Rising to 6,463 feet as Sedona’s second-highest peak, Bear Mountain is a challenging yet rewarding hike.
It is named the toughest hike in Sedona. 😧
The strenuous 2.3-mile ascent climbs about 2,000 feet, with steep, rocky terrain and little shade.
The trail offers breathtaking views throughout, showcasing Sedona’s iconic red rock formations and the distant San Francisco Peaks.
✨ Here’s a tip – enjoy the journey and stop to soak in the views!
I personally found the trail itself with its rock scrambling sections and panoramic views to be the best part rather than the summit.
Navigating the trail requires careful attention – look for white, diamond-shaped markers painted on the rock to help guide your way.
While Bear Mountain sees fewer crowds than Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock, it remains a popular trek.
The parking lot is shared with another well-traveled trail, so arriving early is key to securing a spot and avoiding the midday heat.
Read my in-depth hiking guide to learn how to safely and successfully summit Bear Mountain in Sedona.
Bear Mountain in Sedona: Trail Stats + Map
Bear Mountain Trail Stats
Length: 4.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking Time: 3 to 4.5 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Hike Features: Easy rock scrambling, amazing views, a few false summits, Bear Mountain summit
Bear Mountain Sedona Map
Bear Mountain Trailhead and Parking
The Bear Mountain Trailhead offers a fairly spacious parking area, but it fills up quickly due to its popularity.
Since it serves as the starting point for both Bear Mountain and Doe Mountain, arriving early is essential to secure a spot.
Vault toilets are available at the trailhead.
If the lot is full, limited roadside parking is available along Boynton Pass Road.
Is a Red Rock Pass Required?
A Red Rock Pass is required to park at the Bear Mountain Trailhead, or you can use an America the Beautiful Pass if you have one.
You can purchase a Red Rock Pass online in advance or at the self-pay kiosk at either trailhead.
You may not need a Red Rock Pass to park alongside Boynton Pass Road but I’m not 100% sure!
🎟️ The Red Rock Pass costs:
- $5 for a day
- $15 for a week
- $20 for an annual pass
Learn more about the Red Rock Pass Program HERE.
Best Time to Hike Bear Mountain in Sedona
The best times to hike to Bear Mountain are typically in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).
During these months, the weather is usually perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.
✨ READ THIS: Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
This is also peak season for Sedona so expect more people on the trails and full parking lots.
Starting your hike early is the best way to beat the crowds and secure a parking spot!
Seasonal Considerations
🍂 Fall (September – November): This is a popular time to visit Sedona due to ideal weather conditions making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
❄️ Winter (December – February): This season is probably my favorite time to explore Sedona because the crowd-level is at its lowest.
My husband and I hiked Bear Mountain in January and had the summit to ourselves!
However, it’s important to note that we started before sunrise, and on our way down the mountain we saw quite a few people making their way up.
⚠️ If there’s snow or ice on the trail or summit, exercise caution and use good judgment – slippery conditions can make this hike extremely dangerous!
🌷 Spring (March – May): This season offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful desert blooms, but trails will be busy as it’s a popular time to visit Sedona.
☀️ Summer (June – August): Visiting Sedona in the summer is not recommended due to extreme heat.
Most of the Bear Mountain Trail is exposed, and when combined with a challenging hike it can quickly lead to dehydration and heat-related illness.
Follow these tips to stay safe in the summer:
- Start early in the morning or later in the day to avoid peak heat
- Bring plenty of water – more than you think you’ll need
- Wear sun-protective clothing like a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing and apply sunscreen
Hike the Bear Mountain Trail: Step-by-Step Directions
Bear Mountain Trail
The Bear Mountain Trail begins across the street from the parking lot.
This hike begins by passing through a gate and crossing a few washes.
Enjoy the first 0.3 miles because it’s about to get real.
Real tough. 😭
But also real fun! 😜
The trail consists of four steep sections consisting of switchbacks, lots of steps, and rock scrambling with a few breaks of flat or gentle incline in between each hard section.
Follow small white, double-ended arrows painted on rocks to stay on track.
The views along the way will be incredible!
My husband and I started our hike early and saw the sunrise as we ascending towards Bear Mountain – it was beautiful.
If you are using AllTrails, it may tell you there is an “overlook” about 0.5 miles away from the summit of Bear Mountain.
This spot is also known as a false summit – one of several along the way.
This false summit or overlook provides amazing views of Fay Canyon and Sedona’s red rock formations.
False summits can be deceiving, so downloading AllTrails offline maps can help pinpoint the true summit.
If you don’t have offline maps, don’t worry – a “Trail End” sign marks the actual summit.
From this point, you’re almost there!
The trail continues its steady climb toward the summit, demanding one final push.
During our hike, the sun gave us more energy to finish the final climb strong!
We had just hiked Wilson Mountain (another challenging hike) a few days prior, so we were still recovering from that.
But we pressed on, step by step, until we finally reached the summit. 🙌
Bear Mountain Summit
At the top we were greeted by a “Trail End” sign.
From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views stretching across Sedona’s red rock landscape.
We reached the summit at a bad time for photography due to the sun rising in the east which was where the best views were at.
Everything was bright and hazy – I did the best I could with editing the pictures. 🫣
If you walk to the other side of the summit, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of the San Francisco Peaks rising in the distance to the north.
I don’t know why I didn’t get a picture of those mountains!
What was I thinking – looks like we’ll have to hike the Bear Mountain Trail again just so I can take a picture of the San Francisco Peaks.
Anyway, once you reach the summit, take a moment to soak in the incredible scenery – you’ve earned it!
When you’re ready, retrace your steps back down to the trailhead.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
🥾 Have the time and energy for another hike? Check out these nearby trails:
Essential Hiking Tips and What to Bring
1. Start Early: This is a long, strenuous hike with a good amount of elevation gain.
An early start not only helps to avoid crowds but also avoid the heat and ensures you have enough time to complete the trek.
2. Red Rock Pass Required: This pass is required for parking at the Bear Mountain Trailhead, or you can use an America the Beautiful Pass.
You can purchase one online or at the trailhead kiosk.
3. Download Offline Maps: The Bear Mountain Trail is well-marked and easy to follow but having offline maps on your phone can give you peace of mind.
4. Follow the Trail Markers: Look for small white, double-ended arrows painted on rocks to stay on the correct path.
5. Be Prepared for a Tough Climb: This trail is steep and relentless.
Working out consistently and hiking other tough trails can help you prepare for this hike.
6. Check the Weather: Avoid hiking in extreme heat, and be cautious if snow or ice is present, as the trail becomes dangerously slippery.
7. Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots: Sturdy hiking boots with good traction are essential for navigating steep, rocky, and uneven terrain.
8. Bring Hiking Poles: They’ll help with balance on the uneven, rocky terrain, especially on the descent.
9. Summer Safety Tips:
- Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.
- Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Eat high-carb and salty snacks to help keep your energy levels up and replenish electrolytes.
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Try to hike during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.
10. Keep Sedona Pristine for Future Generations: Take the Sedona Cares Pledge and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Pack the 10 Essentials:
- Navigation – A map, compass, or GPS device to help you stay on course and find your way in unfamiliar terrain.
- Water – Sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.
- Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.
- First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.
- Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
- Insulation – Extra layers of clothing (such as a jacket or fleece) to stay warm in changing weather conditions.
- Rain Gear and Emergency Shelter – A rain jacket or poncho and an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.
- Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency.
- Multi-tool or Knife – A versatile tool or knife to handle any tasks, from preparing food to making repairs.
- Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.
FAQs: Bear Mountain Sedona
How long does it take to hike Bear Mountain in Sedona?
It takes about 3 to 4.5 hours to hike Bear Mountain in Sedona.
Is it hard to hike Bear Mountain?
This hike is considered strenuous for the average hiker with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain in 2.3 miles.
What is the hardest hike in Sedona?
Bear Mountain is considered to be the hardest hike in Sedona.
Discover More Great Hikes in Sedona
Soldiers Pass Trail – This trail is perfect for families and beginners plus it’s pet-friendly! You’ll encounter remarkable features like Devils Kitchen Sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools, and the intriguing Soldiers Pass Cave.
Cathedral Rock – This is a short but steep hike to one of the most magical spots in Sedona. Also, it’s an incredible spot to watch the sunset!
Keyhole Cave – Tackle this off-the-beaten-path hike to one of Sedona’s largest caves, offering an adventurous challenge for experienced hikers.
Wilson Mountain – If you’re up for a challenging climb with unmatched scenery and fewer crowds, tackle this hike to the tallest peak in Sedona!
Conclusion
Hiking Bear Mountain in Sedona is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding adventure.
With its steep ascents, rocky terrain, and breathtaking panoramic views, this trail is a true test of endurance and a must-do for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
Prepare properly, pace yourself, and enjoy the journey.
If this guide inspires you to tackle the toughest hike in Sedona – Bear Mountain – I’d love to hear about your adventure.
Leave a comment and share your experience!
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