Bear Mountain Trail
Open under the current orders
Bear Mountain Trail No. 54, its trailhead and FR 152C are not named in either July 31 closure order. The superseded broad Pocket Fire order no longer controls access here.
The hardest signed day hike in the Sedona area, and it is open. 4.6 miles out and back with 2,289 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous, and the Forest Service's own time estimate is 5+ hours.
That's roughly three and a half times Cathedral Rock's gain, on a trail with no shade and no water. In summer it is genuinely dangerous; the Forest Service's estimate assumes you're fit. The compensation, in the agency's own words: "the trail provides spectacular views the entire way."
The facts
- Open right now?
- Open
- Forest Service trail
- Bear Mountain Trail No. 54
- Distance
- 4.6 miles out and back
- Elevation gain
- 2,289 ft
- Difficulty (USFS)
- Strenuous (USFS)
- Time needed
- 5+ hours round trip
- Trailhead elevation
- 4,611 ft
- Pass required
- Not stated on the Forest Service trail page — carry a Red Rock Pass
- Sedona Shuttle
- Not served
- Parking
- Trailhead on FR 152C. Capacity not published.
- Restrooms
- Not documented
- Shade
- None
Getting there
Get directions →Know what you're taking on
Bear Mountain is the one hike near Sedona where the Forest Service's difficulty rating understates rather than overstates things for most visitors. The climb is relentless, involves route-finding across slickrock benches marked by cairns, and includes several false summits — you'll think you're done at least twice before you are.
Carry far more water than feels reasonable. There is none on the trail, no shade, and the descent in afternoon heat is where people get into trouble. With summer highs averaging 94–97°F, this is a hike for the cooler half of the year, or for a very early start in the shoulder seasons.
If you want big views for a fraction of the effort, Doe Mountain is on the same road and gives you a mesa-top panorama for 542 feet of gain. Bear Mountain is for people who specifically want the hard day.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Bear Mountain in Sedona?
It's the hardest signed day hike in the area — 4.6 miles with 2,289 feet of gain, rated strenuous by the Forest Service, with an official time estimate of 5+ hours.
Is Bear Mountain open right now?
Yes. Bear Mountain Trail No. 54 and its trailhead are not named in either current July 31 closure order.
How much water should I carry?
More than you think. There's no water on the trail and no shade, and the Forest Service estimates 5+ hours. In warm weather this is a multi-litre hike.
Is there an easier hike with similar views?
Doe Mountain, on the same road, gives a 360-degree mesa-top panorama for 542 feet of gain instead of 2,289.
Facts on this page last verified August 3, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.