Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock are two of the more famous landmarks in Sedona, Arizona. They are the first thing visitors see when arriving from the I-17 to Sedona. Since these two spectacular peaks sit right next to the highway with multiple hiking and scrambling options, this area is popular for hikers, photographers, and visitors alike. Most people usually stop here for a few quick photos of Bell Rock or scramble up the slickrock slopes. If you are someone who prefers a decent hike with some peace and quiet, the loop around Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock is a must. The Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop in Sedona is an easy 4-mile hike with massive rock formations, rugged cliffs, and sweeping panoramas. If you’re up for it, you can also add on the Bell Rock Climb, a fun scrambling route to the front of Bell Rock.
Main Trailhead – Courthouse Vista
34.805774, -111.766405
Optional Trailhead – Bell Rock Vista
34.791481, -111.761718
Both parking lots are decent-sized and nicely paved. Bell Rock Vista parking is bigger than Courthouse Vista.
A Red Rock Pass is required to do this hike. It costs $5 per day or $15 for one week. The pass can be purchased at the fee machine at the trailhead (credit cards only). If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you can use this instead.
Vault toilet at the trailhead.
3.6 mi Loop
341 ft
Easy to Moderate.
Takes average 2-3 hours
The best time to hike Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop is in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild. However, you should expect big crowds. During the summer, it is very hot but you’ll have less crowds. If you hike in the summer, make sure to start super early. In the winter, temperatures can get below freezing but crowds are also lower.
Pets are allowed but they need to be on a leash.
There are also a couple of ways to start the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop. Along Highway 179, just north of the Village of Oak Creek, there are two large parking lots. The northernmost (Courthouse Vista) is closer to Bell Rock and also the shortest option for the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop. This is the option we did and will be showing here in this blog. The southern parking (Bell Rock Vista) is bigger than the Courthouse Vista parking. From here, it is a slightly longer route. Even though both of these parking lots are quite large, this area is very popular, especially on weekends and holidays. So make sure to get here early. Most people are here for a short photo-op or that 1-mile walk to Bell Rock. Only a handful will take the longer hike around Courthouse Butte.
The Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock is a loop trail. It’s created from parts of other trails, so navigating it can be a bit confusing. Luckily, there are many directional signs along the way, so as long as you pay attention, you’ll be fine. Since it is a loop trail, you can go in either direction. We opted to go clockwise. Since we started this hike a bit later in the day, going clockwise put a beautiful sunset in front of us.
Since we started from the northern (Courthouse Vista) parking area, we walked a short distance on a wide, gravelly dirt path before reaching the start of the loop. This dirt path is the Bell Rock Access Trail. It ends at the Bell Rock Pathway trail. From here, we went left to start our Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop. Along this path, you can see Bell Rock looming in the distance and become more prominent as you get closer. If you want to add on the Bell Rock Climb, you can make a detour here or do it on the way back. Bell Rock Climb (official) is a really fun scrambling route. It is not for beginners, though.
After leaving the junction, we were treated with wonderful views of the surrounding areas as well as the Courthouse Butte looming in the background. In this section, the trail changes names a few times. There are also trail markers (big rock baskets) along the way. Bell Rock Pathway turns into Llama Trail for a few hundred feet before splitting again. From here, take the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail. Don’t worry, there are signs at these junctions.
As you hike along, don’t forget to look around and behind you. The views are spectacular. From the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop, you can see the Chapel of the Holy Cross, as well as Cathedral Rock. By the way, don’t forget to bring a lot of water. We did this hike in the cooler months, and it was still very warm.
We followed the trail along the side of Courthouse Butte before it curved around and headed straight toward the butte. Even though it was a short distance, it was interesting to realize how massive Courthouse Butte was. From here, the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop mainly runs along the side of the Courthouse Butte. It weaves in and out of the trees with some short ascents and descents. Once you’re on the eastern side of the loop, you’ll have wonderful views of Courthouse Butte.
About 2 miles, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop drops into a slick rock/wash area. When we went, there was a big puddle of water in the middle of the slick rock. It was a perfect place for some reflection photos of the Courthouse Butte. Here, there are 2 trail signs, pointing in different directions. However, both of these signs have the same trail name, Big Park Loop. You’ll want to cross the wash, toward the Courthouse Butte. At this point, you have reached the end of the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail and will be following Big Park Loop.
After this slick rock area, the trail leads up a rocky path before curving around and running along the Courthouse Butte once again. As we were hiking, the sun was slowly setting. This section became extra beautiful with the soft light highlighting the cactus against the red rock backdrop.
At 2.6 miles, we ran into another two signs with the same trail name again, for Big Park Loop. You’ll want to go straight here, towards Bell Rock. Along the way, there are a few other junctions. Make sure to stay on the main trail.
At about 3 miles, we came to more signs. Here, you’ll want to turn right and follow the sign for Bell Rock Pathway. You’re about 1 mile from getting back to the parking lot. The Bell Rock Pathway runs along the side of Bell Rock and the Highway. This section can get really busy since it’s a popular trail to Bell Rock. Along this section, there is an approach for the unofficial climb to the top of Bell Rock. This is one of our top 5 favourite things to do in Sedona! It was so much fun! Just a warning, the official Bell Rock Climb is considered hard, and it’s still a lot easier than this unofficial climb! Please don’t attempt it unless you absolutely know what you’re doing!
If you’re looking for something similar to the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop, check out Fay Canyon and Baldwin Trail. These trails are super fun. For more challenging hikes, Soldier’s Pass and Boyton Canyon are absolutely wonderful.
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While at it, 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 helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
Our favorite biodegradable, eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen!
This is Vy's favorite hiking bag! It has tons of room for snacks and water!
It's always good to bring a GPS tracker with you. We use the Garmin inReach.
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
If you tend to have foot blisters on hikes, get this! We use this all the time.
These hiking poles are sturdy, and great to help keep your balance on short or longer hikes
Compact GoPro pole that extends to 25", perfect to bring on your adventure.
This is our go-to camera for all of our adventures. It comes with us everywhere!
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Hi! We are Dustin & Vy, the proud creators of Live That Adventure. We created this website because we wanted to inspire others to live their lives to the fullest. On here, you’ll find everything from hiking, canyoneering, kayaking, and snorkeling to adventure and travel tips, gear reviews, and bucket list items such as bungee jumping or wing walking. We’ll show you the ropes so you can do them too!
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