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Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bear Mountain Summit.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Bear Mountain Summit: A Sedona Challenge
Conquer Bear Mountain's challenging trail for unmatched panoramic views of Sedona's Red Rock Country and beyond.
Bear Mountain Trail is a strenuous 5-mile hike near Sedona, Arizona, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of Red Rock Country and the San Francisco Peaks after a challenging climb with nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain.
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A brief summary to Bear Mountain Summit
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Bear Mountain trail/Oski approach, Sedona, Arizona, 86336, US
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The Bear Mountain Trail presents a demanding yet rewarding hiking experience in Sedona's Red Rock Country. The 5-mile round trip ascends nearly 2,000 feet, challenging hikers with steep climbs and rocky terrain.
Despite the strenuous nature, the panoramic views from the summit are well worth the effort. Hikers are treated to vistas of the red rocks of Sedona, the Verde Valley, and the distant San Francisco Peaks. The trail itself offers varied scenery, passing through meadows, climbing rocky slopes, and traversing a white checkerboard sandstone section.
Bear Mountain gets its name from its shape, which resembles a bear. While actual bears are unlikely to be seen, the area attracts birds, small mammals, and hikers seeking a challenging climb with stunning views. The trail is well-marked with cairns and blazes, but can be hard to follow in some stretches.
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Getting There
Driving
From the roundabout intersection of State Route 179 and State Route 89A in Sedona, go southwest on SR 89A for 3.1 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn right onto Dry Creek Road and continue 2.7 miles to Boynton Pass Road. Turn left onto Boynton Pass Road and continue 1.5 miles to Forest Road 152C. Turn left onto FR 152C and continue 1.2 miles to the trailhead parking area on the left. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking, costing $5 per day, and can be purchased at the fee machine (credit cards only).
Walking
From a nearby accommodation on Boynton Pass Road, walk along the road to the Bear Mountain/Doe Mountain parking area. Cross Boynton Pass Road to the northwest side to find the Bear Mountain trailhead. Be cautious of traffic while walking along the road. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking at the lot if you choose to park and walk across the street, costing $5 per day, and can be purchased at the fee machine (credit cards only).
A brief summary to Bear Mountain Summit
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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