While Bear Mountain is the most difficult hike in Sedona, the payoff is well worth it the effort. The views are fantastic and in spring and summer, wildflowers are blooming everywhere!

Bear Mountain is one of the more difficult hikes in Sedona and has very easy access. There is a parking area between Doe Mountain and Bear Mountain. The trailhead is across the street and the initial approach is very flat. The red rock bluff you first see on the approach is only part of Bear Mountain and not the top. In guide books, the trail is stated to be about 3 miles to the summit and then return the way you came for a total of 6 miles. The trail does go beyond the 3 miles across some interesting slick rock formations. At this point the trail is marked by cairns so if you want to explore beyond this point be mindful and watch for them. The top has several false summits and it is very easy to think you are at the top when you are not.

When you start the ascent there are some great views of Doe Mountain across the way.  The trail has several “steps” or benches where the trail is relatively flat between steep climbs. Some people count 5 of these steps and some count 4. The steep sections are very rocky so be careful, especially on the descent. This makes it very difficult to find the top. If you do not have a GPS with a topographical map, I would suggest to hike to a point where you feel comfortable and return.

Because of the length and steepness of the trail, I also recommend doing this hike very early in the morning to beat the heat of the day.

Equipment: Very sturdy hiking boots that are ankle high. Plenty of water because it is the desert and the summer can be very hot.

Directions: Dry Creek Rd to Boynton Pass Rd. Turn left here. Drive to Boynton Canyon Rd and turn left. Continue here for several miles passing the Fay Canyon parking area on the left. The next parking area on the left is Doe Mountain/Bear Mountain.

The Cockcomb is a red rock formation with several distinct spires lined in a row giving the appearance of the head of a rooster. The top offers great views especially at sunset.

This is a wonderful less traveled trail that is fairly easy hiking, at least until you reach the base of the Cockscomb. It does not have much shade. I recommend hiking this trail late afternoon into sunset as the trail weaves between Doe Mountain and the Cockscomb on the west side. The setting sun lights up the sandstone walls on these two mountains for some amazing colors. Signs and guide books list the mileage as 3.3 miles out and back but this trail is easily linked with the Aerie Trail for a loop hike. Not many hike the Cockscomb Trail as an out and back, unless you are like me and just go for the sunset.  The trail does not ascend to the top, only passes by with the Cockscomb on the right.  There is a social trail marked by a cairn that you can take the steep hike up.  It is not far and you only need to gain about 300 feet.

This trail and others in the immediate area are popular with  mountain bikers as well. Another reason why this is best to hike in the late afternoon. Most mountain bike rentals need to be back to the shop by late afternoon.

More details…..

As you walk along the Cockscomb trail you will see the Cockscomb with it’s distinct top mesa with 4 round spires in a line going south. The trail passes the Cockscomb on the north. As you pass by you will see several herd trails leading in the direction of the Cockscomb. You can follow these to the top. But beware! The trails are not maintained and are very steep. You can reach the very top by veering left and working your way up. But if you stay right you will find a small spire with a pathway to a ledge that is the most perfect place to watch the sunset. It is secluded and private. This is a good option to watching the sunset at Doe Mountain. More and more people are going to Doe Mountain for this so if you want some privacy to watch the sunset, the Cockscomb is the place. However, it
takes longer to get to so plan accordingly.

This is an “off the beaten track” hike that is not in many guide books and not really recognized by the park service. It is known as “Lost Canyon.” The trail starts just at the start of the Brins Mesa trail. The coordinates for this trail start are N34 55.002 W111 48.475. I tell you this because it is difficult to find but once on the the canyon rim it is totally worth it and I think one of the best hikes in Sedona.

The trail can be done as an out and back trip but if you’re really adventurous, you can continue around the canyon rim which will take you out by Devils bridge. Hike that trail back out to the road. The one way hike is about 5.5 miles. The trail is well established but if you have fear of heights it could be troubling at some points. The trail runs along the rim of two canyons, the first not as long but has a small Indian ruin at the base. There is another ruin high above the trail but difficult to get to and not recommended. The trail fades at the far point of the second canyon.

You can continue on but there are only sporadic cairns. I’ve done this about 6 times so I know the way but I can tell you the first and second time I hiked it were a bit of an epic bushwhack. The thing is, you can see where you need to go from the near side of the canyon but lose perspective once on the other side.