Sedona, Arizona Hiking: Bear Mountain Trail

Not well known by the majority of tourists, this hiking path is one of the remaining few which offer scenic views in a reclusive setting. To locals it is known as one of Sedona's best kept secrets. Although not for beginners, Bear Mountain Trail offers superb views of red rock country for those willing to undergo the climb.
Sedona's easier hiking trails are usually packed with visitors checking out the local scenery, leaving Bear Mountain Trail hidden in the shadows. The path offers a rugged, steep ascent which tests one's endurance, and acts as a boot camp workout for the glutes.

Hikers cross two dry washes before the ground levels off for a short distance, however within five minutes muscles are put to task as they begin the trek up the rocky trail. While going up the hillside, individuals are treated to constant views of buttes and mesas, and cacti such as prickly pear and yucca. There aren't many trees, as the landscape consists mostly of desert plants. Head gear and glasses are highly recommended.

Visitors come across a sculptured rock, which is so unusual no one misses it. To continue on the trail turn left, and continue the steep climb. Cairns are placed at regular intervals to help travelers stay on the right trail. In roughly twenty minutes the first plateau is reached. Here you bear left, going in the direction of a gigantic sandstone monolith, which takes you into a side canyon. On the left one can view the flat mesa of Doe Mountain.

Before you know it, steep switchbacks tax your calves, and you realize your surrounded by cliffs on both sides. This climb leads to yet another plateau where its wise to take a break, and enjoy views of forested plains scattered with sandstone buttes, and of course, the classic cliff formations. Following the cairns across the hunk of rock, you may think the trail ends. Bad news-that bare gray rock is a false. summit. The climb has just begun.