Bear Canyon Trail #299

Bear Canyon Trail #299 (FS 299) is a hard, out-and-back hike off Ladybug Saddle in the Pinaleño Mountains (Mt. Graham) near Safford, Arizona. Expect it to connect with several nearby Forest trails from the Ladybug Saddle area, including Ladybug Trail #329, Dutch Henry Canyon Trail #297, Turkey Flat Trail #330, and Ladybug Peak Trail #300.

The trail essentially starts in mixed conifer forest and drops down into an oak- and juniper-dotted desert grassland. The route is well known for black bear activity on this mountain range, and it’s also noted for ladybugs—ladybug-focused sightings are tied to the Ladybug Peak area off the main route via Ladybug Peak Trail #300 during summer.

Length and effort are typically described as an 11-mile out-and-back with roughly 3,800 ft of elevation gain, often paced for a long day (about 7–8 hours). Plan for sustained climbing/descending rather than a quick in-and-out.

This is not a trail with potable water available. The Ladybug Trailhead has no water, toilets, or trashcans, so pack out trash and carry enough to cover the full hike.

More information: Visitor information, Visitor information, Bear Canyon Trail #299