Plan your visit to Courthouse Butte in Sedona. This guide covers ticket prices, trail hours, and essential hiking information.
When I first hiked around Courthouse Butte in Sedona, Arizona, I was surprised how it plays second fiddle to its more famous neighbour, Bell Rock — despite being taller and arguably more dramatic. The two formations sit side by side like mismatched siblings, and whilst everyone flocks to Bell Rock for its supposed vortex energy, Courthouse Butte offers equally stunning views with noticeably fewer people scrambling over it.
Quick overview: How much does Courthouse Butte cost?
You’ll need a Red Rock Pass to access Courthouse Butte, which costs $5 for the day or $15 for a week. The trail itself is free once you’ve paid for parking, with no additional entrance fees. The site is managed by the Coconino National Forest and is accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset, with the main car park open 24 hours daily.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5-15 (parking pass) | Sunrise to sunset | Highway 179, Sedona, AZ 86351 | Federal pass holders | No fixed closing time |
How much does Courthouse Butte cost?
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Red Rock Pass | $5 | Per vehicle (up to 5 people) |
| Weekly Red Rock Pass | $15 | Per vehicle (up to 5 people) |
| Annual Red Rock Pass | $20 | Per vehicle (unlimited visits for one year) |
| America the Beautiful Pass | $80 | Access to all federal recreation sites nationwide |
| Children under 16 | Free | When accompanied by pass holder |
If you hold an America the Beautiful Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Access Pass, or Military Pass, you don’t need a separate Red Rock Pass — these federal passes cover parking here. Just make sure it’s properly displayed on your dashboard.
Passes can be purchased at the trailhead from self-service machines that only accept credit cards — no cash accepted. You can also buy them in advance from the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, Forest Service offices, or various retailers around town.
Rangers patrol regularly and tickets for not displaying a valid pass start at $175, which rather spoils the hiking experience.
Is Courthouse Butte free to enter?
Not exactly. Whilst there’s no entrance gate or staffed booth, you must purchase a Red Rock Pass to park legally at any Courthouse Butte trailhead. Since there’s no practical way to access the trail without parking (unless someone drops you off), the pass functions as your de facto entrance fee.
The pass system applies across all of Sedona’s National Forest trails, so if you’re planning multiple hikes during your visit, the $15 weekly pass or $20 annual pass makes financial sense.
Some people attempt to park along Highway 179 to avoid the fee. Don’t bother — it’s illegal, you’ll likely get ticketed, and you’re adding to the dangerous congestion on an already busy road.
What time does Courthouse Butte open?
The trails around Courthouse Butte are accessible from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, year-round. Unlike some Sedona trailheads with locked gates, the main car park at Bell Rock Pathway (which provides access to Courthouse Butte Loop) remains open 24 hours.
However, hiking after dark isn’t permitted on National Forest trails. Rangers do patrol, and whilst enforcement isn’t aggressive, you’re technically violating regulations if you’re on the trail after sunset.
Sunrise in Sedona varies from around 5:30am in summer to 7:30am in winter. Sunset ranges from 5:30pm in December to 7:30pm in June. The most pleasant hiking conditions come in early morning or late afternoon — midday summer heat is viciously punishing.
The trailhead has no seasonal closures, though heavy snow (rare but possible in winter) can make trails temporarily impassable.
Do I need to book Courthouse Butte tickets in advance?
No booking is required — just purchase your Red Rock Pass and start hiking. There are no capacity limits, timed entry slots, or advance reservations for any trails around Courthouse Butte.
Parking can be challenging during peak season (March through May and September through November), especially on weekends between 9am and 2pm. The main car park at Bell Rock Pathway holds around 80 vehicles, which sounds adequate until you realize this trailhead serves multiple popular routes including Bell Rock Trail, Courthouse Butte Loop, and connections to the Big Park Loop.
Arrive before 8am for guaranteed parking during peak season. Alternatively, visit after 4pm when day-trippers are heading home. Midweek is predictably quieter than weekends, though “quieter” is relative — Courthouse Butte is never deserted.
A geological landmark with human history
Courthouse Butte rises 5,450 feet above sea level, making it about 300 feet taller than neighbouring Bell Rock. The name comes from its resemblance to a courthouse building when viewed from certain angles, with a distinctive tower-like formation on top.
Like all of Sedona’s red rocks, Courthouse Butte formed from Schnebly Hill sandstone deposited around 280 million years ago during the Permian Period. Iron oxide gives the rock its rust-red colour, whilst differential erosion — softer layers wearing away faster than harder layers — created the distinctive stratified appearance.
The area has been inhabited for millennia. Sinagua people lived in this region from roughly 1100 to 1425 CE, building cliff dwellings and farming the Verde Valley. Evidence of their presence, including rock art and pottery shards, can still be found around Sedona, though not directly on Courthouse Butte itself. Montezuma Castle National Monument is the best place to explore the Sinagua people in more detail.
Courthouse Butte Loop Trail (Trail #135) was established in the 1990s to manage increasing visitor numbers and create a designated route around both formations. Before the formal trail existed, hikers created informal paths that caused erosion problems.
What you’ll experience on the trail
Courthouse Butte Loop is a 4.3-mile moderate trail that circles both Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, offering constantly changing perspectives of both formations. The trail is well-marked and mostly flat, with only about 250 feet of elevation gain spread across the entire loop.
The trail can be hiked in either direction, though most people go anticlockwise. From the Bell Rock Pathway trailhead, you’ll walk through high desert vegetation including juniper, pinyon pine, prickly pear cactus, and various desert wildflowers (spectacular in spring).
About halfway round, the trail passes between Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock — this section offers some of the best photography opportunities, particularly in late afternoon when the light turns the red rock almost fluorescent orange.
The trail surface is mostly packed dirt and rock, suitable for trainers rather than requiring proper hiking boots, though ankle support is never a bad idea. There’s virtually no shade along the entire route, so sun protection is essential year-round.
Unlike Bell Rock Trail where people scramble up the rock formation itself, you cannot legally climb Courthouse Butte. The rock is too steep and crumbly, and the Forest Service discourages any off-trail hiking here.
What’s included with your parking pass?
- Access to Courthouse Butte Loop Trail (4.3 miles)
- Access to connecting trails including Bell Rock Trail, Bell Rock Pathway, and Big Park Loop
- Vault toilets at the Bell Rock Pathway trailhead (basic but functional)
- Trail information kiosk with maps
- Access to all other Red Rock Pass sites if you buy weekly or annual passes
Things to do near Courthouse Butte
Bell Rock Trail (adjacent, at same trailhead) — Steep 0.6-mile trail that scrambles partway up Bell Rock. Popular vortex site with excellent views from the saddle. Same Red Rock Pass required.
Chapel of the Holy Cross (4.8 miles, 10-minute drive) — Modernist Catholic chapel built into red rock cliffs in 1956. Architectural marvel with panoramic views. Free admission but limited parking.
Red Rock State Park (8.2 miles, 16-minute drive) — 286-acre nature preserve with easier riparian trails along Oak Creek. Visitor centre with natural history exhibits and ranger programmes. Not to be confused with the magnificent Red Rock Crossing swimming hole, which is part of Cococino National Forest and has superlative views of Cathedral Rock from the water.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (6.1 miles, 12-minute drive) — Spanish Colonial-style arts village with galleries, restaurants, and shops. Worth wandering even if you don’t buy anything. Free admission.
Devil’s Bridge Trail (12.4 miles, 25-minute drive) — Sedona’s largest natural sandstone arch, reached by a moderate 4.2-mile round-trip hike. Instagram-famous viewpoint. Red Rock Pass required.
Practical information
Location: The main trailhead is at Bell Rock Pathway, just off Highway 179 between the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona proper. Look for the large car park on the east side of the highway.
Getting there: You need a car — Sedona has no public transport to trailheads. The car park is paved and accessible for all vehicles.
Time needed: Allow 2 to 3 hours for the complete 4.3-mile loop at a comfortable pace with photo stops. Faster hikers complete it in 90 minutes.
Difficulty level: Rated moderate due to length rather than technicality. The trail is relatively flat and well-maintained, suitable for most fitness levels including families with older children.
What to bring: At least one litre of water per person (more in summer), sun protection including hat and sunscreen, snacks, and proper footwear. Mobile signal is generally good here.
Best time to hike: Early morning (before 9am) or late afternoon (after 4pm) for comfortable temperatures, better light, and easier parking. Spring (March-May) offers wildflowers; autumn (September-November) provides pleasant temperatures.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 38°C with zero shade. Winter can be perfect (15-20°C) but occasional snow makes trails muddy. Monsoon season (July-August) brings afternoon thunderstorms — start early.
Frequently asked questions
Can you climb to the top of Courthouse Butte?
No. Unlike Bell Rock where you can scramble partway up, Courthouse Butte is too steep and unstable for safe climbing. The trail circles around it rather than ascending it.
How long does Courthouse Butte Loop take?
Most hikers complete the 4.3-mile loop in 2 to 3 hours, including stops for photos. Faster hikers manage it in 90 minutes, whilst leisurely walkers might take 3.5 hours.
Is Courthouse Butte easier than Cathedral Rock?
Absolutely. Cathedral Rock is a strenuous scramble with significant elevation gain. Courthouse Butte Loop is a moderate, mostly flat trail suitable for most fitness levels.
Can you do Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock in one hike?
Yes — the Courthouse Butte Loop circles both formations. You can also add the Bell Rock scramble as a side trip, though this adds about an hour and significant climbing.
What’s the difference between Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock?
Courthouse Butte is taller and more imposing but you can’t climb it. Bell Rock is shorter, more accessible for scrambling, and considered a vortex site. They’re adjacent formations with different characters.
Do I need hiking boots for Courthouse Butte Loop?
Not necessarily. The trail is well-maintained with minimal elevation gain. Trainers with good grip are adequate, though hiking shoes provide better ankle support on rocky sections.
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