Sedona has a way of announcing itself.
Not gradually, not politely—but all at once. Red rock spires rise from the desert floor like something ancient and intentional, glowing beneath a wide Arizona sky. On a girls’ weekend escape to Sedona with my friend Irene, this was the hike that welcomed us properly into red rock country: the Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop.
A Slow Arrival into Red Rock Country
We flew into Phoenix mid-morning, picked up our rental car, and began the drive north. The desert slowly shifted—greens deepened, cliffs grew taller, and then suddenly Sedona appeared, wrapped in layers of red stone and blue sky.
With time to spare before check-in, we wandered through downtown Sedona, grabbed lunch with sweeping views of the surrounding formations, and let the pace soften.
That evening, we settled into A Sunset Chateau, a tucked-away B&B that felt worlds apart from the bustle below. An adobe courtyard, ornate iron gates, and lush gardens created an immediate sense of calm. I spent the evening on the patio listening to birds and the nearby creek—a quiet, grounding way to end the day.
Morning on the Trail: Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte Loop
The next morning began with a decadent breakfast at the chateau, paired with panoramic red rock views that made it hard to leave the table. But adventure was calling.
We started our hike from Bell Rock Vista, one of several access points for the Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop. One of the things I love about this trail is its flexibility—multiple trailheads connect into the loop, making it easy to tailor the distance or direction depending on timing, crowds, or energy levels.
The trail winds through Munds Mountain Wilderness, part of Coconino National Forest, and offers roughly four miles of nonstop scenery. From the moment we stepped onto the path, the landscape felt alive. Bell Rock rose beside us, massive and sculptural, while Courthouse Butte stood firm and stately nearby.
The loop flowed easily, never feeling repetitive. Each bend revealed a new angle—towering sandstone walls, layered red cliffs, and open desert stretching in every direction.
Along the way, we caught glimpses of Cathedral Rock in the distance—its jagged silhouette hinting at the steeper adventure waiting its turn—as well as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, perched improbably within the cliffs.
The smaller details were just as memorable. Prickly pear cactus heavy with deep red fruit dotted the trail. Lizards darted across sun-warmed rock. Juniper and desert grasses glowed against rust-colored soil. It was the kind of hike that encourages you to slow down, wander a little, and look often.
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte felt like the perfect Sedona introduction—immersive but not overwhelming, adventurous without being exhausting. A trail that invites movement while still leaving space to breathe.
Cooling Down: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
As the afternoon heat settled in, we traded trail dust for shaded walkways and headed to Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Designed to resemble a traditional Mexican village, the space feels intimate and layered—arched passageways, mosaic fountains, and cobblestone paths winding beneath towering sycamores.
Built around a former grove, the architecture bends around the trees rather than replacing them, creating quiet courtyards and tucked-away corners. It was the perfect contrast to the morning’s wide-open landscapes and a gentle way to transition out of trail mode.
Trail Notes & Tips
Trail Name: Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte Loop
Distance: ~4 miles (loop)
Elevation Gain: ~350 feet
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trail Type: Well-marked desert loop with optional spur trails
Parking & Access:
- We started from Bell Rock Vista, but several trailheads connect to the loop
- Other access points allow for shorter or longer variations
- Red Rock Pass required (America the Beautiful Pass accepted)
- Arrive early during peak seasons for easier parking
Best Time of Day:
- Morning for cooler temperatures and softer light
- Late afternoon offers warmer tones on Courthouse Butte, but less shade
Why This Hike Works:
- Constant views with minimal elevation gain
- Excellent introduction to Sedona’s red rock landscape
- Flexible access points make it easy to customize the route
Looking Ahead
As we wrapped up the loop, Cathedral Rock stood tall in the distance—steep, jagged, and impossible to ignore.
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte had eased us into Sedona’s rhythm, but we knew the real climb was still ahead.
Tomorrow’s adventure would take us higher.
Western Wanderlust Chronicles 
Leave a comment