As one of the landmarks in Sedona, Bell Rock is the first rock formation visitors see when driving to Sedona from Phoenix. It has always been a welcoming sight for us. However, not until our last visit that we realized we could climb to the top of Bell Rock. After tons of research, we realized there are two routes. The unofficial route will take you all the way to the top of Bell Rock. However, it is also difficult and dangerous. The official route will only take you a 2/3 of the way unless you have climbing skills, but it is safer. Despite being safer, the official route for the Bell Rock climb is still considered moderate to difficult. However, it will take you to some beautiful overlooks with great views of Sedona.
Stats
Where
Bell Rock Trail Trailhead (1):
34°47’29.3″N 111°45’41.9″W
Bell Rock Access Trailhead (2)(Courthouse Vista):
34°48’20.6″N 111°45’58.9″W
Start of Bell Rock Climb:
34°48’13.2″N 111°45’58.0″W
Parking
Both parking lots are nicely paved, with tons of spaces.
Restroom
There are restrooms at both parking lots.
Fee
Bell Rock trailhead is free if you have the Annual National Parks – America the Beautiful or Red Rock pass. Otherwise, it will cost $5 to park. You can pay using an automated machine at the trailhead. It only accepts credit cards.
Weather
Distance
- From Trailhead 1, it is about 3 miles R.T.
- From Trailhead 2, it is about 0.7 miles R.T.
Elevation Gain
609 feet
Level
Moderate to difficult depending on how high you want to climb up.
Time:
1 – 3 hours
Pet-friendly
Dog are allowed but they need to be leashed. We wouldn’t recommend bring your pups though.
Ideal Weather
Falls and Springs are the best seasons to go.
Ideal Time
Mornings and sunsets are the best time for the view. However, if you go for sunsets, just make sure to bring an extra jacket and light. Sedona gets super cold at night.
Video
The Adventure
Getting to Bell Rock Climb trailhead
There are two different parking and trailheads that will take you to the start of Bell Rock Climb. It can get a bit confusing since both of these trailheads are called Bell Rock trail. The first one will be the first parking you’ll see on AZ-179 coming from Phoenix. The second parking and trailhead are about 1.3 miles down the road from it, toward Sedona. This parking is also the parking for Courthouse Vista.
If you prefer a longer hike, it is about 3 miles roundtrip from Bell Rock trailhead 1. The trail from Bell Rock Access Trail/Courthouse Vista is a lot shorter, only 0.7 miles round trip. The first time we did this climb, we actually took the longer route. Neither of us knew the other trail existed. Either route you take, the trails are mostly flat and well-maintained with tons of directional signs. They are popular bike trails as well so make sure to keep an eye and ear out for the cyclists.
The longer route can be a bit confusing because of multiple split-offs. However, as long as you stay on Bell Rock Trail, you should be fine. For this route, the start of the official Bell Rock Climb will be all the way around the Bell Rock formation, about 1.3 miles from the Bell Rock Trailhead. If you have some time to spare, we recommend this route because it is really scenic. The shorter route is super easy. You just go straight on Bell Rock Access Trail for about 0.25 miles until it meets up with Bell Rock Trail. There should be a small sign for Bell Rock Climb near that junction.
There are no actual trails when you start to climb up Bell Rock. In the beginning, there are baskets of rocks with wooden signs pointing the way. However, they disappeared pretty quickly. Once the rock baskets disappear, there are small rock cairns sprinkled throughout that are supposed to mark the best way to go up. However, we found that it is easier for us to find the route that we were most comfortable with based on our skill level.
Your objective is to climb up to the top of the lower two spires safely. They should be marked in the photo below. This climb up Bell Rock will require some route-finding skill and knowing your personal limits. There are many steep sections along the way. Remember, if you go up, you have to climb back down. The down-climb is usually more difficult. Therefore, only go as high as you are comfortable. The views are magnificent regardless.
The First Half of Bell Rock Climb
The first half of the climb is easy. If you follow the rock baskets, you’ll find yourself climbing up many small rock ledges. If you need to, use both of your hands to support yourself. Luckily, the rock’s surfaces here provide pretty good traction. As long as you have good shoes, you should be alright. If you’ve done Cathedral Rock before, this part is quite similar to the beginning of that hike. Once the rock baskets have disappeared, the climb starts getting steeper and sketchier. You may need to use your hands for balancing at some spots. There are tons of loose rocks, which make the normally grippy rocks slippery. So, make sure you pay attention to where you’re going.
At this point, we were trying to figure out which route was the best to go up. Lucky for us, we ran into Sebastian. He was on his way up as well. Sebastian was gracious enough to lead the way and let us follow him. You will need to be able to scramble up some small rock ledges. In most of these areas, if you look around hard enough, you usually can find an easier route for you to climb up.
Climbing to the Top of The Spires
Once you climb up to where many people can’t climb up any higher, you can go right and climb up to a small opening with a beautiful viewpoint of the road below. Or you can also go left to climb up the spires. The top of the spires is where most people consider the end of this hike.
If you want to summit Bell Rock, you will have to climb up on the top of the third spires and from there, scaling an almost vertical wall about 13ft tall. It can be done if you have climbing skills. While we were there, we saw some guy pretty much run up Bell Rock Climb and he flung himself over that vertical wall, all within 5 minutes. Neither Dustin and I are good climbers. We prefer rappelling down rather than climbing up. So, both of us were content being on top of the spires instead.
The view from the top of the spires is breathtaking. We ended up hanging out up here with Sebastian for quite a while before we said goodbye. It was getting dark and cold. The climb down was harder than the climb up. It was getting dark so we couldn’t recognize the route we came up from. Luckily, through the entire climb, you can always see the road and the parking lot. Therefore, you won’t get lost. Knowing this, we figured that as long as we made it down to the bottom of Bell Rock, we should be fine. If you lose your route, just find the most comfortable route for you to go down.
For a shortie, the climb up Bell Rock is full of action and beautiful views. It is not for the faint of heart, however, we definitely recommend it if you love rock scrambling. We can’t wait to go back and finish the unofficial route to the actual top of Bell Rock. We’ve run out of light on our last adventure.
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While you’re at it, go follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our Youtube channel! We’ll love you forever!
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
Good hiking shoes are recommended on these adventures. Vy uses the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 hiking boots
Dustin’s shoes are Targhee III Waterproof
There isn’t a lot of shade in the desert. Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should always bring plenty of water. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
If you’re planning to watch the sunset on the top, make sure to bring some headlights with you, not cellphone light. You will need your hands free. We love our Petzl Actik Core Headlamp
other things to bring
Always good to bring some snacks with you. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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