One Day Trips From Phoenix: Sedona Hiking At Bell Rock

This is the time of year when lots of people flock from other parts of the country and Canada to the warmer bone soothing weather in Phoenix.  It's also a time when plenty of Phoenicians hide into thick coats away from the cold ironically.Phoenix as fun as it can be sometimes needs to be left behind for more naturally adventures and one of those near by is in Sedona where there are dozens of amazing trails from a moderate walk to a strenuous multi-day adventure: and it's still warm.One of those trails is a loop around Bell Rock.  I've long avoided this spot because it's a tourist magnet, but on a recent one day trip this was the destination.  The Courthouse Butte Loop and Big Park Trail are surprisingly exhilarating and quite striking in their beauty.The beginning and end leave some to be desired as the paths are wide and well worn because most people seem to huddle around the bell, but once you take the first mile in and especially when you enter the wilderness the flora, rock formation, a stream and some wildlife create a sense of peace and enduring beauty.  The landscape is, for lack of word, beautiful, enough to create a tingle in the heart.The trail is neither difficult nor long and can be easily handled in 2-4 hours depending on how much you stop to enjoy the scenery.