Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop Hiking Guide
This is the easiest way to get close to two of Sedona's signature landmarks without any scrambling. The loop circles both Bell Rock and the larger Courthouse Butte behind it on a mix of wide pathway and quieter singletrack, starting from either of two pull-ins off State Route 179 just north of the Village of Oak Creek. Families, first-time visitors and trail runners all share it.
Permit: Both trailheads, Bell Rock Vista (south) and Courthouse Vista (north), are Red Rock Pass sites: $5 daily, $15 weekly, $20 annual per vehicle, or an America the Beautiful pass. Pay at the kiosk machine or on Recreation.gov.
The Circuit
AllTrails lists the loop at 3.7 miles with 321 feet of gain and estimates 1.5 to 2 hours; the Forest Service gives 3.8 miles, a 297-foot elevation change and two and a half hours, rated moderate. From the southern kiosk the broad Bell Rock Pathway climbs gently for half a mile to a signed junction. Going clockwise, you curve around the west side of Bell Rock, then follow large cairns to where a sign sends the Courthouse Butte Loop east. That narrower trail passes north of the butte toward Lee Mountain, crosses the Llama Trail, dips into a dry wash over bare rock inside the wilderness, and swings back south to rejoin the pathway.
Picking a Trailhead
Bell Rock Vista, the southern lot, is 6.5 miles south of the 89A/179 roundabout at milepost 307.1; from Interstate 17 exit 298 it's about 8.3 miles up SR 179. Courthouse Vista sits at milepost 308.2, 5.2 miles from the roundabout, and a quarter-mile connector takes you to the pathway. Both have left-turn lanes. Either lot requires a Red Rock Pass: a $5 day pass from the machine covers the car, or display an annual or America the Beautiful pass. The Bell Rock Pathway has restrooms at its northern and southern trailheads.
Sharing the Trail
The Bell Rock Pathway and the Llama Trail are favorites with mountain bikers, and the Forest Service tells hikers to stay alert for them. The eastern stretch lies in the Munds Mountain Wilderness, where bicycles and drones are prohibited, so it's noticeably quieter. Leashed dogs are welcome on the loop. Most of the pathway is wide and hard-surfaced, though the agency warns of some steep hills and a few rough, rocky spots around Bell Rock.
Sun and Season
The agency's description is blunt: the loop is mostly unshaded and can be hot in summer. From late spring through September go at dawn, carry more water than seems necessary, and be off the open slickrock before monsoon clouds stack up in the afternoon. In the cool months it's a pleasant midday walk, and low winter light on Courthouse Butte's walls is a good reason to time the far side for late afternoon.
Hiking tips for Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop
- Go clockwise from Bell Rock Vista so the quiet wilderness half comes in the middle of the walk.
- Watch for the sign where the Courthouse Butte Loop leaves the wide pathway; it's easy to miss heading north.
- Keep right and listen for bikes on the Bell Rock Pathway and Llama Trail sections.
- Use the restrooms at the pathway trailheads; there are none on the far side of the butte.
- Leave the drone in the car; the wilderness portion prohibits them.
Nearby trails to explore
- Cathedral Rock Trail (Sedona)
- Sedona Airport Loop Trail
- Doe Mountain Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
The Bell Rock loop is an easy one to fit around a Sedona visit and a good first hike with new people. Use TrailMates to find Sedona hikers meeting at Bell Rock Vista. Download the TrailMates app to join a group.