bear mountain trail

colleeng393

Our favourite hike in Sedona. View was 360 of Sedona and u can see mountain peaks of San Francisco. Our guide book said 5 hour round trip. We did it in 4.5 which included a 1 hour rest on the peak. The climb fools you a couple times with false peaks and u need to hike down a couple times to climb higher again. But truly best view in sedona.

CandS2009

Even if you don't go all the way to the top, we didn't, the half way point for rookies is easy. See my photos.

Pam0315

This is one of themes challenging hikes we did this week, but it was great!! The views are spectacular. We especially loved the white arrows on the trail pointing the correct way!

SedonaSunrise28

This was an amazing hike, I have been up there twice. It is not an easy one. Be prepared for about a 3000 foot elevation gain. If you are not in shape, I would not recommend this one for you. It is strenuous! Start early in the morning…as there is not much shade and the mountain is in full sun. Walking sticks are helpful for this trail…I didn't have them the first time and my knees paid for it on the way back down! NEED to know the signs for the trail…it is very easy to lose your way if you are not paying attention! Follow the cairns (stacked rock markers) also, encased rocks in wire. DO NOT cross where logs are laid across the trail, it is marking that it is not the right direction! (not that I ever did that….oops!)It is about a 4-5 hour hike, if you are taking your time up the mountain…take lots of water and snacks or lunch and enjoy a picnic at the top. It is GORGEOUS!!!! Because there are bathrooms at the parking lot, you will need a Red Rock Parking Pass to park there. You can get the passes at the "Giant Gas Station" in West Sedona. If you are staying a week and plan on hiking a few days…it is good to get a full week pass!Enjoy and be safe!

chrisandkris

This is a challenging hike. It's a vertical hike, not a ring road, nor a walk in the woods. However, if you're moderately fit and into the hard work of hiking upwards, it's got a great reward at the top. We were able to see Jerome in the distance, as well as the expansive red rock vistas that are so prevalent around Sedona. We were lucky enough to have spring like weather in the first week of February, so it was dry and almost hot - having at least a litre of water (per person) is necessary. I would highly recommend this hike.

MarthaM235

- take 1.5L of water, extra layers, and rain layer--- weather is unpredictable, it was sunny when we left in the morning and drizzled on the way back down- take poles! need for going up and making it down, especially if the rocks get wet from rain!- awesome view points at the top... bring food for a chill lunch!- saw a deer, and some birds- if you are looking for a hike where you will feel out in the backcountry, this is the hike to do!- snow at the top of the mountain which was cool

Kristy0259

you can't be afraid of heights because you will be traversing to a elevation of 1000 ft or more.the views are spectacular from bear mountain and 10 min beyond bear mountain.take lots of water, snacks, dry socks, dry shirt, sunglasses, cell phone, good camera, a buddy. i would say you need to be in good shape to do this one becuause you will be climbing on rocks the majority of the way up.you need to be back to your car by 3pm because it gets dark quickly.lots of hikers on this trail which was good just in case anything happens there is helpgood hiking boots is a mustwear layers!

969lisaf

My husband and I wanted to do a challenging hike and really enjoyed this one! We went in the dead heat of summer- July. The hike was pretty tough - we are both in our early 30s and relatively fit but there was a lot of steep ascents. I wore shorts and that ended up being a bad idea since the rocks got pretty hot. Follow the zen rocks and don't stop when you get to the plateau region - theres more at the top! Views were beautiful and totally worth it!! Make sure to bring lots of water!

kielar

Plan spending some time on the trail with this one if you want the summit. If you are a experienced hiker in good shape this will be enjoyable, if you are not its still worth a try because the views are worth the hike. My family of 4 did not use any walking sticks, poles or other equipment so that is not mandatory but good boots are a real plus. Its difficult to estimate a time to the peak depending on your pace and if you want to stop and take pictures etc but I'd guess the average time to be 4+ hours for most. Get to the Doe Mountain/Bear Mountain TH parking lot by 9:00 in winter to avoid most other hikers, but its generally not crowded since it is out of the way and most people don't what to exert the effort it takes to do this.The worst part of the trip was the helicopter rides passing through the valley and making their obnoxious noise, really breaks up the serenity of the moment..

EnjoyExploring2

Bear is a challenge in terms of stamina, steepness, ascent and descent, sliding sand and pebbles. It is a tough hike that is gorgeous every step of the way. TAKE POLES! They help on the ascent and are needed on the descent. Have enough water. Do not do this hike unless you have good stamina and balance. A real sense of achievement when finished and exhilarating views every step of the way. So glad we did Bear!

sandratm2013

Great hike but very challenging. I would rate it difficult. The views are gorgeous!!! Such an incredible part of the world.

jeffreys81

This trail is visually misleading. Listen to all the guide trail reviews. I am a major hiker, so it was awesome. But, for inexperieinced hikers without poles, it will be a major challenge. The vistas are breathtaking around every corner. If you have the leg power, the energy and the fortitude, you must do this trail. It is one of my top ten of all time!

amywZ3526GQ

Bear Mountain was a bear of a hike, but really neat hike and a great way to see the different terrain. There were really difficult parts, easy parts and medium parts. The view was 360 degree for miles and miles! This hike you need to lots of water, sunscreen, and start early (there is little to no shade on this hike). You need to be able to follow trail markers - official (white blazes & signs) and non offical (footprints and stacked rocks) trail markers. Great challenge that will not disappoint....pack water :)

Ambahkiwi

Me and my friend Derek walked up this trail, we read the reviews and were trying to figure out how long this would take us. We are relatively fit people and to get right to the summit and back down took us a total of 3hours 50. It is possible to get up and down under four hours but as suggested make sure you take plenty of water. It was very hot and I would recommend sunscreen. Totally worth the sweat for such amazing views, you really feel like you are on top of the world. It is a difficult hike but if you pace yourself and ensure you have enough equipment then you will love it. A good challenge but a rewarding one.

Needsmoretimeoff_12

It is a hard hike up but so worth it. We hike for 2 hours and did not quite make it to the top as were running out of water and it was very hot. We were taking lots of pictures and visiting with people so if you just hiked and are younger than us it would be faster.Great views. It took 1 1/2 hours down and it had gotten really hot by then. You need to start out early in the morning to get it done before the heat of the day. I'm glad we did it.