Hike of the Week: Bear Mountain Trail, Sedona, AZ
Hoof it up more than 2,000 feet over 2.3 miles on this leg-burner up Bear Mountain for huge, arcing vistas over Sedona's redrock wonderland and the lush Verde Valley.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 4.6 miles (out and back)
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: 4 out of 5
Summary
One of the best hikes in Sedona. From the eponymous trailhead (34.8935, -111.8653), head north, crossing three washes to the first false summit at mile 1.2. Take a breather because you’ll begin climbing in earnest up the next subpeak. Scan south to soak in a view of Sedona, Mingus Mountain, the Mogollon Rim, and the Verde Valley before continuing up the slickrock to false summit #2. The trail ends at the southernmost subpeak of 6,276-foot Bear Mountain with unreal views of the San Francisco Peaks. Return the way you came.
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