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Bear Mountain Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult
 4.8 (53) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  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 53 votes

#1

in Western Gateway

#161

Overall
  4.8 from 53 votes
5 Star
79%
4 Star
19%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Western Gateway

#10

in Arizona

#161

Overall
68 Views Last Month
8,066 Since Mar 26, 2015
Difficult
0%
0%
4%
8%
83%
6%
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Photos

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

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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All Clear 92 days ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 12, 2022
Adam L
Apr 22, 2022
J C
Mar 16, 2022
Dan Pelzel
Feb 14, 2022
Amy Palmer
May 8, 2021
Jacki Weiss
5.4mi — 5h 01m
Apr 17, 2021
David Matthew
Apr 10, 2021
Keith Russo
Strenuous climb 2 mile climb with rewarding views in route and the summit providing spectacular 360 views. 4.5mi
Apr 2, 2021
Steve W
4.8mi — 3h 10m

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