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Bell Rock Trail - 8 members in 12 triplogs have rated this an average 3.4 ( 1 to 5 best )
12 triplogs
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Jun 01 2025
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 Guides 2
 Routes 127
 Photos 1,478
 Triplogs 129

male
 Joined May 07 2019
 Tempe, AZ
Intro to Sedona, AZ 
Intro to Sedona, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jun 01 2025
mikemcgTriplogs 129
Hiking8.81 Miles 1,630 AEG
Hiking8.81 Miles   4 Hrs   25 Mns   2.27 mph
1,630 ft AEG      32 Mns Break
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
A little exploration of some Sedona sites that we've never been to before. Started at Jack's Canyon trailhead at 1120. The fairly large parking lot was completely empty, so we parked in the only shaded spot under the single tree in the lot. We headed up the Rabbit Ears trail and saw the Rabbit Ears, then took the loop around Courthouse Butte, then past Baby Bell Rock (which i didn't know existed until today), then fully-grown Bell Rock, then looped back along Rektor Connector, Big Park Loop, Pine Valley Trail (no pines), and Little Rock Trail back to the lot. (3 of the 4 aforementioned trails are not listed on RouteScout). There were 2 cars in the parking lot when we returned.

It was a nice little loop with some great views and almost no people (we encountered 4 hikers and 4 bikers total, not counting the 20 people that were climbing on Bell Rock). All the trails were very well maintained and easy to follow. The high was 86°, and it was mostly cloudy with occasional sunny moments, with a pretty consistent light breeze. It began raining around 3pm and cooled off quickly. Fun times.
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  4 archives
Jul 12 2024
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Bell Rock TrailSedona, AZ
Sedona, AZ
Hiking avatar Jul 12 2024
mt98dewTriplogs 2,387
Hiking7.40 Miles 355 AEG
Hiking7.40 Miles   2 Hrs   9 Mns   3.44 mph
355 ft AEG
 no routes
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Last day in Camp Verde allowed for a quick visit up to Sedona. I was looking for something easy that I hadn’t taken credit for. Surprised to see Bell Rock Trail come up as not being done. Felt like I’ve worked that area pretty good. Got to the TH a little after 4:30am. Just enough light to see by.

It turns out I had done this trail under “Bell Rock Pathway”. I ended up taking a route very similar (if not the same) as the Pathway. I changed it up on the way back when I hopped over to the west side and took an assortment of trails (HT, Easy Breezy, Templeton, Hermit, Coconino, Slim Shady) to get back to the TH. Ton of trails in the area. Ton of use trails in the area as well. Especially around Bell Rock. All of it very scenic. Really need to visit this area on a more regular basis. Trail interaction can get rather confusing. Luckily, they are all signed and mapped. I’d like to be able to hike this area with the trail connections already imprinted on my mind. Not likely to happen unless I visit more frequently. Had the trails to myself with the exception of some rabbits and chipmunks. Met two hikers near Little Horse TH, but that was it.
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Apr 22 2024
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 Guides 33
 Routes 286
 Photos 445
 Triplogs 251

35 male
 Joined Oct 23 2017
 Tempe
Bell Rock TrailSedona, AZ
Sedona, AZ
Hiking avatar Apr 22 2024
KingLeonidasTriplogs 251
Hiking3.59 Miles 610 AEG
Hiking3.59 Miles   1 Hour   42 Mns   2.15 mph
610 ft AEG      2 Mns Break6 LBS Pack
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Hiked Bell Rock trail with Margaret and Joe as part of our Sedona Adventure.

This was my first time hiking this trail (though I have driven past many times before).

I tried to take them up to the summit and to the vortex on the west side of the rock. I was not able to find the vortex. Like Vista trail I had a compass but couldn't pick up any magnetic field with it (at least not anything of appreciable strength) unlike vista trail this one wasn't marked with stones (or at least we didn't see any markings). We also weren't able to find the vortex that is supposedly between Bell and Courthouse rock.

The attempt at the summit (following the HikeAZ route) was also a flop. At the very first patch of slickrock Joe and Margaret noped out. It turns out a pair of Merrills a hiker does not make. They will have to get some practice smearing at the rock gym or something. We did a bit better following the actual marked trail to the summit as the slick rock there was less steep and there were enough other hikers doing the route to inspire some confidence. We made it about halfway up before fear of heights caused the adventure to end. It was a decent run though all things considered, I wonder if they could make the top of Cathedral rock (maybe we will figure that out next time).

Rather than complete the hike t the top we opted to circumnavigate Bell rock which provided some good views of Courthouse as well. It was a good hike and they had a good time with it.

I will have to return sometime with Victoria to do the summit trail
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Jun 24 2023
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 Guides 2
 Routes 174
 Photos 1,554
 Triplogs 179

47 male
 Joined Jul 01 2011
 Wexford, PA
Bell Rock TrailSedona, AZ
Sedona, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 24 2023
UberdroogTriplogs 179
Hiking1.23 Miles 114 AEG
Hiking1.23 Miles      35 Mns   2.17 mph
114 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
supdoge1
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
_____________________
 
Sep 15 2022
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 Guides 1
 Routes 148
 Photos 9,924
 Triplogs 3,652

63 male
 Joined Apr 02 2005
 Mesa, AZ
Easy Breezy TrailSedona, AZ
Sedona, AZ
Hiking avatar Sep 15 2022
Tortoise_HikerTriplogs 3,652
Hiking5.98 Miles 504 AEG
Hiking5.98 Miles   2 Hrs   27 Mns   2.44 mph
504 ft AEG
 
1st trip
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I started this hike from Courthouse Vista trailheads. I used Phone trail-Bell Rock trail-Templeton trail to get to Easy Breezy trail. About.6 of a mile. I followed the Eagles route from there, albeit backwards. You can start at the other end by using the Cathedral Rock trailhead. Use part of Cathedral Rock trail and Templeton trail to get to that end of Easy Breezy trail. Probably about.6 of a mile to get to that end too.
Evidence of recent rain but the red dirt packs nicely. Stayed mud free. Nice tree cover, views and plenty of interesting rock areas.
Only saw 5 mountain bikers and 1 hiker on trail.
Nice weather this morning and a very enjoyable outing!
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Tortoise Hiking. Stop and smell the Petrichor.
 
May 29 2021
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 Guides 21
 Routes 1,182
 Photos 36,858
 Triplogs 1,570

69 female
 Joined Feb 26 2004
 Phoenix, AZ
Courthouse Butte Loop TrailSedona, AZ
Sedona, AZ
Hiking avatar May 29 2021
tibberTriplogs 1,570
Hiking4.68 Miles 710 AEG
Hiking4.68 Miles   2 Hrs   8 Mns   2.34 mph
710 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
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desertgirl
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Our get out of town hike didn't start out too well as we circled the north Bell Rock/Courthouse TH a couple times hoping for a parking spot. Fortunately, we were able to find a place to park at the south Bell Rock TH along with the rest of the horde. It was a little warm with not much breeze.

We took off and did the Loop clockwise; when I last did this loop in 2009 with my brother, niece and cousin we went counterclockwise. The closer we got to Bell Rock the more crowded it got pretty much until we hooked up with the Courthouse part of the hike. Like most Sedona hikes, this one has some great views which really started to kick in once you get to the northside of the loop as you can see Cathedral Rock, Doe and Bear Mountain area, Thunder Mountain, Airport Mesa, Brins Mesa area and Twin Buttes. And then there's the Baby Bell Rock you can do a quick loop around if you want.

You kind of have to pay attention as you hook up with Courthouse Butte Loop when you start heading ESE. The breeze picked up just a tad here as well as some cool clouds in the sky. As you round the corner you can see the Rabbit Ears which are always fun to photograph. My niece and brother created this photo here, it is so cool [ photo ] :) The area has lots of brush and trees including prickly pear with very big ears which I've noticed quite a bit up here.

We encountered a few other hikers on this leg as you enter and leave the wilderness part of the hike. It's a $300 fine if a bike rider passes through here. A little further south and the Spaceship Rock (also apparently called Muffin Rock but we went with Spaceship in 2009, thus this picture [ photo ] ) finally shows up. As we passed by we noticed an ocotillo garden and took some photos. As you get more to the other side of the rock, it looks more like a spaceship.

We continued hiking to the southeastern side to a junction in this drainage area. Here you have the option to continue west on the loop but Ambika noticed that the Big Park Loop takes us to the TH so we opted to do that. I had not been on the Big Park Loop so we were pleasantly surprised. It is a fairly busy bike route though so keep your eye out. It's not easy for them either as it does involve a couple little uphills if you're coming from the west. I don't remember there being a Big Park Loop when we hiked this area in 2009. Anyway, we really liked it as you really got a longer view to the Butte and Bell Rock and with the cool little clouds swirling around, it made for some nice photos.

The TH was even busier when we got back. We were surprised to see so many people of all ages and dogs as it was now in the high 80s. We grabbed the cut watermelon out of the cooler and munched on that before taking off to PJs in the Village for lunch. The ribs are great!

I did post some more views from our balcony at the beginning of the Photoset as well as a couple other touristy things... in remembrance of Randall from back in the day.


WATCH: 4.47 miles. Avg bpm 116, Max 142 - most in Zone 3 burning 690 calories finishing at 11:29AM. Temp start 80.5 and 11% humidity.
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Aircraft
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[ checklist ]  Lee Mountain  Snoopy Rock
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation None
prickly pear were blooming and some apache plume.
_____________________
For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.
 
Apr 21 2021
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 Routes 189
 Photos 7,236
 Triplogs 1,740

57 male
 Joined Apr 25 2011
 Goodyear, AZ
Slim Shady Loop, AZ 
Slim Shady Loop, AZ
 
Mtn Biking avatar Apr 21 2021
NightstalkerTriplogs 1,740
Mtn Biking11.50 Miles 1,248 AEG
Mtn Biking11.50 Miles   2 Hrs   12 Mns   6.00 mph
1,248 ft AEG      17 Mns Break8 LBS Pack
 no routes
Day 3 of birthday mountain bike rides in Sedona. Well, today was my birthday and a parking spot opened up at Bell Rock just as I pulled in! Fantastic! Slim Shady and Easy Breezy may be my all time favorite mountain bike trails. So fun! So scenic!
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Sep 19 2020
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 Routes 189
 Photos 7,236
 Triplogs 1,740

57 male
 Joined Apr 25 2011
 Goodyear, AZ
Slim Shady TrailSedona, AZ
Sedona, AZ
Mtn Biking avatar Sep 19 2020
NightstalkerTriplogs 1,740
Mtn Biking14.60 Miles 1,459 AEG
Mtn Biking14.60 Miles   4 Hrs   42 Mns   5.18 mph
1,459 ft AEG   1 Hour   53 Mns Break13 LBS Pack
 no routes
Went up to Oak Creek this morning to ride an epic loop on the mountain bikes with SCA. Got to Bell Rock trail head around 6:30 and easily found a parking space. Surprised at how few other trail users we saw once we got a small distance from a trailhead.
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Oct 12 2019
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 Routes 10
 Photos 466
 Triplogs 680

male
 Joined Mar 10 2008
 Phoenix, AZ
Bell Rock TrailSedona, AZ
Sedona, AZ
Mtn Biking avatar Oct 12 2019
ThoreauTriplogs 680
Mtn Biking8.51 Miles 823 AEG
Mtn Biking8.51 Miles      55 Mns   9.28 mph
823 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
_____________________
 
Sep 28 2019
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,626
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,760

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Bell Rabbit Chicken Hog Church Cathedral Hi 2, AZ 
Bell Rabbit Chicken Hog Church Cathedral Hi 2, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 28 2019
The_EagleTriplogs 2,760
Hiking20.77 Miles 2,796 AEG
Hiking20.77 Miles   10 Hrs   41 Mns   2.09 mph
2,796 ft AEG      45 Mns Break14 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
A tweak of a redo of a trek done 4 years ago.

1) You can't go wrong with the views on any of these trails.
2) The weather and clouds made this a memorable hike that photos do not do justice.
3) Hog Heaven, High on the Hog, the unnamed use trail from Cathedral Trail and Highline are standouts.
4) With the new route found from Cathedral to Hiline, I will never do the full Cathedral Rock Trail again.
5) This track has been added to the playlist.
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There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Sep 28 2019
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 Guides 264
 Routes 2,797
 Photos 14,494
 Triplogs 5,894

55 male
 Joined Nov 20 1996
 
Bell - Rabbit - Hog - Chicken - Hiline Loop, AZ 
Bell - Rabbit - Hog - Chicken - Hiline Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Sep 28 2019
joebartelsTriplogs 5,894
Hiking20.30 Miles 2,479 AEG
Hiking20.30 Miles   8 Hrs   9 Mns   2.66 mph
2,479 ft AEG      31 Mns Break20 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Bell Rock Trail
Excellent tread. Old road. IMO it adapts well to demand, curbs destruction and maintains impact within reason. Key being the hearty fencing. Which are short long lasting log poles with a single strand wire. Cuts down on spider use-trails. Doesn't beg to be destroyed as you could easily step over it. Dad always said locks do not prevent thieves, they keep honest people honest.

Courthouse Butte Loop Trail
Our hike covered a majority. This hike is good for those looking for an easy hike with a high volume red rock experience.

Rabbit Ears
Upped my rating from 2 to 3. Descent tread. Possibly the best option to get away from crowds in this network of trails through world class red rock. That said I don't detest crowds and the Rabbit Ears themselves look like trouble to explore.

Llama Trail
Works well to bridge over to the Little Horse network of trails. Mountain bikers can fly through so stay alert.

Little Horse Trail #61
Under appreciated. Solid choice if it works into the web you weave. We walked over a 2 foot slender snake just before reaching Little Horse TH.

Chapel Trail
Like the bag cotton candy comes in you'll forget it after it's served its purpose. Two guys with gps got off trail not paying attention then almost got passed by a family they recently passed. Good chuckle for the memory bank.

Mystic Trail
Near neighborhood. Nobody's favorite. Incredible red rock views nevertheless.

Pig Tail Trail
Added to HAZ. Sedona is determined to put the McDowell spaghetti network to shame. Good alternative to northern Mystic.

Hog Wash Trail
We only hiked 0.2 mi. Can be used to bridge Broken Arrow Trail. Most use from that trailhead.

Hog Heaven Trail
It goes up in grip-n-grunt style. Forget the stroller, it's a big girl trail. We lunched in heaven before getting High on the Hog based on previous experience. Perfect.

High on the Hog Trail
The red rock party continues.

HT Trail
This gets you under SR 179. Nothing special, appreciated.

Easy Breezy Trail
Alternative to Templeton Trail. We crossed paths with a group that tried in earnest to ask hiking questions. We cordially chatted without breaking pace. A minute later wondered how the high school smokers group wandered so far out yonder.

Cathedral Rock Trail #170
The trail was busy as expected. I had trouble balancing the first step into the groove. A kid screaming his head off at the saddle for simple attention was the highlight.

Bruce found a path on satellite to bridge over to Hiline. Not a zoo, far from deserted. Rivals the Hangover Trail.

Hiline Trail
Finally got to check this one out. Brian published the guide here on HAZ two years ago and it screamed winner.

Slim Shady Trail
V.O.C. aorta to Templeton. A nice juniper dense trail. We only hiked 0.1 mi so the naggin rhythm never caught on... May I have your attention, please? Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?

Coconino Trail
This is now an official trail. This short access trail to Yavapai Trailhead is really an extension of the also short Hermit Trail.

Synopsis
Liked this four years ago. The Hiline tweak easily puts it in the top 3 Sedona mini mega loops.
_____________________
- joe
 
May 01 2018
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 Guides 93
 Routes 397
 Photos 4,984
 Triplogs 4,124

49 male
 Joined Jun 20 2003
 Tucson, AZ
Sedona Hike, AZ 
Sedona Hike, AZ
 
Hiking avatar May 01 2018
fricknaleyTriplogs 4,124
Hiking23.00 Miles 3,950 AEG
Hiking23.00 Miles   9 Hrs   32 Mns   2.53 mph
3,950 ft AEG      26 Mns Break12 LBS Pack
 
1st trip
this is the one i couldn't wait for. modified the Bruce/Joe loop by tagging on some excellent additional trail miles and circling around behind cathedral. there was a big storm front moving in that evening so i knew i was on the clock a little bit for this one.

started off messing around up on the beautiful bell rock. went up the lower chute and decided in the interest of time (ie storm) to call it there, for this trip. i will be back for the top one day. scrambled down and around on courthouse butte. took a minute to figure out the unmarked loop out to the rabbit ears. the way out is a bit of a rocky slog, but once you hit the high point, loop around to magnificent view of the rabbit ears and bring it home on the much more entertaining northern leg, this becomes a much more worthwhile excursion!

scenic traverse on llama and little horse over to chicken point for the next high yield part of the hike. views from chicken point are always wonderful. broken arrow is great, then the absolutely fantastic high on the hog and hog heaven trails. man i love these two trails. completed the loop around the mountains on hog wash, mystic and chapel trails. headed back to 179 then crossed under it on little horse and the surprisingly nice HT trails.

next up was probably my most anticipated part of the day looping over to, up/down, then around cathedral. the templeton trail is underrated in my opinion and the segment from HT to cathedral junction, i found to be lovely. this is when the weather really moved in. i contemplated bailing on going up/down cathedral since i've done it numerous times. instead i decided to just put on my bobby rockets and blast up and down. more templeton awesomeness to the creek, then short but sweet crossover on baldwin to the Hiline trail. Folks, we have another sedona winner with the Hiline Trail. completely awesome trail, with sections remniscent of the hogs/hangover. the weather was pretty crazy at this point so i had to keep it moving, but this was really outstanding. i had earlier notions of adding a few extra miles at the end with looping made in the shade and slim shady, but it was pretty clear it was time to call it a day. and i was getting sick of the wind at this point too. ha

outstanding big day out there, without that many people all things considered. my gps screwed up on me for a while on the little horse and broken arrow trails, so the numbers associated with my gps route are not right (a little too low, especially the elevation). for those interested, the route is good though.
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hi
 
average hiking speed 2.33 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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