Bear Mountain Trail
Access is restricted right now
Bear Mountain Trail No. 54 appears in Exhibit D of the Pocket Fire closure order as a partially exempted trail — exempt only for the portion inside the Red Rock–Secret Mountain Wilderness. The trailhead itself is not exempted, and FR 152C allows pass-through traffic only.
Practically, normal trailhead access is closed for the order's duration. Confirm with the Red Rock Ranger District on (928) 203-2900.
The hardest signed day hike in the Sedona area. 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." Not at the top — the entire way.
Access is restricted right now — see above.
The facts
- Open right now?
- Trailhead access restricted — partial wilderness exemption only
- 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?
Access is restricted. The trail is listed in the closure order's Exhibit D as exempt only within the Wilderness; the trailhead is not exempt. Call (928) 203-2900 to confirm.
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 July 28, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.