You can hike the Bear Mountain Trail in Sedona if you're looking for a challenge. It's the second highest point in Sedona County (6,463 feet), so be sure to get a workout in, especially since the trail climbs nearly 2,000 feet in just 2.5 miles.
As official track number 54″. Coconino National Forest, you will benefit from good signage and trail markings, including white blazes painted on smooth rocks or the occasional rubble. We had no problem at all finding the way.
Although the Bear Mountain Trail is steep, it is divided into short, flat sections where you can catch your breath. It is also a colorful hike with two levels – the lower red rock level and the upper white rock level.
There is no shade on the Bear Mountain trail, and in the summer temperatures can get extremely hot. Be prepared with plenty of water (carry a gallon of water in the summer), a wide-brimmed sun hat, and sunscreen along with your usual Hiking basics.
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Summary of hiking the Bear Mountain Trail in Sedona
distance: 5 miles round trip
Height gain: 2100 feet (cumulative)
Time needed: 3.5 – 5 hours.
Difficulty level: difficult
Necessary permits: Buy a Red Rock Trail At the kiosk in the parking lot using a credit card or at any of the many businesses and hotels in Sedona. that America the Beautiful Passage It can also be used in place of the Red Rock Pass.
amenities: There is a pit toilet in the car park.
the shoes: Take hiking boots with ankle support and good tread.
Dogs: Leashed dogs are allowed on hikes on the Bear Mountain Trail in Sedona. Leave them at home on very hot days and bring plenty of water as well. They suffer from heat exhaustion faster than humans.
please: Exercise 7 Leave no trace principles. These include planning ahead and being prepared, traveling on sturdy surfaces, disposing of waste properly, leaving what you find, respecting wildlife, minimizing the effects of a campfire (irrelevant here), and being considerate of others.
Parking for the Bear Mountain Trail in Sedona
One of the reasons we chose to hike the Bear Mountain trail on a weekend was because we knew we could get parking. As a word of caution, you will encounter traffic congestion, parking issues, and large crowds when you visit Sedona from President's Day weekend through April. It is also crowded in September and October.
Parking for the hike up Bear Mountain is shared with the Doe Mountain Trail. Although the parking lot is not large, there is plenty of good parking along the road and you probably won't have to walk far. This is not the case with very popular hikes like Devil's Bridge, Soldier's Pass, and the Boynton Canyon Trail.
Directions to Bear Mountain Trail
It is located 5.7 miles from the trailhead at the intersection of Highway 89A and Dry Creek Road. Head north on Dry Creek Road for 2 miles to the stop sign. Turn left on Boynton Pass Road and follow it for 2.4 miles.
Continue to the next stop sign and turn left, continuing onto Boynton Pass Road. Continue another 1.3 miles to the Doe Mountain – Bear Mountain parking lot. It's signed and clear. You'll find it on the left side of the road as you approach Sedona.
Note that the hike goes up to Bear Mountain It starts across the road From the parking lot.
How to Hike the Bear Mountain Trail near Sedona
Walk across the road and you'll spy the wide trail heading toward Bear Mountain. It crosses two washbasins before beginning the gradual ascent to the borders of the wilderness.
there Four distinct sections On a hike up Bear Mountain, with The most severe sections In the red rocks section. Between the steep bits are flat sections – a good place to stop for a break and drink some water.
The first of four sections is a 450-foot climb through red rock on a narrow path. There will be times when you need to use your hands to balance. It's beautiful from here and regular hikers will have no problems. I always find it easier to walk up these steep stretches than down. Be careful not to put your hand in a spiny cactus!
Hiking tip for staying on the trail: Look for white tick marks painted on the rocks. They are irregularly spaced, perhaps every 20 feet or more. If you haven't noticed them in a while, you may have gotten off track. I think the Bear Mountain Trail in Sedona is straightforward, but it's easy to get sidetracked by all the exceptional views.
When the grade moderates, you'll reach the white rock section of the Bear Mountain Trail in Sedona. It's a pleasant walk over wide slabs of white rock and the views are excellent, although I think the best part of the hike is the stretch across the checkerboard-shaped sandstone at the top of the third section.
It's my favorite type of hiking and at the same time you get to enjoy the amazing views of Fay Canyon. Check my Instagram reel Let's see what I mean.
Getting to the top of Bear Mountain is a bit disappointing. There is a sign in the bushes – but there is no view from that spot. Walk around to find a place to rest and enjoy.
I also recommend walking north so you can enjoy a view of San Francisco Mountain, the highest point in Arizona at 12,690 feet. It is an extinct stratovolcano that is covered with snow most of the year.
To get back to the car park, simply retrace your steps.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our Bear Mountain trail ride. We love a good workout and we get that in great quantities. The views of the red rocks are great as are the variety of boulders and small landscapes along the way. Enjoy.
Photos of the Bear Mountain Trail
Avoid parking hassles with a tour
Phytor It offers numerous walking, hiking and jeepneying options for those of you who prefer to leave the details to someone else.
A few of the popular tours include the following.
Where to stay in Sedona
Sedona is not an inexpensive place to stay, at least when you're like me and pay in Canadian dollars. We chose to stay in Briar Patch Inn in Oak Creek, although in hindsight it was too far from the lanes we wanted to use, especially given the traffic. Give the location of your accommodation some attention if you're focused on hiking.
Some suggestions include:
More information about your trip to Sedona
The best time to visit Sedona in terms of weather is mid-February to April and September to October. But this is also the time everyone wants to visit.
Personally, I hate the traffic, the lines, too many people on the road, the inability to get dinner reservations, and all the other things that come with discovering an exceptionally beautiful part of Arizona.
In the future I will visit it in the off season. If it snows, it won't last long. And I won't have to get up before dawn to get a parking spot.
Decide what works for you. I think the locals will be happier to see me in the off-season too.
Do you like hiking in Arizona?
Check out these Arizona hikes from left to right.
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