Overview
Bell Rock Pathway is the Coconino National Forest hike for everyone. The 3.6-mile out-and-back follows a wide, well-maintained path through classic red rock terrain with Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte as constant companions. The elevation gain is minimal (about 200 feet), the footing is good, and dogs are welcome on leash.
This is not the most challenging or adventurous trail in Sedona, and that's the point. It's the trail you recommend to families, first-time visitors, people recovering from knee surgery, and anyone who wants to walk through world-class desert scenery without breaking a sweat. The red rock views are constant and excellent.
For hikers wanting more, social trails branch off the main pathway and lead to the base of Bell Rock, where you can scramble up the lower tiers of the formation for elevated views. The scrambling is optional and increasingly exposed as you climb higher.
The Route
Miles 0 to 0.8: Southern approach. From the main trailhead on SR-179, the pathway heads north on a wide gravel path through desert scrub with juniper and prickly pear cactus. Bell Rock looms ahead, growing larger with each step. The path is mostly flat and suitable for strollers in dry conditions.
Miles 0.8 to 1.2: Bell Rock base. The pathway passes the base of Bell Rock on the east side. Social trails branch off here leading to the lower slopes of the formation. If you want to stay on the main pathway, continue north. If you want to explore Bell Rock's base, take one of the side trails. The lower tiers of Bell Rock are walkable for anyone comfortable on uneven rock. The upper tiers require genuine scrambling and some exposure.
Miles 1.2 to 1.8: Courthouse Butte area. Beyond Bell Rock, the pathway continues north toward Courthouse Butte, the massive flat-topped mesa north of Bell Rock. The trail bends around the east side of Courthouse Butte before connecting with the Courthouse Butte Loop trail. This is a natural turnaround point for the out-and-back, though you can continue on the loop for a longer day.
When to Visit
Year-round. This is one of the best features of Bell Rock Pathway. Unlike higher-elevation trails in northern Arizona, the Sedona elevation (about 4,200 feet) keeps the trail accessible in every season.
October through April: The best months. Temperatures are comfortable (50s to 70s), the light is warm and low, and the red rock color is at its most vivid. Winter mornings can be chilly (30s to 40s) but warm quickly in the sun.
May through September: Hotter. Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s and occasionally exceed 100. Hike early in the morning (before 9 AM) or in the evening. Monsoon season (July through September) brings afternoon thunderstorms with lightning, heavy rain, and flash flooding in some areas.
What to Bring
- Water: 1 to 2 liters per person. More in warm weather. There is no shade or water on the trail.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses. The trail is fully exposed.
- Sturdy shoes: The main pathway is smooth enough for trail runners or even sturdy sandals. If you plan to scramble on Bell Rock, wear hiking shoes with good grip.
- Dog supplies: Water and a bowl for your dog. The red rock absorbs heat and can be hot on paws in summer.
Practical Details
Parking and fees: The main Bell Rock Pathway Trailhead on SR-179 has a large paved lot with about 75 spaces and vault toilets. A Red Rock Pass is required ($5/day, $15/week, or $20/year). America the Beautiful passes are also accepted. The lot fills on weekends, particularly in spring and fall. An alternate trailhead with additional parking exists at the Courthouse Vista parking area, about 0.5 miles north on SR-179.
Dogs: Welcome on leash. This is one of the more dog-friendly trails in the Sedona area. Bring water and be mindful of rock temperatures in warm weather.
Kids and strollers: The main pathway is wide and mostly flat. Jogging strollers can handle the surface in dry conditions. The trail is excellent for young children.
Accessibility: The pathway surface is packed gravel and mostly level. It's more accessible than most Sedona trails, though it is not paved or officially ADA-compliant.
Crowds: Bell Rock Pathway is one of the busiest trails in Sedona. Expect plenty of company, especially on weekend mornings in spring and fall. Early morning and late afternoon are quieter.
Getting There
The Bell Rock Pathway Trailhead is on SR-179 in the Village of Oak Creek, about 5 miles south of the Sedona Y (the junction of SR-89A and SR-179). From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Exit 298 (SR-179). The trailhead is about 6 miles north on SR-179 on the left (west) side of the road. Total drive time from Phoenix is about 2 hours.
From the Sedona Y, drive south on SR-179 for about 5 miles. The trailhead is on the right.
Beyond Bell Rock Pathway
For a longer hike, combine Bell Rock Pathway with the Courthouse Butte Loop (about 4 miles) for a total of 6 to 7 miles of red rock hiking. The loop circles Courthouse Butte and adds some modest elevation change and more varied terrain.
For more challenge, the social trails on Bell Rock itself offer scrambling opportunities ranging from easy (lower tiers) to exposed (upper tiers). There is no official trail on Bell Rock, and the higher you go, the more exposed and technical it becomes. Do not attempt the summit unless you are an experienced rock climber.
For a completely different Sedona experience, drive 15 minutes north to the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon for a shady, forested creek walk that couldn't be more different from the open desert terrain of Bell Rock.
Bell Rock Pathway is Sedona's welcome mat. It gives you the red rock scenery, the open desert light, and the iconic formations without demanding anything more than a comfortable pair of shoes and a bottle of water. It's the trail that makes first-time visitors fall in love with Sedona, and it's worth revisiting even if you've done every hard hike in the area.
When you're ready for more challenge in Coconino National Forest, there are several natural next steps. Cathedral Rock (1.2 miles, moderate-hard) delivers an intense 740-foot scramble to the saddle between Sedona's most iconic spires — short in distance but steep and exposed. Boynton Canyon (6 miles, moderate) is a canyon walk with historical depth, including Sinagua cliff dwellings visible in the walls. For the most demanding Sedona experience, Wilson Mountain (10.4 miles, strenuous) is the highest point above town at 7,122 feet. A completely different character: West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon is a shaded, cool creek walk ideal for summer or for those who prefer forest over open rock.
The best hikes near Phoenix guide covers the full drive from the Valley up through Sedona and Flagstaff. The Red Rock Pass accepted here is also valid at every other Sedona-area trailhead; the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass covers it and most other federal recreation fees nationwide.