Bell Rock vortex hike in Sedona

Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s most popular hiking trails. Aside from the picturesque views of Sedona’s towering red rock formations, Bell Rock is also one of the 4 major vortex sites, making it one of the go-to trails for new tourists. The trail is scenic with fabulous viewpoints of both Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Although the trail is pretty easy (mostly flat), it is very long (about 7 miles total), and therefore, quite exhausting, especially on hot, sunny days.

Beautiful views along the Bell Rock trail in Sedona AZ
Bell Rock
A view of Courthouse Butte from the Bell Rock Pathway trail in Sedona Arizona
Courthouse Butte

The hike is a great choice for fitness buffs who want to get in a long hike, run, or bike ride as the terrain is very flat. In fact, it is very popular with beginning mountain bikers. Even though the terrain is easier than other choices in town, you will definitely be more exhausted due to the extended amount of time you will be out in the sunny, dry desert. Definitely bring with plenty of water and a few salty snacks and plan about 3 hours to complete the entire journey if walking.

A view of the Bell Rock Pathway hike in Sedona AZ

A Sedona Vortex hike

Interestingly, Bell Rock is one of 4 vortex hikes in Sedona. The other vortex hikes include Airport Mesa, Boynton Canyon, and Cathedral Rock. A Sedona vortex is an area of intense energy, naturally rising from the earth. Many people have claimed to feel a certain spiritual energy when standing in a vortex area.

Vortexes strengthen either the masculine or feminine side, or provide a balance of both energies. Feminine vortex sites reportedly enhance the feeling of calmness, while masculine vortexes can make you feel more energized. Many people come from around the world to check out these vortex hikes. Some report a feeling of peace or even healing of ailments when they hike in these areas. Because Bell Rock contains a combo of both masculine and feminine energies, one reportedly can achieve a yin/yang balance.

On an interesting side note, Bell Rock is known to be a hotspot for paranormal activity and UFO sightings. To date, dozens of UFOs have been sighted. A few companies even offer special UFO tours! Even more, Sedona itself is one of the top places in the country for UFO sightings! This is not all that weird, considering that Sedona in general feels like a weird place where basically anything can happen!

Supposedly, the presence of a twisted juniper tree (as seen in the photos below) means a site of super strong vortex energy. While the entire hike possesses vortex energy, the energy is especially concentrated around these unique twisted trees. Many people have claimed to feel a certain spiritual energy when standing in the vortex area.

Twisted juniper tree vortex site along the Bell Rock trail in Sedona AZ
twisted juniper tree a vortex site on the Bell Rock trail in Sedona AZ
A juniper tree on the Bell Rock hike in Sedona AZ

Sedona – A Place of Spiritual Healing

Sedona is now regarded as a leader in spiritual healing, and thus, the city is popular with the New Age community and others interested in alternative healing methods. Visitors from around the world come to take in the energy of the vortex sites, hike, relax at spas, meditate, balance their chakras, and engage in a host of holistic healing therapies.

Whether or not vortex sites are real or were created to draw extra tourists to the Sedona area, there really is something special about these amazing red rock formations. As you hike, you will definitely feel a strong connection with nature, which comes from being surrounded by such majestic towering rock formations with the absence of any commercialization. Perhaps, that is the real benefit of hiking in Sedona :-).

The Bell Rock Climb – Scenic & Steep!

You will see a Bell Rock climb sign after a mile or so of easy walking along the Bell Rock Pathway. This is a detour trail which is much more difficult. This trail is about 0.7 miles long, although it is very steep and quite dangerous (more hikers fall on this trail than any other in Sedona). You can hike up to your comfort level – views are fantastic every step of the way. Fortunately, you do not need to go all the way up to enjoy the mesmerizing scenery!

Bell Rock climb in Sedona AZ

The first portion of this trail is quite easy, although it gets much steeper and harder the higher up you go (using your hands and feet to climb rocks, having others push you up, scary drops, loose rocks, etc.) Although you will see many people climbing up without a second thought, the choice is up to whether or not you want to take the risk. You can enjoy a great panoramic overview (like the one below) by just climbing up a little bit.

A stunning overlook along the Bell Rock trail in Sedona AZ

If you are scared of heights/just want to take it easy for the day, I recommend continuing on the Bell Rock Pathway, snapping a few photos, and skipping the dangerous climb up the Bell Rock trail.

A few more great views along the path

Juniper tree on the Bell Rock Pathway in Sedona AZ
Fantastic views on Bell Rock trail in Sedona AZ
Climb to the Bell Rock vortex site in Sedona AZ
Red rock views along the Bell Rock Pathway in Sedona AZ

Overall, Bell Rock is a nice choice for first time Sedona visitors who want to explore a vortex site. The hike is far from the most scenic in the area (in my opinion, Boynton Canyon, Devil’s Bridge, and Little Horse are far prettier and more interesting), however, it’s a great choice for the Sedona visitor looking for a relatively easy, long workout without much elevation gain.

At the start of the hike it will be pretty congested, especially if you visit on a weekend. However, once you pass the Bell Rock climb area (where many hikers will either stop and turn around, continue on to the Courthouse Butte trail, or spend their time climbing up the rocks), it becomes a peaceful, very desolate journey into nature. The nice thing about the Bell Rock Pathway is that the views are completely different in either direction, so you get a new view on the way back.

Tips for a fantastic hike

*There is not much shade on this trail. Bring plenty of water. Hydrate yourself frequently. Eat salty snacks to balance electrolytes.

*Plan your hike outside of the summer season. Fall and winter are great times to enjoy this hike due to the lack of crowds and cooler temperatures.

*Wear a hat and apply plenty of sunscreen.

*Give yourself at least 3 hours to complete the whole trail.

*Mountain hiking and long distance running are great alternatives to hiking due to the easy terrain.

*Watch the signage carefully and follow the cairns. There are many other trails that connect to Bell Rock Pathway and you want to follow your intended trail. Also be aware that the Bell Rock Trail (climb) is a different hike, so adding this into your journey will be another mile and a half or so if you decide to go all the way up.

*If you want a more scenic hike (and more difficult), connect to the Courthouse Butte trail instead of continuing on the Bell Rock Pathway. Just follow the trails signs. Courthouse is about 5 miles roundtrip.

*Arrive early especially on weekends. After 10am, parking is hard to come across.

Directions

At the junction of 89A and SR 179, take SR 179 south for 6 miles until you see a trailhead parking lot on the left.

You must purchase a Red Rock pass or display your Annual National Parks “America the Beautiful” pass. A daily Red Rock pass is $5, or you can purchase an annual pass for $20. A better option is to purchase an Annual National Park pass, which gains you entry into all Red Rock Country hiking areas as well as all national parks and monuments for the year.