Like many others, a great part is you can hike up as far as you want and turn around anytime. We found that it was often hard to find a real trail. Since much of it is rock, there aren't clear footprints or guides to help less experienced hikers. Once it became more about climbing and scrambling over rocks, we turned around. We spent about 2.5 hours, and enjoyed our time and the views. We parked near Bell Rock though I think Courthouse Rock parking might have been closer. We felt like we had great views of Bell Rock, but hiked quite a while (admittedly, a relatively easy hike), just to get to the actual rock. Lots of people were there, but it's so big that we were mostly spread out and it didn't feel as crowded. It would be much hotter later in the year, so plan hats, sunglasses, extra water and such if you go.

This was our first trip to Bell Rock and it was super beautiful as we hit it just as the sun was going down. I feel that each time of the day the rock looks spectacular just with different lighting. The trip up there was wonderful with ranches trickled here and there, made you feel you were in the middle no no where.

The dirt trail leading up to the base of Bell Rock is easy and well marked, about half mile from the parking lot. However once you pass the sign "Bell Rock Climb" the markers started to disappear and we never did find the "Bell Rock Loop" trail. Seems like from that point on it becomes find your own trail, make your own adventure kind of hiking if you want to go higher. The way the rocks are shaped it doesn't seem difficult to climb higher although it might take time if you don't know the most direct way. We went up about half way to the backside - away from the road facing Courthouse - where it was exceedingly quiet and peaceful. Worth taking a moment to just sit and enjoy the view, not to mention soaking up some of that vortex energy. Best thing about this place is it's relatively less crowded - unlike say Cathedral Rock which gets way too busy for comfort. Find a good spot to hang out and you won't see another person passing nearby for a long time. The parking lot here requires a pass and there is a vending machine selling it (credit cards accepted). We forgot to bring our National Park pass so just purchased a Red Rock day pass for $5 ($15/week) which covers all the sites in the area.

This gorgeous rock formation was very close to our hotel, so we walked here early one morning, and strolled around the area between this Rock and the Courthouse Butte. It is one of the more popular trails, so even early on, the parking lot was getting full, and we knew it would be a challenge to find a spot. On another day, we pulled into that parking lot in the afternoon, walked around a little bit on the easy path and took tons of photos. We would certainly have loved to do the Hike to the top, as well as the Climb, but as a tourist, there is only so much time. At Sunset, it was glowing gold and red, and was really breathtaking. There is no bad angle to the beauty of Bell Rock. It is no wonder that a photo of this rock is used in the picture postcards, and in all advertisements of the city of Sedona.

I love Sedona, we have done this trail before, but this incident left me sick and it haunted me for days. We went early at 7:30 and started to hike the loop trail midway up the rock. My husband ran back to use the restroom. My son (17) and I kept going and got to the other side of the rock, I said lets wait here for dad. He stepped up against the rock wall, I stayed out in the sun, it was chilly. I told him to watch for snakes, there was some brush where he was. He was looking down, looked up, and yelled taking 2 leaping steps, just in time to miss a rock the size of a cinder block break off the wall about 30 feet above his head! It landed exactly where he was! Another man and his daughter witnessed this yelled. He heard it crack above his head and looked up in time to see it start to fall. It all happened so fast and I was in shock, it really could have landed on his head. After the shock wore off I cried, knowing what could have happened. My husband caught up with us, wondering why there were tears, and I felt betrayed by the rock ( I know it sounds silly, but I love Sedona and it was so upsetting). I needed off that rock now! My poor son shook it off pretty well, I woke up the next day thinking it could be a totally different day. I know, rocks fall, this is a risk we take hiking these rock formations. If I was next to him I would not have moved that fast. I am not exaggerating. That huge wall, and right where he was a rock broke off and fell. He said if he had earbuds in he wouldn't have heard the crack. Please pay attention to your surroundings, be cautious. Thank God it wasn't a different outcome.

We stopped by here since we already had bought a red rock pass ($5 one day, ($15 week) and thought we would try to experience another vortex. The walk up to the rock was not very strenuous, nor was it that exciting. If you had small children, I think there are definitely easy, safe paths you could do with them. I think there are prettier hikes in the area

The Bell Rock pathway can be accessed by several parking lots off highway 179. The Bell Rock Vista parking lot seemed to be the largest of the 3 but they do fill up quickly. Several times, we returned in the afternoon around 3pm and there were parking slots available. You will need to buy a parking pass from the automated machine. You can buy 1 day pass for $5 or a week long pass for $15. The pass can be used at many of the hiking spots around Sedona. The pathway is a dirt pathway and sometimes is on a rock mountain edge but fairly easy path. Many signs to guide you on the right path or suggest other hiking trails in the area. You still should pay attention to your directions and notice landmarks to help you return to your car. Many cactus and spring flowers were blooming. You can walk as long as you like, long or short. Great colors of the red rocks and blue sky. Remember to take some water and snacks if you stay out awhile.

Nice, easy trail around Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. You can also climb up Bell Rock for beautiful views. Parking lots fill up quickly. Courthouse Butte Parking lot is closer to trail but if full, drive south to Bell Rock parking lot. Toilet facility in Bell Rock parking lot. Annual National Parks Pass can be used for parking fee.

This was really cool to see. We were able to find parking right away, you can use your Annual NPS pass or pay for a parking pass for like $5. If it wasn't so hot, we would have been able to do more walking. My mom and I could only go so far before we had to turn around. Do not wear flip flops or even open toe Teva type walking sandals- wear tennis or hiking shoes. Felt pretty peaceful here and will return during a cooler month.

We arrived the parking lot at 6am with only one car park there. Following the AllTrails’s guide, it was easy finding the path to climb up in the dark. It was much easier to climb up compared to climb Cathedral Rock, in my opinion. We truly enjoyed views when sun rises up lighting surroundings rocks. Hiking down is very easy.