Take A Meandering Path To An Arizona Overlook That’s Like Something From Another Planet

We get it - life on earth is hard sometimes. You may not be able to jump in a spaceship and blast off, but you can do the next best thing. Bear Mountain Trail in Sedona has 360-degree views that are so incredible, you'll swear you're on another planet. It's easily one of the most scenic hikes in Arizona!

Otherworldly landscapes abound in Arizona, but some of the most extraterrestrial scenery of all can be found in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness near Sedona.

This section of the Coconino National Forest is where you'll find Bear Mountain Trail, a challenging, 5-mile hike that makes for an epic adventure year-round.

With an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet, completing this hike is no easy task - but it's so worth the effort. Along the way, unique rock formations reminiscent of those at Vermillion Cliffs National Monument keep you entertained as you trek up towards the summit.

Upon reaching the top, you'll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the rugged surroundings.

Fay Canyon can be seen off to the northeast, and other towering rock faces pierce the sky everywhere you look.

A valley full of lush greenery offers a stark contrast to the rusty hued canyonlands, and you'll have to pick your jaw up off the floor.

Bear Mountain Trail is worth embarking on in every season, but it's especially gorgeous in the winter. You haven't lived until you've seen the high desert terrain covered in snow!

Of course, we'd be remiss not to mention the classic Arizona sunsets visible from the peak of the mountain - you'll definitely want to bring a camera to capture the moment.

Click here to learn more about the hike. Have you ever hiked Bear Mountain Trail? If so, tell us all about your adventure in the comments! For more scenic hikes in Arizona, check out our previous article.