Home Album Guide to Bell's Trail Topo No Story
| Distance: | Approx 3.25 mile |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Hike Time: | 4 hours |
| Elevation: | Approx 3900 to 4280 at high point, 4100 at Bell's Crossing |
| Season: | Year Around |
| USGS Maps: | Casner Butte |
| Directions: From: Phoenix |
Take I-17 north to the Sedona Exit (Exit 298). Turn right and drive 2 miles on Forest Road 618. Turn left and follow the sign to the Bell Trail trailhead - approx 1/4 mi. |
Bell's Trail is a very popular and relatively easy trail which follows along and above the Wet Beaver Creek for a distance of approximately 3.25 miles before reaching Bell's crossing. The trail initially follows an old road until it reaches the Wilderness boundary. About a 1.5 miles from the trail head, the White Mesa Trail and Apache Maid Trail branch off to the left , stay to the right at these junctions to continue on the Bell trail. Near the Wilderness boundary, the Weir Trail branches off to the right down to follow along the creek for about 1/2 mi. to a popular swimming hole just past the gaging station. At the wilderness boundary, the Bell trail branches to the left and climbs steeply for a short way to a bench running along below the North wall of the canyon and over looking the densely foliated canyon bottom below. After another mile, the trail descends to cross Wet Beaver Creek before climbing to the top of the rim on the South side of the canyon.
Bikes are allowed along the old road up to the Wilderness Boundary but not beyond. There is a bike rack located at the Wilderness Boundary.
The riparian habitat of Wet Beaver Creek stands in stark contrast to the desert terrain through which it passes. The first part of the hike along the road is hot and dry; cactus is abundant throughout the area. The creek is accessible from the road in several places and the creek at Bell's Crossing offers deep pools of clear water for cooling off but be sure to carry adequate water for the hike along the bench. The creek water should be treated before drinking. Remember to watch for rattle snakes along the entire trail and poison ivy may be encountered along the canyon bottom.
Wet Beaver Creek is fed by springs which are approximately 6 miles beyond Bell's Crossing. It is possible to continue upstream from Bell's Crossing but the going is slow due to the riparian growth, rock chokes and pools which require swimming. None-the-less, be sure to venture at least a quarter mile beyond the crossing to enjoy the beauty of these first of these pools.
Enjoy!
Trekker