Courthouse Butte Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Views · Wildflowers

A lovely loop combining parts of other trails through the expansive terrain around Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. The route is long, but rewards with stretches of solitude and perspectives on all sides of the famous rock formations.

Very little shade on this trail. I did the loop on a 106 degree day with plenty of water. The far side of the trail away from the parking lot is very serene. I only saw other runners as I got close to Bell Rock.

Nice clear trail. Shouldn't be an issue to run. Also, mountain bikes are allowed in parts of this area but not others. Be aware there is a hefty fine if you ride into the part where they are not allowed.

This is a fairly easy loop around Courthouse Butte. From the parking area head left to the intersection of the Courthouse and what is listed as the Phone Trail. Take a right and head up towards the butte.

Continue clockwise around Courthouse Butte on the Courthouse Loop until the trail intersects with the Big Park Loop Connector and the Bell Rock Trail. This will take you back to the parking area.

The far side of Courthouse Butte offers really lovely vistas and solitude. Not only do you see some of the red rocks the Sedona area is famous along the Munds Mountain Wilderness area for but you also see part the Horse Mesa with it's contrasting green trees.

Part of this loop along the far side follows along and crosses a creek bed. There was a wee bit of water when I went through with the largest concentration of tadpoles I have ever seen.

Typical desert stuff. The day I was there I didn't see any critters but I understand others have seen rattlesnakes. Be aware.

Plenty of birds provided a soothing backdrop to my huffing and puffing up the hills.