Bell Rock
4.5
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- Sarah PAlbuquerque, New Mexico14 contributionsFun easy adventure!We arrived around 730 and it wasn’t crowded. Trail is easy to follow. Lots of rock scrambling, which was fun. Go as high as you want (or don’t). Views were great, esp in the early morning light.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten September 30, 2023
- Ronald L27 contributionsPopular PlacePlenty of trails for any expertise. The main parking fills up quickly (we got the last one). You need a Red Rock Pass or America the beautiful pass. You can combine trails to suit your needs.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 17, 2023
- thedapsSarasota, Florida6 contributionsSummit of Baby Bell RockWe are not big time hikers - in our 50s in fair shape. We went at sunrise. So there is loop around Courthouse Butte - Bell Rock. Off this, there is a spur, kinda poorly marked, to head towards the Baby Bell - the rock isn't large like the other two, but gives a good view. As you take this spur, Big Bell will be behind you on the left, Courthouse behind you on the right. You'll reach the loop around Baby Bell. We went left. As you work your way around, when you get around 3/4 away around the loop (which would be about the 3 o'clock position as if you were at the beginning of the loop as you looked at it to start), there are a few ways to scramble up to a flat level. From there, we dropped the pack, went to the right on this plateau, and found a way to climb to the summit. Not nearly as high as even the lower level of Big Bell, but something to say you summited!Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 20, 2023
- Zoom_GottiHenderson, Nevada1,505 contributionsFairly Easy Scenic HikeWe were lodging in Oak Creek so we parked off of the 179 just outside the Village of Oak Creek. There's additional parking farther up the road, but you'll be hiking from a different direction. We left the parking and followed the main trail toward the formation. When we reached the crossroads, a friendly trail volunteer suggested we follow the route for the Rector Connector. That put us hiking between Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. You could do the circle around the Courthouse but your hike will likely be twice as long. Trail is easy to follow and takes you to a Vortex. You can also scramble up the Rock. This is very popular among the younger set. Trail can let out at the second parking if you chose to car pool. Otherwise, follow the Pathway back to where you started from. When parking you should show a pass or payment stub.Visited December 2023Traveled with friendsWritten January 19, 2024
- dianna11621 contributionsBell Rock is great for families, beginners, or novices!Bell Rock is one of the easier hikes in Sedona. There is parking at the base of the mountain (but not a lot) and rest rooms. The trail begins at an easy pace and increases in difficulty as you proceed. At a point, you can then choose one of three trails based on your desired level of intensity. There are spots to rest. Take plenty of water. Use a walking stick. Take a protein bar or two as well. The views are terrific.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 19, 2024
- ZiZi51Los Angeles, California51 contributionsEasy scrambling with amazing viewThis easy access trail is fun for all ages with amazing views from the top. You can take a longer trail that loops around Cathedral Rock with many smaller trails to choose from. Good parking but as with most popular trails it is important to get to your spot early. Remember in warmer weather to bring water, hat and wear your sunscreen.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 16, 2024
- Jennifer M3 contributionsBeautiful hike.Gorgeous hike. We hiked around Court House Butte and Bell Rock. We went at sunrise to get a parking spot and avoid the crowds. An added benefit of going early was that half of the hike was in the shade.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 29, 2024
- Tippegirl2Tippecanoe, Indiana291 contributionsBeautiful Bell RockThere are two parking lots for Bell Rock, and they require a Red Rock Pass. While the trip around Bell Rock is an easy one, for us 70 year olds it was a work out. Pack sunscreen, a hat and water as it takes awhile. If you are so moved it is possible to climb to the top. I can only imagine what a wonderful view that is. There are multiple trails which take off from here.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 20, 2024
- HansKwadendamme, The Netherlands4,184 contributionsGreat walk towards itWe are not in shape to climb it up to the top, but a nice walk towards it is doable for us. We started from our B&B and walked until the road. The scenery is beautiful, the views amazing. Just know for your self what’s wise, also think of the warmth, we started at 8 a.m.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 22, 2024
- Jason CUnited States18 contributionsBell Rock Hike!Definite go to for a hike- get there early as there is limited parking. Some of the areas around the hike can be a little daunting to get up, but just look for different access points that are easier. All in all a great hike with amazing views. Just south of downtown Sedona.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 1, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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TheExplorerFamily
Somerset, NJ7,155 contributions
Oct 2021
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.
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.
Written December 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
balletgirl12
New Philadelphia, OH71 contributions
May 2021
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.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chelsea A
Columbus, OH236 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
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
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claudia10229
Dallas, TX492 contributions
May 2022
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.
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.
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kathy1966
Northern Virginia, VA247 contributions
Dec 2019
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.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle S
Atlanta, GA197 contributions
Aug 2021
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.
Written August 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fei L
Houston, TX2,751 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
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.
Written November 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traderjoey
Chicago, IL784 contributions
Nov 2020
I have been here during the day and hiked this, but we came at sun-set and it was completely different. Crowds thin out, and the sun setting hitting the adjacent area was beautiful. Very meditative. Stayed past dark, and needed flashlights to get back to the parking lot.
Written November 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lquadros
San Ramon, CA170 contributions
Apr 2021
When you look at the advertisements of Sedona, you literally see everywhere this rock and the the Bell rock. I mean that is the draw for the tourists i.e. to hike or to at least hike around these natural formations, if not on it. Problem is there is a huge parking problem. People scampering dangerously around with their vehicles, circling around in desperation. And if you are folks like me who came from a different state just to experience these; it leaves you enraged and cheated.
There is a vast expanse of empty land around the parking lot and nothing in the vicinity, so its not that there is a space issue. It's simply lousy planning.
So, unless you get here by 7.00 am, which if you don't stay in Sedona then its not practical, don't bother coming here. You have been warned.
There is a vast expanse of empty land around the parking lot and nothing in the vicinity, so its not that there is a space issue. It's simply lousy planning.
So, unless you get here by 7.00 am, which if you don't stay in Sedona then its not practical, don't bother coming here. You have been warned.
Written May 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
r2112
Birmingham, AL66 contributions
Mar 2020
The marked trail ends fairly low on the rock so find your own and you'll get nearly to the top. We had seen people earlier high on the rock and following the signs was apparently not going to get us that high. It's really not dangerous but I'm guessing they don't promote going higher for liability reasons? A good pair of boots would be a good idea and well worth the couple of hours to get up and back..
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you have to do a group tour? Or can you go and just walk/hike on your own?
Written March 12, 2024
Hi, I am at Phoenix today heading towards Sedona. Would like to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Devil's bridge and Bell rock. Couple of questions:
1. Is it possible to visit all 3 in a day
2. What is the best time of the day to visit these places? Like is Bell rock best to visit at sunset or in the day?
We are 3 adults, and have a rental car. We are staying at Flagstaff tonight.
Thanks
Written December 28, 2019
Totally possible and easy just do it. We did 8 sights there in one day easily.
Written December 29, 2019
My family took 1 trail on the way which took us prolly 15 minutes and we took a different route on way to parking lot which took us prolly 30 minutes. But the actual hike of the rock was 3/4 way point was prolly 2 hrs up n down. You could go on all the way to the top but we decided not to cuz press on time to go to a different itinerary but still pretty good hike. It’s a must do.
Written April 10, 2019
Hi! Is it a spot to have 20 people eat a quick lunch? Looking for picnic tables or some way to feed my group on the go...
Written March 27, 2019
Arizona Pro Photographer
Chino Valley, Arizona
There are areas of bare slickrock that will accommodate 20 people but there are no tables to sit at. You would have to eat either standing up or sitting on the bare ground. There are also no vending machines at the parking area so you would have to bring your own food.
Written March 31, 2019
Hello,
We will be traveling to Sedona in July. I was wondering are there plenty of the rock formations that are easily accessible by road and short hike or are the tourist jeep tours the better option?
Written June 13, 2018
We did both and there were definitely pluses to both. The pink Jeep tour was able to get you to very secluded places where you can’t easily hike. We hiked bell rock some and that was also great.
Written June 27, 2018
I looked at satellite views of both the Bell Rock and Courthouse Vista trailhead parking lots and didn't see any clearly-defined parking for RV-type vehicles. We were hoping to stop on our way out of town and hike around Bell Rock. Does anyone know if there is room to park a truck and trailer at either site without taking up 3-4 spaces? I'm not going to do that, so we may have to do this hike on our next visit.
Written April 11, 2018
Call the Red Rock Ranger District and ask for traveler information: 928-203-2900. You may need a Red Rock Pass anyway to park. Info by searching for Red Rock Ranger District Information Center (I'd post a link, but it is not allowed by Trip Advisor).
Written April 12, 2018
We have 2 families of inexperienced hikers with kids ranging from 6 to 11. Is this hike appropriate?
Written March 29, 2018
You can do the short hike up to the rock with everyone. I believe it's 0.5 miles. But going up the rock would not be ideal.
Written March 29, 2018
hwaterman: rattlers like privacy and dislike populations of tourists. Follow forest dept rules for wildlife interaction and you should be fine. I assume (most) snakes and (most) other animals are more frightened of humans than (most) humans are of them.
Written April 25, 2018
It's a tough question to answer. Your physical ability, your time available, etc, etc. You could walk for 30 minutes, or you could spend several hours.
If your plan is to walk more than an hour, take water, even in the winter, since the climate is so dry.
If you search for sedonahikingtrails , you can find trail maps. (Apologies for the obfuscation of the website; links are not allowed in answers.)
Written December 29, 2017
Hello! We are NOT avid hikers ( mid 40's decent shape but certainly don't exercise on a regular basis) We are visiting Sedona near the end of September & would love to explore this area. Are hiking shoes a must or are good tennis shoes okay? Bringing our kids too, all over age 11. Thank you in advance.
Written August 18, 2017
The hiking trails at Bell Rock are well marked and you do not need to be an avid hiker. We certainly were not and did just fine. You will see a non-experienced as well as experienced people hiking on the trails. Sneakers are fine and you can turn back to the parking area at any time. We saw many families on the trail with their children. Some as young at 4 years old. There are however several different trails and they may be different. You often see some people on mountain bikes as well. You may want to take water and hats if it is a very sunny day.
Written August 19, 2017
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