Bear Mountain Trail
A strenuous 4.9-mile hike in Sedona with over 2,000 ft elevation gain, offering rewarding summit views and challenging red rock scrambling.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Bear Mountain Trail
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A strenuous 4.9-mile hike in Sedona with over 2,000 ft elevation gain, offering rewarding summit views and challenging red rock scrambling.
"This trail is awesome and not for beginners. Beautiful, but be safe and make sure you’re wearing hiking boots and have enough water."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Traction is crucial on the slickrock. Hiking boots or shoes with good grip are essential.
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. This is a strenuous hike with little shade.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Summit
Panoramic vistas of Sedona's red rock landscape await. Truly rewarding after a challenging climb.
Red Rock Scrambling
Various sections
Engage with the trail by using your hands to navigate steep sandstone slickrock sections.
False Summits
Ascending sections
The trail plays tricks with multiple false summits, keeping you motivated for the real prize.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Terrain
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Traction is crucial on the slickrock. Hiking boots or shoes with good grip are essential.
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. This is a strenuous hike with little shade.
⬆️ White Diamond Markers
Follow the white diamond trail markers to stay on the correct path.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be unreliable. An offline map on your phone is a lifesaver.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Traction is crucial on the slickrock. Hiking boots or shoes with good grip are essential.
💧 Hydration is Non-Negotiable
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. This is a strenuous hike with little shade.
⬆️ White Diamond Markers
Follow the white diamond trail markers to stay on the correct path.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be unreliable. An offline map on your phone is a lifesaver.
🚶♀️ Not for Beginners
This trail is challenging. Consider Doe Mountain if you're new to hiking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bear Mountain Trail is a highly rewarding but undeniably challenging hike in Sedona, praised for its stunning summit views and unique red rock scrambling. While many find it a favorite, its steepness, length, and treacherous sections make it unsuitable for beginners or those not in good physical condition. Proper preparation with water, footwear, and navigation is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
"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."
Michael “Maranara” Maragliano
"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!!"
Joseph Gjata
"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."
Lauren L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bear Mountain Trail is located in Sedona, Arizona. Access typically requires driving to the trailhead. A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is usually required for parking. +1
Public transport options directly to the Bear Mountain Trailhead are limited. It's generally recommended to have a personal vehicle or arrange for a ride-share service.
Parking is available at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Arrive early or consider visiting during off-peak hours. A Red Rock Pass is required.
Hiking Bear Mountain Trail at night is possible with a headlamp, but it's more challenging. Downloading an offline map is highly recommended. Some hikers prefer to wait for sunrise.
Yes, Doe Mountain Trail is located just across the road and is often recommended as a less strenuous alternative for those seeking great views without the extreme challenge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Red Rock Pass is typically required for parking at the Bear Mountain Trailhead. An America the Beautiful Pass is also accepted.
Bear Mountain Trail is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, it's advisable to check local park advisories for any specific closures or restrictions.
The cost is associated with the Red Rock Pass for parking. Daily passes are available, and longer-term passes can also be purchased if you plan to visit multiple Red Rock Ranger District sites.
Tickets are not required for Bear Mountain Trail itself, as it's a natural trail. The cost is for the parking pass, which can usually be purchased at the trailhead or visitor centers.
While there are no official age restrictions, the strenuous nature of the hike makes it unsuitable for very young children or individuals with significant mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 4.9 miles roundtrip and can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on your fitness level, pace, and how much time you spend at the summit.
Bear Mountain Trail has a significant elevation gain of over 2,024 feet, making it a challenging climb. +1
Dogs are generally not recommended or permitted on Bear Mountain Trail due to its strenuous and treacherous nature, including steep drop-offs and scrambling sections.
Restroom facilities are typically not available directly at the Bear Mountain Trailhead. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive or at a nearby visitor center.
While the name suggests bears, sightings are rare in this specific area. You might encounter smaller desert wildlife like lizards, birds, and various insects.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of Sedona. Look for unique rock formations and the expansive desert landscape along the trail, especially during golden hour. +1
Absolutely! Sunrise and sunset provide dramatic lighting that enhances the red rock scenery. Be prepared for hiking in low light conditions if you aim for these times.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light shots and a comfortable camera bag for the hike.
Foot traffic is usually lighter than on more popular Sedona trails, especially if you go during off-peak hours or weekdays, making it easier to get unobstructed photos.
The 'golden hours' shortly after sunrise and before sunset provide the most flattering light, casting a warm glow on the red rocks. Midday sun can be harsh.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families seeking a different kind of Bear Mountain experience, the Bear Mountain Fall Foliage boat cruise from NYC offers a scenic and relaxed way to enjoy the area's beauty without the strenuous hike.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, pack your own water and snacks instead of purchasing them near the trailhead.
💑 Couples & Adventurous Pairs
After conquering the trail, consider a relaxing boat cruise on the Hudson River if you're in the New York area, offering a different, more leisurely way to appreciate scenic views together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenge of Bear Mountain Trail
Despite its difficulty, the trail is generally well-marked with white diamond markers, guiding hikers through the rugged landscape.
For those who can conquer its challenges, the reward is immense. The summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of Sedona and the surrounding red rock formations, making it a favorite for many experienced hikers.
Navigating Bear Mountain Trail Safely
Proper gear is non-negotiable. Beyond good traction footwear, carrying ample water is essential, as dehydration is a significant risk in the desert environment.
While the trail is marked, the presence of false summits and the sheer steepness mean you should always stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid hiking alone if possible, and inform someone of your hiking plans.
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