A challenging uphill hike to some of Sedona’s most vast and panoramic viewpoints, Bear Mountain is relatively uncrowded trail that rewards you at multiple levels as you ascend to the 6,400+ foot peak.
The Bear Mountain hike is roughly 5 miles and considered moderate to challenging. You’ll gain 2,000+ feet of elevation with very few flat sections to refresh, making this hike harder than most others around Sedona. This took us just under 4 hours, with a few water stops and some time at the top to take some panoramic pictures. Dogs can take this hike, but keep in mind there are some scrambling sections that may be challenging for your four-legged friends.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Bear Mountain trail, search for the Bear Mountain and Doe Mountain Parking Lot in Sedona, Arizona or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Sedona, get off Highway 89 and go north on Dry Creek Road until it ends at a T intersection. Go left onto Boynton Pass Road until it also ends in a T intersection. Go left, Pass the Fay Canyon parking lot and then you’ll approach the Bear Mountain parking lot on your left.
Driving Info: This is all paved so it’s accessible to anybody. The parking lot is decent size, and this trail is not nearly as popular as others like Devils Bridge or Boynton Canyon, but it certainly fills up on weekends. Note that the actual trail starts off on the other side of Boynton Pass Road.
Time & Weather: We did this hike in late February. Since it’s Arizona desert it can be painfully hot or cold. We had chilly 50 degree hiking weather for most of the hike. When the sun is out it helps, but it gets cold and windy as you reach the peaks and plateaus of this hike. When we did this hike, many parts of the trail and mountainside remain in the shadows all winter long, and thus there is still snow everywhere. There were even some very slippery and icy spots that forced us to stop and evaluate the safest footholds.
Gear: You want solid boots with grip for this hike. It’s a sharp uphill climb nearly the entire way, and parts of the trail require some scrambling. If you do this hike in the winter like we did, micro-spikes may be necessary for certain parts of the trail that rarely see the winter sun. Hiking poles are always recommended, especially if your knees struggle on sharp ascents and descents.
Trail Navigation: This is not always easy to navigate, and you encounter a couple false summits so the path is not always direct. But in general if you look ahead you can spot where you’re supposed to end up.
Water & Food: As is the case for any desert hike, bring plenty of water and stay hydrated. Bring a snack to enjoy once you reach the final peak, as there are plenty of panoramic views to enjoy.
Trailhead Info: The parking lot can fit roughly 15 cars, and although it’s not the most popular trails in the area, it will still fill up on weekends.
Pictures of the Bear Mountain Trail:
Once you park, you’ll cross Boynton Pass Road to begin the hike. Enjoy the only flat part of the trail as you approach the beautiful mountains.
Here’s an example of some scrambling sections. There are a few spots where it’s necessary to use your hands for extra stability.
Ascend higher and catch some of the unique sandstone formations that surround you.
Turning back around you’ll get one of the many views along this trail.
This is one of the false summits, but even if you only decide to go this far, the views are absolutely worthwhile.
Continue on up the mountain across wide and layered rock.
In February there is still plenty of snow on the trail since the winter sun doesn’t reach every area.
Now that you’re on the dark side of the mountain, the snow is scattered along the layers of rock. Watch your footing since some sections get icy and slippery.
More spectacular landscapes as you make it to another viewpoint.
Unique zig-zagging layers of stone that you’ll ascend on your way to the peak.
As you hike across one plateau to another you can get a sneak peak of the final views.
You’ve reach the top! Mind your step and take some time to explore the myriad panoramic views from this stunning peak.
Looking north towards the San Francisco Mountains, you can see Arizona’s tallest peak, the prominent Mount Humphrey.
This view is looking south towards Cottonwood and the Black Hills Mountain Range.
Once you start descending it’s easier to admire the spectacular views from where you started your hike.
Watch your footing since many part of this trail can be tricky and require your hands for extra stability.
This is one of the many trails that makes it onto our list of the best hikes in Sedona. If you have limited time be sure to check it out so that you can prioritize properly.
