Photo: EDDIE VALLEE
Photo: Franck Desautel
Photo: Ryan Taylor
Bell Rock Pathway
★4.9(160 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. The easy terrain works wonderfully for toddlers taking their first 'real hike' and preschoolers who can walk the whole loop independently. Older elementary kids enjoy scrambling on accessible rock formations along the way and reading the interpretive signs about the area's geology and wildlife.🧡 Saved by 15 families
About
Bell Rock Pathway offers families an accessible introduction to Sedona's stunning red rock landscapes without the challenge of a strenuous hike. This relatively flat, well-maintained trail circles the iconic Bell Rock formation, making it perfect for little legs and strollers while still delivering those jaw-dropping Arizona vistas that make for amazing family photos.
Highlights
- ✓Incredible 360-degree views of Bell Rock and surrounding red rock formations that wow kids and adults alike
- ✓Educational interpretive signs teaching children about desert plants, geology, and local wildlife
- ✓Accessible rock scrambling opportunities for adventurous toddlers and young kids near the trailhead
- ✓Outstanding photo opportunities with the iconic Bell Rock backdrop,perfect for family Christmas cards
- ✓Relatively flat, wide pathway that accommodates strollers and beginning hikers
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 8am or after 4pm to avoid tour bus crowds and secure parking in the small lot,it fills up quickly mid-morning through afternoon
- 2.Bring a stroller with good wheels; the main pathway is packed dirt and mostly flat, making it one of the few Sedona trails that's stroller-friendly
- 3.Pack extra water and sun protection,there's virtually no shade along the trail, and the Arizona sun is intense even in cooler months
- 4.Let kids scramble on the smaller rock formations near the trailhead for a mini climbing adventure before or after your walk
- 5.Download or screenshot the trail map beforehand as cell service can be spotty in the area
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (7-9am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) offer the best lighting for photos, cooler temperatures, and smaller crowds. Fall through spring (October-April) provides the most comfortable weather for families, while summer mornings require very early starts to beat the heat.
What to Know
Parking is free but limited to a small lot that fills quickly,arrive early or consider the afternoon. There are no facilities, food vendors, or water sources at the trailhead, so come fully prepared with snacks, water, and sun protection.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but summer (June-August) can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 100°F,only recommended for very early morning visits. Spring brings wildflowers and perfect hiking weather. Winter occasionally sees light snow dusting the red rocks, creating magical photo opportunities, though mornings can be chilly.
Nearby Eats
ChocolaTree Organic Eatery (10 minutes away in West Sedona) offers organic, kid-friendly options including mac and cheese and smoothies. Alternatively, pack a picnic to enjoy in your car or at one of the small shaded pullouts, as there are no restaurants within walking distance of the trailhead.
More Activities Near Sedona
Adventure
Cathedral Rock Trail
Free
Cathedral Rock Trail offers families an unforgettable Sedona adventure with its iconic red rock formations and seasonal creek crossings that kids absolutely love. This moderate 1.2-mile round trip hike rewards young explorers with breathtaking views, fun scrambling opportunities, and the chance to splash in Oak Creek at the trailhead,making it one of the most memorable family hikes in Arizona.
Adventure
Devil's Bridge Trail
★4.8Free❤️11
Devil's Bridge Trail offers families an unforgettable Sedona adventure hiking to Arizona's largest natural sandstone arch. This 4-mile round-trip trail rewards hikers with stunning red rock vistas and the thrilling experience of walking across a massive natural bridge formation that kids will remember forever. The well-marked trail combines moderate hiking with incredible photo opportunities in one of Arizona's most iconic landscapes.
Adventure
Indian Gardens Cafe & Market
★4.7$$❤️97
Indian Gardens Cafe & Market serves as the perfect basecamp for families exploring Oak Creek Canyon. This charming roadside stop combines a casual cafe serving breakfast and lunch with a well-stocked market, making it ideal for fueling up before hitting nearby trails or grabbing picnic supplies for a day by the creek.
Activity
West Sedona
$$❤️8
Step back in time at West Sedona's Old West recreation, where kids can experience frontier life through authentic shops, family-friendly restaurants, and exciting staged gunfight performances. This immersive historic area lets children imagine life as cowboys and pioneers while parents enjoy the charming atmosphere and stunning red rock backdrop that Sedona is famous for.