Bell Rock, a famous Sedona landmark, rises up to the sky just beyond the village of Oak Creek. While there is no clearly defined hiking trail, the well-worn slopes are easily traversed. Bring a book, lunch, and some water then find a scenic perch on which you can spend a lazy afternoon.

If you're an intrepid hiker or an adventurer you may want to try climbing near the top of Bell Rock. To get there take the little trail from the parking area until it disappears then head to the right and towards the center of Bell. Keep curving right and center until you find yourself facing a large canyon-like, very smooth wash area to the left (center of Bell). This water-worn wash goes all the way up near the top. Climb up towards the wash.

You will reach a spot where you have a choice between clambering up a six foot wall with narrow footholds, or scooting (is that a word?) up a narrow slot in the rocks about two feet wide and eight feet tall. I prefer scooting after trying both methods. Feels safer. From there, you can carefully walk up the canyon/washed out area until you reach the next climbing level. There is a series of rock ledges to the right that aren't too hard to climb and once you reach the top of these, the rest of the climb is a set of simple stair-steps to the highest point you can reach without ropes. Enjoy this view for a very long time!

Notes from
the Journal