Hiking Bear Mountain Trail

Yesterday found me out on the Bear Mountain Trail with a new friend I met during a Sedona Meet Up Hiking event Linda is from New Jersey and an avid outdoorswoman, hiker and yoga devotee. I sure enjoyed Linda’s company as we marveled at the views and shared about our lives, family and career paths.

I was also happy that the Bear Mountain Trail DID NOT kick me in the behind. A challenging hike with 1800 FT gain over the course of 3 levels of summits. Views along the way revealed stunning red rock slot canyons and an area that looked like a mini Grand Canyon. This is a steep trail with some rock scrambling. Pay attention to the trail as it is easy to get off track. recommend at least 2-litters of water, more on a hot day. Food, hat and walking poles very helpful.

Bear Mountain Trail: This is a difficult hike and you should be prepared with proper footwear, water and food

Trailhead Directions:  The parking for the Bear Mountain hike shared with Doe Mountain hike. From the “Y” roundabout (the intersection of Highway 179 and Highway 89A), drive west on Highway 89A about 3 miles. Turn right on Dry Creek Road. Stay on Dry Creek Road about 3 miles to the end and a stop sign. Turn left on Boynton Pass Road and proceed about 1 1/2 miles to a stop sign. Turn left, continuing on Boynton Pass Road. The trailhead is the second trailhead on the left side, about 1 3/4 miles from the stop sign. The trailhead is across the road from the parking area

Description:  Bear Mountain provides fantastic red rock views. The start of the trail is at about 4600 feet at the parking lot. At the final summit the elevation is about 6150 feet. The total elevation gain to the top is some 1800 feet. From the top of Bear Mountain you can see the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff, views of Bell Rock in the Village of Oak Creek, Verde Valley, peaks of Sycamore Canyon as well as all of west Sedona.

A great website on this hike and many more please visit The Hike House