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Bear Mountain Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.8 (58)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Flagstaff and Northern AZ
  4. …Sedona
  5. Western Gateway
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“A strenuous hike that will reward you with great views. ”

Condor77 77
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Map Key

4.6

Miles

7.4

KM

Out and Back

6,445' 1,965 m

High

4,587' 1,398 m

Low

1,932' 589 m

Up

1,932' 589 m

Down

16%

Avg Grade (9°)

53%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildlife

Overview

A steep hike through the wilderness to reach the summit of Bear Peak and some outstanding views.

Description

The trail to the top of the mountain is mostly unshaded, steep and difficult in places. Great views the whole way. The trail begins at a broad path from the parking area, crosses two washes and then starts a gradual ascent 1/4 mile to the wilderness boundary at the base of the mountain.

The trail narrows and begins a 450-foot switchback that is steep and rocky in places. It levels out following a narrow plateau area and then begins a steep, rocky, 500-foot climb in a narrow side canyon to a broad plateau. It crosses the plateau, gradually ascending, dips down, and then climbs another 400 feet to a false summit. Fay Canyon views are to the right (northeast).

The trail continues a moderate climb to the true summit. There are great panoramic views here. Continue over level ground another 200 yards to the Red Canyon overlook and a view of the San Francisco Peaks in the distance to the north. Return by the same route. Do not attempt this hike when there is significant snow on the mountain.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Coconino National Forest Office

Shared By:

Condor77 77 with improvements by Liz
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 58 votes

#1

in Western Gateway

#152

Overall
  4.8 from 58 votes
5 Star
81%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Western Gateway

#11

in Arizona

#152

Overall
85 Views Last Month
8,253 Since Mar 26, 2015
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
4%
9%
82%
5%
Add a Photo

Photos

View from the trail
Nov 20, 2022 near West Se…, AZ
Bear Mountain Trail is certainly a trail with a view!
Mar 7, 2017 near West Se…, AZ
The Bear Mountain Trail starts off in a pleasant wash before climbing steeply into the hills.
Mar 7, 2017 near West Se…, AZ
Two rocky heads stand alongside the Bear Mountain Trail.
Mar 7, 2017 near West Se…, AZ
View from the trail
Nov 20, 2022 near West Se…, AZ

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Weather

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Check-Ins

Apr 29, 2023
Tim Butcher
Apr 28, 2023
Bethany Soloski
Mar 5, 2023
Makayla Johnson
Nov 18, 2022
Stewart Carnes
Sep 12, 2022
Private User
Apr 22, 2022
J C
Mar 16, 2022
Dan Pelzel
Feb 14, 2022
Amy Palmer

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