Courthouse Butte Loop: To get to this wonderful trail, take the wide Bell Rock Pathway from the kiosk toward Bell Rock. It climbs gently and at ½ mile there is a signed intersection with the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail. Continue ahead on the wide trail (this description is for taking the loop clockwise). The trail continues a gentle climb circling to the left of Bell Rock. It levels out at 1 mile and curves to the right below the slopes of Bell Rock. Follow the large cairns to the 1½ mile point where the wide Pathway turns north (left) and a sign shows the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail branching to the right. Go right. This narrower trail passes to the left of Courthouse Butte heading toward Lee Mountain. At 2¼ miles, the trail passes to the right of a prominent dome-shaped outcrop, and then gradually descends, entering Wilderness. It enters a dry wash at 3 miles, circles to the right over bare rock and climbs out onto level ground as it leaves the Wilderness area and continues to circle Courthouse Butte. Approaching Bell Rock, the trail meets the pathway once again at 3¾ miles. Go left, retracing the entry route for ½ mile to return to the kiosk. The loop is mostly unshaded and can be hot in summer.
The Hike House Sedona Trail Rating System provides actual hiker feedback and ratings of each of the Sedona hiking trails. The cumulative trail ratings for the Courthouse Butte Loop submitted by fellow hikers is located above with the Trail Data. Your trail feedback and ratings are an important resource for fellow hikers and provide a personal account of your trail experience from which others may learn. So please hike Sedona, help others, and rate a trail today!
Bell Rock Pathway along with Courthouse Butte were the first trails we hiked in Sedona. They were great first trails-easy, and well marked. We enjoyed the views!!
I found The Hike House while exploring during my first morning in Sedona. Deborah was very helpful; although the store was not opened she was more than willing to help me out with all my questions. She even showed me the maps and made very helpful suggestions.
Three of us started off this hike as a beginning hike to get us ready for our Sedona experience. We hiked on 10/1/2011, the temperature was in the 80’s, we started at 9:30am. I wouldn’t call this hike easy, it’s about 4 miles. (The distance made the difference) As far as elevation, the trail was easy. Always bring a map! We brought along a book that had a trail description with a map of the trail. Along the trail there was some shade, but our hiking group was equipped with rimmed hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. With the temperature we were very comfortable hiking in t-shirts and hiking shorts. Hiking boots aren’t required for this hike, but they sure help for stablity. (I prefer my Merrells)No need for poles. We packed trail mix,fruit, and filled our Camelbaks up. Midway through the trail we had an electrolyte tab that we added to our water. A good rule to follow is a liter of water for each hour you hike.
The views were amazing. The trail was well marked and we had an incredible time. As you hike, no two views are the same, you will see the details of Courthouse and Bell Rock. There were quite a few hikers that went up Bell Rock, we weren’t any of them. We kept on the path and completed the hike in about 2 hours. We took many breaks for pictures and took a snack break. We found ourselves taking our time to appreciate the beautiful trail and taking some moments to ourselves to “breathe.”
If you plan on doing various hikes throughout your stay, I recommend purchasing a Red Rock parking pass. A few days later we returned to The Hike House, once again everyone was friendly and eager to share their expertise with us. Mike and Greg were exceptional! They have great oatmeal cookies =) I hope this was helpful.
I took the clockwise loop as described above early in the morning. I had taken this in the reverse years ago. First half of the loop was quiet and the second half more populated by friendly folks. There were wonderful views of Cathedral Rock,Castle Rock and Rabbit Ears…and surprisingly the Cockscomb. The prominent dome is a nice spot for a snack. At the western end of the Courthouse were the healthiest ocotillo I’ve seen. Very enjoyable easy hike.
We went to The Hike House in search of a hiking trail recommendation that I could handle at seven months pregnant. Mike suggested the Courthouse Butte loop. The views were great and there was a veriety of gentle terrain. I wore an Upsie Belly support belt for stability and would recommend something similar for hiking while pregnant. Bring plenty of water and take little breaks as neede-you will have a great time! The cookies from Hike House were delicious! Thank you for the great trail advise Mike!
I am 8.It was an amazing trails with spectacular views.Its hard work but you feel good at the end.I recommend this trail for 8 year olds.