Courthouse Butte Loop Trail In Sedona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on September 11, 2026

Courthouse Butte red rock formation near Sedona Arizona

Courthouse Butte. © Mike Koopsen

Courthouse Butte is one of the prominent red rock landmarks south of Sedona, Arizona, rising immediately east of Bell Rock along State Route 179. The Courthouse Butte Loop Trail circles the formation through open red rock country, providing changing views of Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock and the surrounding landscape on an approximately 4.3-mile hike.

Trail Overview
Hiking The Loop
Trail Details
What You Will See
Name & History
Parking & Trailhead
Directions
Hiking Tips
FAQ

Courthouse Butte Loop Trail Overview

The Courthouse Butte Loop is a scenic hike through the red rock country south of Sedona near Bell Rock and the Village of Oak Creek. The Forest Service lists the loop at approximately 4.3 miles round trip with about 350 feet of cumulative elevation gain and rates the hike as easy.

The route begins along the broad Bell Rock Pathway before branching onto the narrower Courthouse Butte Loop Trail. Much of the hike is exposed to the sun, and shade is limited, making water and sun protection especially important during warmer months.

Hiking The Courthouse Butte Loop

From the Bell Rock Vista area, follow the wide Bell Rock Pathway toward Bell Rock. After approximately one-half mile, the route reaches the signed Courthouse Butte Loop Trail. The loop can be hiked in either direction, although the Forest Service trail description follows it clockwise.

The trail passes beneath Bell Rock before continuing around the broad slopes and cliffs of Courthouse Butte. As the route moves east and north, the busy Bell Rock area gives way to quieter desert scenery and narrower single-track trail.

Part of the route enters the Munds Mountain Wilderness, where bicycles are prohibited. Horses are prohibited on the Bell Rock Pathway. Hikers should remain on designated trails and respect wilderness and private-property boundaries.

The final portion of the loop reconnects with Bell Rock Pathway for the return to the trailhead.

Courthouse Butte Loop Trail Details

Distance: Approximately 4.3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: Approximately 350 feet cumulative
Hiking time: Allow about 2.5 hours
Season: Year-round, weather and trail conditions permitting
Shade: Limited
Water: No dependable water source along the trail
Parking: Recreation pass required at the trailhead
Bicycles: Prohibited within designated wilderness
Horses: Prohibited on Bell Rock Pathway

Scenery Along The Courthouse Butte Loop

The trail provides constantly changing views as it circles Courthouse Butte. Bell Rock dominates the western portion of the route, while the eastern and northern sides of the loop offer a quieter perspective of Courthouse Butte and the surrounding high-desert landscape.

Vegetation along the route includes juniper, pinyon pine, agave, cactus and seasonal wildflowers. Open stretches also provide broad views across the red rock country surrounding the Village of Oak Creek.

How Courthouse Butte Got Its Name

The names of several Sedona red rock formations have changed or been confused on historical maps. Cathedral Rock appeared as Court House Rock on some early maps, while the formation now known as Courthouse Butte was once identified as Church House Rock.

Those early naming variations helped create lasting local stories about how Courthouse Butte, Cathedral Rock and nearby Bell Rock received their modern names.

Courthouse Butte Parking And Trailhead

The Courthouse Butte Loop is commonly accessed from the Bell Rock Vista trailhead along State Route 179 south of Sedona. Parking areas in this corridor can become busy during weekends, holidays and peak visitor periods.

A recreation pass is required at the Courthouse/Bell Rock fee sites. Check current Coconino National Forest information for accepted passes and any changes to parking requirements before your hike.

Directions To Courthouse Butte Loop Trail

From the junction of State Route 89A and State Route 179 in Sedona, travel south on State Route 179 for approximately 6.5 miles toward the Village of Oak Creek. Turn into the Bell Rock Vista trailhead area near milepost 307 and follow the Bell Rock Pathway toward Bell Rock and the Courthouse Butte Loop.

Tips For Hiking Courthouse Butte Loop

Carry plenty of drinking water because there is no dependable water source along the route.
Use sunscreen, a hat and other sun protection because much of the trail is exposed.
Start early during warmer months to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Wear footwear suitable for dirt, rock and uneven single-track trail.
Watch for trail junctions where several routes intersect near Bell Rock.
Stay on designated trails and avoid creating shortcuts across fragile desert terrain.
Check current weather and trail conditions before hiking.
Do not enter washes during storms or periods of potential flash flooding.
Carry out all trash and leave natural and archaeological features undisturbed.

Current Courthouse Butte Trail Information

Check current trail conditions, weather, fire restrictions and recreation-pass requirements before beginning your hike.

Nearby Sedona Red Rock Hikes

Courthouse Butte Loop Trail FAQ

How long is the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail?

The Forest Service lists the Courthouse Butte Loop at approximately 4.3 miles round trip.

How difficult is the Courthouse Butte Loop?

The Forest Service rates the Courthouse Butte Loop as an easy hike, although the route includes uneven dirt and rock surfaces and has very little shade.

How much elevation gain is on the Courthouse Butte Loop?

The hike has approximately 350 feet of cumulative elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Courthouse Butte Loop?

Allow approximately 2.5 hours for the full loop, although hiking time varies with pace, trail conditions and the amount of time spent sightseeing or taking photographs.

Where does the Courthouse Butte Loop begin?

The loop is commonly accessed from the Bell Rock Vista trailhead along State Route 179 south of Sedona. Hikers follow Bell Rock Pathway before connecting with the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail.

Is a parking pass required for Courthouse Butte?

Yes. A recreation pass is required at the Courthouse and Bell Rock fee sites. Check current Coconino National Forest information for accepted passes before visiting.