Bear Mountain Trail: One of Sedona’s most stunning hikes
The Bear Mountain Trail in Sedona offers some of the most majestic views in the entire Red Rock area. At around five miles, you get a huge bang for your buck with this hike, allowing you to see the incredible landscape without spending your entire day out hiking.
I was blown away the first time I reached the top of Bear Mountain, and I am sure you will be, too. I highly recommend adding this to your list of Sedona hikes while visiting the area.
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Guide to the Bear Mountain Trail in Sedona
Quick Bear Mountain Trail Details:
- Distance: 4.5 miles per AllTrails, my Garmin Watch said 5.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,000
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Estimated time on trail: 3-5 hours (my moving time was 2 hours with 3 hours on trail)
- Trailhead location: Bear Mountain Parking lot (same as Doe Mountain Trail)
Essential information for hiking Sedona’s Bear Mountain
Is Bear Mountain a hard trail?
This comes down to who is hiking the trail. Objectively, it’s a tough-ish trail with a little under 1,000 feet of gain per mile. Moderate hikes are around 500, so by that correlation, it’s a hard hike.
That said, I didn’t find it overly grueling five years ago. Others will presumably find the Bear Mountain trail to be quite strenuous. I know that’s a lot of wishy-washy context. But because it’s a short trail, although gradually steep, it’s not overwhelmingly tough, and you’ll be able to reach the summit!
What is the trail like?
The trail starts out mellow as you hike across a desert section before climbing up to the top of Bear Mountain. This section has some rocky sections as you ascend the red rocks. After this section, it gets easier to follow, and you’re back on a normal trail as you wind across the beautiful Sedona terrain.
The trail has a few steeper sections but also some more moderate areas, which help level it out. After the first uphill, you get back into Red Rock country, where you get a stunning view of the Sedona area, which you rarely see.
I do remember the last mile being harder and steeper than the beginning half. On the map, it shows that you gain 800 feet over this section.
How good are the views on the top of Bear Mountain?
These are some of the best views Sedona offers. I was in awe of the vast views across Sedona, and the cacti were blooming for my June hike. It was a tremendous place to spend an afternoon, soak up the sun, and see the beauty of Mother Nature.
Is Bear Mountain crowded?
It’s been a while since I’ve hiked Bear Mountain. The last time I did it was 2019, and I was the only person on the trail. That said, with the rise in people recreating outdoors, I’m sure it’s a different experience than what I had.
That said, it’s still not one of the ‘classic’ hikes in the area, and at around 1,000 feet per mile, it may keep some people away who are looking for a less challenging hike.
This is all to say that I’m not sure what the current state is, especially during the heaviest tourist months.
What do I need to bring on the hike?
The trail has little to no shade, so you’ll want to bring plenty of water and sun protection. This can be sunscreen, a sun hoodie, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
I also recommend having sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners, a medium-sized backpack, snacks, and hiking poles.
Where do I find the parking lot?
The parking lot and trailhead are about a 15-minute drive from West Sedona. Take Dry Creek Road to Boyton Pass Road. Stay on Boyton Pass Road for a bit, making sure to turn left at all intersections.
Are there bathrooms at the trailhead?
Yes, there’s a pit toilet at the trailhead. It’s nothing fancy, but it’ll get the job done. Make sure to sanitize your hands afterward.
What pass do I need to hike the Bear Mountain Trail?
Like many other trails in the Sedona area, you’ll need a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass. These passes provide funding to maintain the Sedona trails and create a positive hiking experience for all.
Learn more about the Red Rock Pass here and see if you need it for other specific hikes.
Are drones allowed on the hike?
No drones are allowed on the Bear Mountain Trail. After leaving the parking lot, you’ll enter the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, a No-Drone Zone. Please respect the rules and allow people to enjoy the sounds of nature.
Looking for other things to do in Sedona? Check out my list here.
Professional Landscape Photos from Bear Mountain
Here are some of my best shots from my Bear Mountain hike.
Lodging Near Sedona
Lodging in Sedona has gotten pricey, but there are still some affordable options.
Somewhat Budget Lodging in Sedona: Los Abrigados Resort and Spa
Mid-Level Lodging in Sedona: Residence Inn by Marriott
Luxury Lodging in Sedona: The Enchantment Resort
Other cool hikes in the area
Here are some other nice hikes to do while you’re in this area:
- Doe Mountain – Nice for a quick sunset hike.
- Boynton Canyon – Lovely hike and the one that will get you near the subway cave
- Fay Canyon – Easy hike that’s short, yet beautiful.
Final Thoughts on the Bear Mountain Hike
The Bear Mountain hike is truly a gem in Sedona, and you’ll be super stoked you chose it for your hike. Red Rock Country has so much to offer, and this one shows you the best of it with massive views, great terrain, and hopefully fewer crowds compared to Boyton Canyon or Devil’s Bridge.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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