Everything was so organized this time. Hikers meeting us in Sedona were to be at the South Gateway Visitors’ Center in Oak Creek at 9:00. But when we got there the place was closed and locked with no sign of our Sedona hiker.

Fortunately we connected by cell phone, and eleven enthusiastic Trailblazers started hiking from Bell Rock Trailhead at 9:30.

Although the high was predicted in the 80s, we enjoyed a mild, sunny morning with a light breeze and some shade along the trail.

We crossed Bell Canyon and headed northeast and then north on the Big Park Loop Trail. The changing views of Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock were a delight. Spring flowers cheered us. We met several hikers going the other way, one with a dog who was enjoying the coolness of water in a rocky streambed.

Desert varnish and intricate weathering of the rocks mark the east side of Courthouse Butte. The trail is marked with cylindrical cairns secured by fence wire. We’re amazed by the variegated colors of Lee Mountain on the right.

The Courthouse Butte Loop Trail takes us north and then northwest, up to the pass. Here we discover a major landmark: a red muffin-shaped rock at the highest point of our hike.

What a perfect picture spot!

Our high point is the pass northeast of Courthouse Butte.

Bell Rock is the home stretch of our hike.

Well, maybe. We do eventually find a trail. “Look at Bell Rock,” Ted observes. “As long as you’re getting closer Bell Rock, you’re O.K.” Our trail turns out to be the Llama Trail, identified by a sign.

Soon we’re walking confidently toward Bell Rock on a wide, well-marked trail.

There are lots of hikers and bicycle riders on the last mile of our journey. Our hikers separate into small groups, which is fine because the trail is so easy to follow.

Our hike ends just after noon, back at Bell Rock Trailhead. We beat the afternoon heat and had a pleasant walk in Sedona’s fabulous Red Rock country.