The One Hiking Trail In Arizona That’s Most Beautiful When It’s Covered In Snow

Arizona is a hiker's paradise no matter what season it is. There are trails that showcase eye-popping wildflowers, verdant meadows, magical fall foliage... and even snow-covered red rocks. One of the best winter hikes in Arizona is the eponymous Bell Rock, which somehow looks even more beautiful than normal when it's blanketed in a world of white.

Nestled in the heart of the Munds Mountain Wilderness, Bell Rock is one of the most iconic landmarks in Sedona.

Not only is the red sandstone butte remarkably beautiful, but it is also rumored to possess mystical healing powers.

Multiple interconnecting trails lead around the base of the rock, and this article features photos from several of them.

The trails are worth embarking on any time of year for their astonishing views, but if you've never experienced Bell Rock in the winter, it's a whole different level of magic.

After a good snowfall, the already beautiful scenery transforms into a winter wonderland.

The trees, rocks, and ground are blanketed in a world of white, and you'll feel like you've been transported from the Arizona desert to the North Pole.

The shortest and easiest trail surrounding Bell Rock is the 0.8-mile Bell Rock Trail, which leads from a parking area at Courthouse Vista to the base of the rock and back.

With an elevation gain of just over 200 feet, it's perfect for those newer to winter hiking and offers all the same enchanting views as the longer, more challenging hikes.

If less than a mile isn't quite enough adventure for your taste, the 1.8-mile Bell Rock Loop and 3.9-mile Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop Trails are other great options.

Both are moderately difficult and allow for slightly more time spent in this life-sized snowglobe.

Seeing the stark contrast between the rich, deep red color of the rock and the glistening, porcelain snow is truly a scene to marvel at.

We'd go so far as to say that winter is the best time of year to hike around Bell Rock.

Just remember to bundle up - and maybe even bring a thermos full of hot cocoa for some extra warm and cozy vibes!

Have you ever hiked around Bell Rock in the winter? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article to discover some hidden caves in Sedona.