Bear Mountain was a bear.

A strenuous but spectacular desert hike on the outskirts of Sedona. Thought 6:15am was a reasonable start time until the sun started blazing uncomfortably off the red rocks by 9am. My three litres of liquid seemed like a ton weight by the summit as I was passed by a local couple whose only accoutrement was a small fanny pack for car keys! Fantastic views into Fey Canyon and beyond. Humphreys Peak clearly visible from the summit. Thoroughly enjoyable first peak of the Challenge.