Home
News
Arts & Leisure
Sports
Business
Opinion
Dining
Gardening
Travel
Classifieds
Jobs
Community
Events
Forums
TV Listings
|
|
Community
 |
|
|
View
along
Bell Trail |
A Day on Bell Trail
By A.M. Melfa
|
Sedona.biz
Sedona, AZ - If you find yourself searching for a day trip close to home but a little
different from the red rocks of Sedona, then consider a hike along the Wet Beaver Creek on the Bell
Trail. Not to be confused with Bell Rock, the Bell Trail is located
about 12 miles south of the Village of Oak Creek on Route 179. Take SR 179 south
through the Village of Oak Creek, passing under the I-17 bridge. Continue
straight on 179 for about two miles, looking for the trail head parking signs on
your left.
[click for map]
There are three parking areas clustered close together. The first is for horse
trailers or for those who are seeking a longer hike along the Mogollon Rim to FR
124 (11 miles one way). The second lot is where most folks park and gives you direct
access to the trail. The third parking area a little further along behind
the Ranger's Station is for a formal camping and a day time recreation area
|
|
Trailhead
at Bell
Trail |
Upon entering the trail you will come upon a Coconino National Forest Historic
Marker describing its origins. The marker states:
|
|
Views
from Bell
Trail |
"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 1200 feet in the last two miles. Recreationists use the trail to
access the crystal clear creek and view the picturesque canyon walls."
This marker is very accurate. The trail
begins on a flat old road before entering the Wilderness Area two miles in, and
follows Wet Beaver Creek to Bell Crossing (3.3 miles one way), a turnaround
point for casual hikers, before a steep climbs takes you to the Mogollon Rim. The trail itself, even
before reaching the 1200 feet incline, is indeed very rocky. The upper layer
of porous volcanic rock of the surrounding canyon walls is of a darker tone
and therefore much more discernible to the naked eye here than in the trails
up near Sedona.
|
|
Creek by Bell
Trail |
The volcanic rock, being extremely friable, has tumbled down
the canyon to litter the walking trail. This makes for an unstable surface
and requires your attention to keep from stumbling.
Those with small children, strollers or hikers with physical limitations
should bear this in mind when planning an outing. The day recreation and
campsite area might be a better choice.
The canyon walls here present a more varied appearance than those in Sedona
proper. There is the rich red rock and clay like dirt found everywhere in
this area, but as your line of sight travels upwards there is much more
greenery to be seen clinging to the boulder strew slopes. The bright verdant
shades lead your eye further up to the dark volcanic rock with the blue sky
above providing a startling contrast.
|
|
Moss
covered boulders |
The Historic Marker is also correct about that crystal clear creek. Notice
that for the first mile or so on the trail you are crossing through private
property. Wait for the signs indicating you are back on National Park
lands before heading down to the creek, which is as crystal clear as it has been
billed. There are several spots to hike down to cool, shady
swimming holes with plenty of room to set up a picnic along the banks. This
is definitely the place to spend a long, drowsy Sedona summer day especially
when the heat index tips over the 100 degree mark!
Another noticeable feature along this stunning path is the large moss covered
boulders that pepper the edges of the trail. I personally find these monoliths
fascinating in their enigmatic silence. The sides of these large rocks are
decorated in a mottled pattern of warm, calming earth tones and, if you get
lucky, you might spot petroglyphs chiseled by the ancient Southern Sinagua.
|
|
Petroglyph at V-Bar-V Ranch
(source:
Coconino National Forest) |
For a special cultural treat, less than one half mile past the Beaver Creek
Campground on the right is the largest known petroglyph site in the Verde
Valley, called the V-Bar-V Ranch Petroglyph Site. The rock art here was
created by the Southern Sinagua Indians from 1150 - 1400 A.D.
Because the Southern Sinagua in this area created petroglyphs using unique
symbols, the style has been coined the
Beaver Creek Style.
Make sure you give yourself the whole day for your Bell Trail experience because
once you are there you are going to find it hard to leave. There is something sweet and secret about this place. The
variety of the stark canyon walls right next to the glowing hues of the
river valley combine to render a place of unparalleled peace and beauty. So
pack up the kids, the picnic, your swim suit and towel for a day of fun and
relaxation along lovely Bell Trail. And a word to the wise: you might
consider taking your camping gear along just in case!
[Home Page]
[News Home Page]
[Back to Community Page] |