If you're looking to go on a hike on a trail that will blow your mind, enrich your soul, and also give you a good workout, then the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop Trail in Sedona is perfect. This is sure to be a hike that you will never forget, and you're sure to find this trail absolutely breathtaking every step of the way.
You'll start your hike at the Bell Rock Vista Trailhead. You'll find it at milepost 307.1, about 6.5 miles south of the town of Sedona on Route 179. This is a popular trailhead, so it may be busy at times, but you'll find some parking there, along with a restroom.
The Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Trail is a 3.6-mile loop trail. It's rated moderate. This trail only includes 341 feet of elevation gain, but the weather can be quite hot, so be sure to bring water along with you. If you don't include photo stops, this hike should take you about an hour and a half to complete. But you're going to want to take lots of photos along the way, so you'll likely want to budget more time for it than that.
If you begin the trail in a counterclockwise direction, you'll first pass 4,919-foot tall Bell Rock on your left. It's possible to climb to the top of this rock formation if you're feeling very motivated, but the trail is quite challenging and is unmarked. From where you stand, though, this formation is beautiful, colorful, and quite photogenic.
Furthermore, Bell Rock is believed by some to be one of Sedona's four major vortex centers. Many visitors travel to Sedona specifically to experience the energy that they believe is present at these centers. For vortex enthusiasts, these energy centers help promote healing, support meditation, and inspire self-exploration. Many people feel recharged or deeply energetic both internally and externally after visiting vortex sites.
Although the entire Sedona area is considered to be a vortex, those who believe in the power of vortexes feel that the energy flow is strongest at Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon. As a result, you may find people meditating, creating art, doing yoga, or otherwise engaging with the energy of the area as you pass by Bell Rock. It's respectful to pass by quietly and leave these folks alone to enjoy their experiences.
As you continue on, you'll get an incredible view of Bell Rock's neighbor - Courthouse Butte. This sedimentary rock formation is even taller than Bell Rock; it clocks in at 5,454 feet in height. Many people climb this formation and there are numerous rock climbing routes available. Don't be surprised if you see people scaling it at any time of the day or year.
You'll be able to enjoy and photograph Courthouse Butte from many angles on this trail. It's beautiful from all sides and it will be your constant companion on your left as you circumnavigate it. Depending on what time of day you undertake this hike, it may look vastly different than it does at other times, so you may want to follow this trail more than once while visiting Sedona. It's amazing to view the ways that sunlight can brighten or create interesting shadows on the striking red and orange rock you'll find here.
The Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop in Sedona is an iconic trail that will fill you with awe and wonder. This is a trail that everyone should hike not just once in their lifetime but numerous times. It's truly spectacular, and it's easy to see why so many people believe that Sedona is a magical place while you explore this area and observe these incredible rock formations.
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