Courthouse Loop

The Courthouse Loop is a heavily used system trail in the Coconino National Forest. It is well marked and easy to follow. There are two parking areas off Hwy 179 to access this wonderful trail. Three if you include Yavapai Vista across the highway. All of these parking areas require either a Red Rock or America The Beautiful Pass.
 

FINDING THE TRAILHEADS

From the south: (Bell Rock Vista) take the wide Bell Rock Pathway from the kiosk toward Bell Rock. It climbs gently and at ½ mile there is a signed intersection with the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail. Continue ahead on the wide trail (this description is for taking the loop clockwise). The trail continues a gentle climb circling to the west of Bell Rock. It levels out and curves to the north below the slopes of Bell Rock.

GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER"S GUIDE!

From the north: (Courthouse Vista) walk southeast on the trail directly towards Bell Rock at ¼ mile the Trail intersects Bell Rock Pathway to you may then choose to circle Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte clockwise (turn east) or counterclockwise (turn west).

If circling clockwise, after turning east, follow the large cairns to the point where the wide Pathway turns north (left) and a sign shows the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail branching to the east. Baby Bell Rock (shown above) is a popular side trip in this section of the trail. To continue on Courthouse Loop go east. This narrower trail passes to the north of Courthouse Butte heading toward Lee Mountain. The next intersection is the Llama Trail, popular with mountain bikers, from the north.

Continuing east, the trail passes to the right of a prominent dome-shaped outcrop, and then gradually descends, entering the Wilderness area. It enters a dry wash, circles to the south over bare rock and climbs out onto level ground as it leaves the Wilderness area and continues to circle Courthouse Butte.

Approaching Bell Rock (shown above) the trail meets the pathway once again. To return to the Bell Rock Vista and Pathway trailhead, go south, retracing the entry route for ½ mile to return to the kiosk. If returning to the Courthouse Vista Trailhead, continue clockwise around Bell Rock to the intersection of the parking area trail intersecting from the northwest. There is little shade on the loop so it can be extremely hot in summer.

HIKE DETAILS

RATED: Easy

TOTAL DISTANCE (FULL LOOP)
3.7 miles

ELEVATION GAIN
357 ft

EST HIKING TIME
2-3 hours

BEST TIME TO GO
Oct - April. Hike early or late in the day to avoid summer heat.

PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pet and pack it out.