Description: Probably considered the most famous and the most recognizable red rock formation in Sedona, Bell Rock is so called because of distinctive shape which resembles a church bell. It is usually the first sandstone formation you will see driving up to Sedona on AZ Hwy 179, just north of the Village of Oak Creek.
Bell Rock has gentle hiking trails which provides some of the most spectacular views of Red Rock Country. And don’t forget that this is also the site of one of the strongest vortexes which, for spiritual enthusiasts, would lead to some form of rewarding introspection. The trail to Bell Rock could be accessed through the Bell Rock Pathway vista about a mile south of the structure itself. This would be the starting point of the 5-mile Bell Rock/Courthouse Butte Loop. You can also go on the secondary trailhead near Bell Rock itself to access the Bell Rock Trail to the base of Bell Rock, or with some sense of adventure, climb Bell Rock itself. Personally, I preferred going straight to the Bell Rock Trail, so excited to touch the famous sandstone structure. But any trail you choose would provide amazing views of the red rock landscape and a wonderful view of the stately Courthouse Butte with its sheer vertical sides.
The best time to visit Bell Rock is during early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not so high. The sun at angle provides beautiful shadows which enhance the reddish orange colors of the structures. It would make for wonderful pictures. Its also easier to look up to the top of these remarkable structures without the sun's imposing glare.
Bell Rock has gained some notoriety during the "Harmonic Convergence" of 1987 when it was rumored that it would be the base of a spaceship encounter which some people paid money to see. No such thing happened. But this did not deter from the fact that Sedona is considered a spiritual and metaphysical mecca for believers.
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