Bell Trail

The Bell Trail is in the Coconino National Forest north of Camp Verde.

From the parking area, a trail leads to a main trailhead. The Bell Trail heads straight out from there.

The Bell Trail is wide (it’s a former jeep trail) and easy with nearly no inclines.

As you go farther into the journey, the sound of Wet Beaver Creek becomes louder. It’s quite pleasant. More adventurous hikers (or at least those without small kids tagging along) might want to take side trips to the creek.

Bell Trail skirts the base of some cactus-covered hills. Prickly pear cacti are everywhere, growing in thick patches all the way up the hills.

Despite the boys’ overwhelming motivation to end the hike as soon as possible, we did manage to hike about 30 minutes into the trail. It remained flat and easy as far as we went.

A sign at the trailhead offered this additional information:

“In 1932, Charles Bell constructed this trail through the rugged canyon of Wet Beaver Creek. It was, and still is, used to move cattle up and down the Mogollon Rim. Bell Trail is six miles to the edge of the rim and climbs a rocky 1,200 feet in the last two miles. Recreationists use the trail to access the crystal clear creek and view the picturesque canyon walls.”

Other literature also mentions that several swimming holes await farther along, and also that anglers enjoy testing their skills in the creek.

To get to Bell Trail, take Interstate 17 north to the Sedona exit, which is SR179. Turn right onto FR 618. Drive about two miles and follow the signs to the trailhead.

This hike was first featured April 2004 and revised February 2007.