Bell Rock Pathway / Vista

Facility · Arizona ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Area (Scenic Area) · Restricted Access

4,185 ft
Elevation

The Bell Rock Pathway is a 3.6 mile trail. Along this pathway you'll enjoy fantastic views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and other landmarks. Most of the pathway has a wide, hard surface, but there are some steep hills too. Some places around Bell Rock are rocky and rough.

There is a popular observation area on the west side of Bell Rock not accessible from the highway.

 

Getting there

Location: 31 miles south of Flagstaff in scenic Red Rock Country.

GPS:

  • North Trailhead (Map): 34°48'19.8"N 111°46'00.5"W
  • South Trailhead (Map): 34°47'29.4"N 111°45'42.7"W

Access: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179 in Sedona, take 179 south 3.6 miles to a paved turnout and trailhead parking on the left (east) at milepost 309.8, .2 miles south of the entrance to the United Methodist Church for the northern trailhead.

For the southern trailhead, from the South Gateway Visitor Center, go 1 mile north to Bell Rock parking area on your right.

Maps

  • Red Rock Country Maps: Download Red Rock Country trail maps and find other Sedona recreation resources. See the Sedona Southeast map for this trail.
  • The Digital Travel Map Whether you're driving, hiking, riding, or exploring, you will find this full-color, GPS-enabled map a handy reference to have on your mobile device. The map show trails, recreation sites, major landmarks, and forest roads.
  • Forest Service Topo Map (FSTopo Geo-enable PDF)

 

Click map thumbnail for larger view.

 

34.79151, -111.76185 · 34°47'29.5"N 111°45'42.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 97°F in Jul, down to 58°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F586168758494979489796758
Low °F343640445361686761514133
Precip in2.02.21.90.80.70.21.62.01.71.41.11.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Bell Rock Pathway / Vista

Can you reserve a site at Bell Rock Pathway / Vista?
No. Bell Rock Pathway / Vista is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Bell Rock Pathway / Vista

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.