Because you are holding a copy of Sedona Monthly in your hands – whether you live here or not – it’s safe to assume that you have a favorite Red Rock Country trail. (No, we won’t ask you to tell anyone.) But let’s be honest: Our favorite trails are becoming crowded. With a capital C. That’s why we were eager to explore the recently opened Rector Trail located within the Bell Rock trail network, and we were not disappointed. On a beautiful – and busy – spring afternoon, we turned onto Rector Trail while the masses made their way along Bell Rock Pathway and Courthouse Butte Loop. As it turns out, Rector is every bit as spectacular as the aforementioned trails, but it’s much shorter, making it an ideal summer hike.
Begin your walk on Bell Rock Pathway at the Bell Rock Trailhead on AZ-179, just north of Bell Rock Boulevard and the Village of Oak Creek. After hiking 0.76 mile on the wide walkway, turn right onto Courthouse Butte Loop. The trail provides up-close-and-personal views of its namesake, but after less than a quarter of a mile, you’ll turn left onto Rector Trail. This much-needed addition to the Village of Oak Creek trail system is narrow and gets you nearer to Courthouse Butte than even Courthouse Butte Loop. When you’ve hiked 1.27 miles from the trailhead, you’ll enter into Wilderness Area, so mountain bikers will have to turn back here. The trail begins to climb gradually, and you’ll find yourself at the top of a ridge 1.47 miles into the journey. From here, enjoy views of Capitol Butte, Baby Bell, Twin Buttes and Chapel of the Holy Cross along with a partial view of Cathedral Rock. As you continue, views include Cockscomb and Airport Mesa.
Rector Trail intersects with the route that climbs Bell Rock at 1.62 miles (identified as Bell Rock Climb on the trail signs). Stay straight. Rector ends at Bell Rock Pathway at 1.75 miles. Turn left onto Bell Rock Pathway for a 2.9-mile round-trip loop that’s sure to become a local favorite.
