Getting There
See "Getting There" on main page.
Route Description
Trailhead Elevation 10500 ft
One way distance per my GPS:
Keystone Mountain: 3.2 Miles
Bear Mountain: 4.0 Miles
Hike up the road in the pine forest among the ski runs to around 11300 ft where you will see a fork in the road. The main road goes left (straight). Do not go there. (The main road will take you to the top of some ski lifts near North Peak. If you wish to climb Bear Mountain from there, you will have to enter a dense pine forest).
Turn right and hike up a much rougher road that goes to Erickson Mine (abandoned). At around 11500 ft, you will reach a drainage at tree-line below the summit of Keystone Mountain. Hike up the steep grassy slopes to the top of Keystone Mountain (12408 ft). From there, you can head north down to a 12060 ft saddle and then up to the top of Bear Mountain (12585 ft). You will encounter only beautiful grassy slopes.
Essential Gear
In summer, only good hiking boots.