Jeff B.
Yelp
(Explored 05/22/25 TH @ 8:00am): Well hell... that rock looked like a bell!
To beat the crowds and hot weather, I made my way to famed Bell Rock for the first time in over twenty years. Located within the Coconino National Forest, a butte just north of the Village of Oak Creek south of Sedona in Yavapai County with an elevation at its summit of 4,919 feet, it's just west of the Courthouse Butte, another famed local landmark. Both were very popular for their panoramic views, while Bell Rock was a well-known vortex site believed to be a source of powerful uplifting energy considered a "masculine" or upflow vortex associated with active dynamic empowering energy. Did I rock my bell and get a sense of energy with this morning hike!?
EXPERIENCE
Definitely a tourist destination for numerous reasons, I started off on the initial trailhead Bell Rock Pathway (approx. 3.6 miles - good for hikers and mountain bikers) https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=wlkOB7kt-Sa4adVwIGhcJg from the parking lot, but I eventually just wandered almost aimlessly onto other marked trails, non-marked trails, and possibly out-of-bounds areas to the point I thought I might've crossed state lines - LOL! I casually took in the sights and allowed myself just to be free, listened to my breathing, and cleared my mind as much as possible as I snapped a myriad of photos along the way. I scaled as much as I could of Bell Rock https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=Zvwo8w29_vNIDY3GUsjcnw and Courthouse Butte https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=kYR_mNWu_Du8HD7nQq9m6A for some awe-inspiring views. Here were some other trail options, dogs were allowed if on a leash, and some were accessible for wheelchair users:
~Bell Rock Loop Trail: A 1.0-1.5 mile loop trail offering views of Bell Rock and the surrounding areas.
~Big Park Loop Trails: A network of various trails. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=AXsmC0a3l2gd5thCovgh6Q
~Baby Bell, Llama, and Bail Trail: A trail that is part of the Big Park loop.
~Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop: A loop trail that combines hiking up Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
PURCHASE
Red Rock Daily Pass ($5.00): Because this was part of a national park, a pass was necessary. If you had an existing monthly or annual national parks pass, you could use that. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=48&select=rzZ6ktuqfQLr2iUf8GB5-g
SERVICE
There was none to speak of. However, the surroundings were absolutely clean, and the various trails were visibly marked - 'nuff said.
PARKING (Varied; $5.00 this instance)
I easily found a spot in a sizable lot at the Bell Rock Pathway trailhead. Otherwise, there was a convenient complimentary shuttle you caught from a nearby church (please tip the driver at least a buck or two) as well as minimal spots along the main drag of State Rte. 179 - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A wide-open space completely exposed to the elements with dry desert foliage everywhere, red rock masses, and breathtaking views as far as the eye can see depending on your vantage point. Be prepared and have proper footwear, sun protection, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Although I didn't see any animals, bugs, or insects, my ankles must've brushed up against something because I had an isolated rash, so be mindful of your surroundings. Obviously, there was plenty of natural light since you were outdoors. The only TV or music would've came from your cell phone. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=QrgdxTkHaCg8eGM2LR40Nw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt and boardshorts, but I was in more appropriate hiking boots instead of my favored flip-flops.
OVERALL
I had a contemplative and relaxing time exploring Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and their surroundings and would gladly do it again. The day wasn't crowded at all, I was able to move about at my own leisure and pace, and the weather was relatively nice albeit hot and got hotter as the morning went on. I somehow managed to spend nearly four hours at this site. I found complete value based on the service and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $5.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS