|
HIKING
BELL ROCK:
sunset viewed from
top of bell rock |
In between the
village of Oak Creek and the town of Sedona, at the edge of the I-179,
sits one of the red rock country's iconic monuments, Bell Rock. Everyone
from photographers to hikers to hippies enjoy this spot. Locals say
energy vortexes form on rocks such as these in the Sedona area.
|
north side of bell rock |
south side of bell rock |
All about the base
of bell rock are paths and would-be path markers from folks who all wish to
alert you to their own way to hike bell rock. However, you cannot get to the
very very top of Bell rock. The summit is unreachable by free climbing
(unless you're planning on being airlifted off the top once you reach it).
The north, south and east faces of Bell rock are fun to climb, but do not
lead to the top.
|
summit of bell rock |
north side of bell rock (view from chapel rock) |
Much of the rock is smooth enough
to free climb, however, sometimes this type of rock can break apart under
the weight of the human body, so use caution when climbing the red rocks.
|
vain attempt to scale north face |
You can climb the
western face of Bell rock all the way to the top, straight up the middle of
the bell. Certain spots - although there are many hand and foot holds - you
must ascend and descend vertically like a ladder.
|
west side of bell rock and path to summit |
The top is flat
enough to walk around on or sit and catch your breath, it is shaped like a
horseshoe facing the west with the actual summit protruding skyward from the
north end of the horseshoe. Don't try to climb the summit unless your morbid
plans for the day include a swan dive down to the floor of the Sedona
valley.
|
sitting in the 'vortex' |
