Tours and Tickets to Experience Bell Rock

There are plenty of ways to experience Bell Rock. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Half-day Sedona Sightseeing Tour

• Small Group or Private Sedona and Native American Ruins Day Tour

• The Ultimate Ebike Tour of Sedona.The best of Sedona EZRider.

• 2.5-Hour Sedona Sightseeing Tour with Sedona Hotel Pickup

• Sedona Day Trip from Phoenix

Visiting Bell Rock requires a Red Rock Pass: day passes cost US$5, weekly passes are US$15, and annual passes are US$20. Whichever duration you choose, your pass includes access to 19 sites within Sedona. Bring a credit card, since machines don’t accept cash payments.

Shaped like a bell, this rust-red peak is one of Sedona’s most distinctive rock formations. It is also home to the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop trail, which is relatively flat and ideal for families and beginning hikers. It stretches for around 3.6 miles (5.8 kilometers), passing through one of Sedona’s four major energy vortexes.

Peak season lasts from September through mid-December, and from March through May, when you’ll find the mildest weather, but also the biggest crowds. Winter is great for quieter trails, although expect the occasional dusting of snow. Hiking isn’t recommended in summer, when soaring temperatures pose real risks.

Yes, you can visit Bell Rock on your own, although having a hiking buddy is always recommended on trails. Also, be warned that the parking lots fill up fast, so head to the trailhead early if you’re driving your own vehicle. When in doubt, consider joining a guided tour that includes transportation.

Aim for the early morning or late afternoon, especially during warmer months or peak season (only hike at midday during the winter). The light changes during sunrise and sunset, and photographers should aim for the post-dawn or pre-dusk golden hour to catch the rock awash in warm, buttery tones.