Trail marker, so keep going. I swear we climbed about 5 mountains before we got there. But I'm glad we pushed through. It took us 3 hours up, and 2 hours down. We stopped to rest plenty of times. Had some grapes 1/3 way up, half a sandwich about 2/3 if the way up and an apple halfway down. Definitely pack snacks. We took 1.5 gallons of water between 2 people and had enough. Sooner you start in the day the better. The sun is hot after 1 pm. You'll want water, snacks, sunscreen and I was glad to have a hand towel. Would have loved to have baby wipes but I forgot. And if you have ankle braces or know how to tape ankles, I would absolutely do it once you've reached the summit. As always, doing down is much harder on the joints than going up. I am proud to say that I've conquered this trail!

Best kept secret of Sedona Hike! We went there twice and always impress us. 2.5 miles one way. The hike is difficult but the view will take your breath away!

LOVE this trail! It's beautiful and a workout! If you live near Phoenix, I like to compare it with camelback Echo Canyon trail. It's twice as long and I think same difficulty level.

This was my first hike in Sedona and we arrived at 8am with bottles of water, fruit and granola bars. It was much more difficult than I was expecting! Lots of climbing on all fours to get up the rocks. The views were spectacular the entire way up! We just did some searching and realized we went to the 'wrong' peak... definitely didn't find the end of trail sign. Not disappointed at all because you can't go wrong with the views no matter which way you go! When people say it isn't clearly marked, it's true. So be careful!

Beautiful views from this challenging hike that would be more appropriately named "Deceptions Pass" or "False Peak Trail." The trailhead is a bit tricky to find as it's starts on the opposite side of the road as the parking lot. There's also a bar between the fence posts you enter that almost indicate "keep out" but I guess it's to keep the ATV's / mountain bikes off the trail. The hike starts out looking tame-enough with the mountain looking barely taller than the "moderate" Doe Mountain opposite of Bear Mountain. Here's where the "lies" begin. Behind the first plateau lies 4 more peaks/valleys that you have to go through before reaching the final peak 1800 ft up. The difficulty with this hike is the mental game you play as you think you're done but now need to go down a valley before heading back up to the next peak. In the end, the challenge was fun and the views from the top are spectacular. Took about 5 hours round trip and definitely worth it. Bring lots of water and sun screen as there aren't many spots with shade.

This is an absolutely picturesque hike. It is difficult, so prepare for a nap when you finish. My boyfriend and I were up and back in 4 hours exactly. We took 2-3 breaks on the way up, and spent about 30 mins at the peak. We have done many of the other easier hikes in Sedona, and we decided we were ready for a challenge. Most of the ascent is stair steps, most of which you do not need to use your hands. As long as you go in knowing this is going to be a strenuous hike, and you're prepared with water,sunscreen,snacks,etc this is definitely doable. So,so worth the views!

This was my favorite hike of our week-long trip to Sedona. I considered it difficult. The guide at The Hiking Store recommended it and warned of several "false summits." That was good advice. You think you are almost there several times but the top, once reached, is unmistakable and also worth pushing through. Beautiful views the entire way and especially at the summit. I read a complaint that the trail was easily lost but found that to be untrue. It was clearly marked with white blazes which kept me on track the entire way. It took is 3 hours and 45 minute but we moved along fairly quickly.

I hiked this alone...with out the knowledge of the trail markers OR that there is a Sedona trails App, that would tell you when you are off the trail...so that being said, I found myself in an possible side of the mountain wondering how the heck people finish this. Sat there, enjoying the view, because it was beautiful from the spot as well, and listened for others, and realized I was several feet/yards off the trail. Followed the voice and met some wonderful family from Ohio. What easily could have taken me 2 hours to get to the top took 3...I was down the trail in an hour. It is BEAUTIFUL on the way up. I almost prefer some of the views you have on the way to the top than the actual top due to the amount of trees/brush all over. It is quite a good hike! Not heavily populated either. I started at 7:30 - definitely recommend that, any hike in Sedona, by the time 1-2 comes around it is pretty hot! Must do hike in Sedona if you are a avid hiker!