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Panoramic View East from upper slopes of Bear Mountain

Dec 8, 2023

Bear Mountain is most technical in official Sedona trail network.  Although not long (4km 1-way only) terrain is rough with overall wilderness route feel.  There is much clambering over rock outcrops with slickrock traverse and several short scramble steps.  Focus is required most of the way and descent will not be much shorter than ascent.  There have been rescues even resulting in death of paramedic who was apparently struck by helicopter blades. While this is probably extreme, ascent is best suited for experienced and fit hikers.  There is much sun exposure and no water whatsoever, thus summer season trips are not recommended.   I had ideal conditions in early December and was able to sustain myself with 1L, but during hot months even 4L might not be enough.  Long sleeves - both up and down - are highly recommended as you are bound to brush against something prickly along the way.  Rattlesnakes are probably abundant too in summer months.

Trailhead is at east side of Boynton Pass Road, less than a km from Fay Canyon parking.  From signed parking area cross the road and find start of Bear Mountain trail by the gate.  Obvious peak directly above is NOT the summit, just lower outlier - Bear Mountain is much further and higher behind and can't be seen from this point.  Follow trail across couple of shallow drainages, then start ascent.  Route can be divided in 3 parts:

• Ascent to Mid-Plateau
• Traverse of Mid-Plateau to saddle below Bear Mountain
• Final ascent up rough terrain above the Saddle

Trail is generally well defined, but drifts higher up;  watch for white paint blazes on slickrock (apparently they don't do Rock Cairns in Sedona for some reason).  Take a break after topping up at Mid-Plateau shoulder;  it is only 1.7km from the start but it will take close to an hour from the Parking.  This would also be good spot to turn back as summit is still quite far away, and roughest terrain is yet to come.  Traversing the plateau is quite scenic though with 360 panoramic views.  Aerial views of Red Rock Cliffs above Fay Canyon is particularly beautiful.  Above the saddle scramble up Slickrock and low rock steps to final part contouring on south side to "Trail End" sign (see Gallery).  This is Bear Summit and turnaround point; summit 'cairn' (without register on my visit) is nearby.  North outlier, incorrectly named "Bear Mountain" on various maps is lower.   Several faint trails continue in this direction but soon disintegrate in maze of low undergrowth  - don't go there.   Return is the same way and will not be much -if any- faster, but offer spectacular late afternoon views of Verde Valley to the south.

Gallery

Trail Sign Trail sign just before first steep part.  No further signs exist;  watch for white paint blazes for direction

Lower Chimney Scramble

Initial Chimney Scramble with excellent Rock Steps

Shoulder View View back from Shoulder after ascending to Mid Plateau.  Boynton Pass Road and Doe Mountain center