Bear Mountain lives up to it's name. Lots of climbing, although not a lot of hand-scrambling. I didn't find the top worth the extra time and effort. Very scrubby to the point it obstructed the view and you get a great view far before there! We also couldn't sit long up top after thr battle because there were red ants and I did get bit. It was hot, hot, hot up and down. I went through 3 liters of water. We started at 0730 and the parking lot was small so we got the last spot with some finagling. We did get to air balloons in the morning fairly close as some were starting to land. If I did it again I wouldn't go all the way and definitely when it is cooler.