Courthouse Butte Loop Trail

Circling this famed rock proves there's a lot to see between Point A and ... Point A

Going around in circles is generally portrayed as a bad thing - meaningless, directionless, etc. But the hike around Courthouse Butte should raise no such qualms. It's a moderate intensity hike - at times with little shade, so it's best suited for days when the heat is not too intense, as in the fall - with views that likely will knock you for a loop.

Keeping on the trail can be a little confusing, as a number of other trails go around and through it, coaxing you to veer off - though there's nothing better than having a huge, distinctive red rock to consult to inspire confidence you won't wander too far astray. Begin at Bell Rock Pathway Trail, which feeds you into the Courthouse Butte Loop after about half a mile - look for the overhead wires as a landmark, and stay to the right. The early part of the hike is mostly flat, with little shade.

Stick with the Courthouse Butte Loop, and you'll eventually come to a section clearly once filled with flowing water, but now is dry as a bone. It's a perfect spot for taking a break, and soaking in the sights from the now-empty red streambed.

Continue around the not quite four-and-a-half-mile trail, and you'll view Courthouse Butte from all sides. The trail rises after the one-time stream, giving you a nice vantage point to look across at the west ridge of Lee Mountain. Anyone used to modest exertion won't mind the climb.

On the loop's final stretch, you'll get an eyeful of Northern Bell before winding back to the beginning and Hwy 179. It's remarkable to realize how close all of this is to a major road; at points it feels you're miles from civilization - leave it to a circular trail to make your head spin.

DIRECTIONS: Take Hwy 179 south of the "Y" 5.2 miles. On your left, adjacent to the highway, you'll see an area for parking. Walk to the trail sign. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking.

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