Having left the main highway, your drive continues north through nondescript land. Nothing around would indicate that you are very close to some place very magical; Sedona. Just as you’re about to check the map again, you catch your very first sight of red rocks. They stand out dramatically against the bland colors of the surrounding desert and radiate in a way that fully captures ones attention.
The natural urge is to get out and experience these red rock wonders up close, and as soon as possible. You haven’t even crossed into Sedona proper, but you’ve already driven right past Bell Rock, and it’s time to pull over! Just past Bell Rock is the Courthouse Vista Trailhead; the parking lot that gives you your first taste of red rock country, up close and personal.
The pathway leaves the parking lot and beelines it directly for Bell Rock. No need to ask for directions; just keep walking towards the majestic red rock cone in front of you. The terrain starts as a flat, roped off pathway, but after only a few minutes you reach a trail junction. Continue straight ahead and the trail fades into the bare red rock.
Bell Rock is very much a choose your own adventure type area. You are free to explore the various tiers of this rock as far and high as your curiosity takes you. Upon finding your own special ledge, enjoy a snack break while taking in the wide open view in front of you. Only a few miles further north and you are officially in Sedona, but this whole area is special, and Bell Rock is the perfect first taste of the incredible nature to be found around here.
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