Courthouse Butte Loop
The most underrated open hike in Sedona. A 3.8-mile loop right around Courthouse Butte with just 297 feet of elevation gain — the Forest Service rates it moderate, but the gain figure tells you it's the distance rather than the climb that makes it so.
It starts from the same SR 179 lots as Bell Rock Pathway (Courthouse Vista to the north, Bell Rock Vista to the south), so parking is the easiest of any major Sedona trail — three lots serve the area.
Open, well south of the fire closure, no shuttle restriction.
The facts
- Open right now?
- Open (outside the closure boundary)
- Forest Service trail
- Courthouse Butte Loop Trail No. 135
- Distance
- 3.8 miles round trip (loop)
- Elevation gain
- 297 ft
- Difficulty (USFS)
- Moderate (USFS)
- Time needed
- About 2.5 hours
- Trailhead elevation
- 4,326 ft
- Pass required
- Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful
- Sedona Shuttle
- Not served — drive yourself, no restriction
- Parking
- Courthouse Vista (milepost 308.2) or Bell Rock Vista (milepost 307.1) on SR 179
- Restrooms
- Not stated on the trail page; the Courthouse Vista site has vault toilets
- Shade
- Minimal
Getting there
Get directions →Why take the loop instead of the pathway
Most visitors walk out and back on Bell Rock Pathway and turn around. The loop takes you the whole way around Courthouse Butte, and the far side is dramatically quieter — you go from crowded to nearly alone within a mile.
The Forest Service lists the views as taking in Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, Castle Rock, Lee and Munds mountains, and the red rock cliffs along the Mogollon Rim. Because you're circling a formation rather than climbing it, the scenery keeps changing.
3.8 miles with 297 feet of gain is a gentle profile — the "moderate" rating reflects length and footing rather than effort. Bring more water than the numbers suggest; there's little shade and no water on the trail.
Bicycles are prohibited in the Wilderness sections.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the Courthouse Butte Loop?
Rated moderate by the Forest Service, but with only 297 feet of gain over 3.8 miles it's more a question of distance and footing than climbing.
Where do I park for Courthouse Butte Loop?
Courthouse Vista at SR 179 milepost 308.2, or Bell Rock Vista at milepost 307.1. Both need a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass.
Is it open right now?
Yes. The trailheads are well south of the Pocket Fire closure boundary and the trail isn't named in the order.
Is it better than Bell Rock Pathway?
Different. The pathway is flatter, shorter to sample, and family-friendly. The loop is longer, much quieter on its far side, and gives you constantly changing views.
Facts on this page last verified July 28, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.