BEAR SIGN TRAIL #59
Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness,
Sedona
Although not apparent from the
trailhead, the remote upper reaches of Bear Sign Trail host
surprisingly rich woodlands of deciduous trees that transform into a
canopy of color in early autumn. To find these hidden thickets, hike
on the juniper-and-scrub-lined Dry Creek Trail to the Bear Sign
junction, veer left and pick up the trail heading uphill. Much of the
path parallels boulder-filled ravines lined with sycamore, willows
and cottonwoods eking out a living where water collects among
gigantic bounders. Throughout the hike, haphazard webs of Canyon
grape vines sprawl in viral abundance forming delicate veils of
diffused sunlight. An especially photo-worthy section of the route
passes through a concentrated stand of Arizona cypress trees. The
spindly trunks and shaggy bark of this tenacious species are marred
by claw marks, scat and gnawed stumps-- the “bear signs” for
which the trail is named. No worries though, the black bears that
roam this area are shy creatures and will usually skulk off unnoticed
when roused by approaching hikers. To learn more about hiking in bear
country, visit: Southwest Be Bear Aware:
http://www.bebearawaresw.org/
LENGTH: 3.5 miles one way
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 4,800 -5,450 feet
BEST TIME FOR FALL FOLIAGE: mid-to-late October
DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 135 miles
GETTING THERE:
From the "Y"
intersection of AZ 179 and AZ89A in Sedona go left (toward
Cottonwood) and continue 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn right, go
2 miles to Vultee Arch Road (Forest Road 152), hang a right and
continue 4.5 miles to the Dry Creek #52 trailhead located past the
Vultee Arch parking loop on the left. A high clearance vehicle
is required on FR 152.
FEE: Red Rock Pass--$5 per vehicle is
required
INFO: Coconino National Forest, Red
Rock District 928-203-2900
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