This hike has no shade whatsoever – need to start early. We left phx at 5:15am and hit the trail at 7:45am which was probably not early enough .  Almost all the people we came across were coming down – most started 6:30am or earlier.  Trailhead starts across the street from the doe/bear Mtn trailhead.   There is a gate and sign literally right across the parking lot that you can’t miss.     Trail was a little tricky to follow –  look for the  white arrows if there is a log blocking a path – trust that it is not the trail – don’t walk over it!    It was pretty much a steep incline the whole way but so worth the spectacular views!!! It’s like hiking camelback mountain 2 times. A few false peaks but can’t mess the end – look for the end trail sign!!! Keep an eye out for big rock with erosion like bear paw prints – probably 3/4 quarters of the way up – so cool and thinking this is why it’s called bear mountain.   One of the most breathe taking hikes of ever been on!!