The Bear Mountain Trail leads to one of Sedona's highest accessible points with magnificent views of Fay Canyon, Boynton Canyon, the San Francisco Peaks and miles of colorful desert. The Bear Mountain Trail climbs 1832' in just 2.4 miles with geological insight to the 10+ strata from which this landscape was carved.

Rippled sandstone on Bear Mountain hints at Sedona's underwater past

Gnarled manzanita along an exposed saddle beneath the summit of Bear Mountain

Collared Lizards are among just a few North American lizards that can run on their hind legs

Looking south from the summit of Bear Mountain

Prickly Pear Cacti produce edible fruits that can be made into jellies and candy

After .3 miles the grade steepens, climbing 415' in just .35

Hedgehog Cacti grow well in the hot, exposed slopes of Bear Mountain

Fleabane, a form of Aster found in the Red Rock - Secret Mountain Wilderness

Spires along the first steep section of the Bear Mountain Trail

The first half mile features mesquite and ocotillo that are more typical of the Sonoran Desert

Views over Red Canyon from Bear Mountain (6,444')

Watch your step!

View south from the initial climb up Bear Mountain

Century plants are in the agave family, and bloom just once in their lives - killing them in the process