“The Crack” at Wet Beaver Creek—seriously? It’s hard to imagine a smuttier name for such a beautiful place. Who comes up with this stuff? I suppose it was named in a simpler time, a time when words had more literal meaning. Or—maybe someone just wanted a laugh.

Dave and I usually hike Sedona in the spring, when the mornings are chilly and the afternoons toasty. Last week we took a chance and drove to Rimrock, for an early morning hike on Bell Trail, in the Coconino National Forest.

Around 7:15 am, Dave and I pulled into the overflow lot (we just pulled into the first lot we came across) and bundled up. Our start was a COLD 29°F—the sun yet to crest the mountaintops. Semi-undeterred yet somewhat whiney, we scurried up the connector path about a half-mile to the actual trailhead. 

The hike’s appeal was that we didn’t have to drive into Sedona—it’s located just off the turnoff on I-17. The Bell Trail was constructed back in 1932 by its namesake, Charles Bell, to move cattle up and down the Mogollon Rim. It traverses 7.7 miles through the Wet Beaver Wilderness, connecting with FSR 214.

We followed the creek on a wide trail for the first two or so miles. There were multiple pathways to the water’s edge and several connector trails along the route. 

Eventually, we reached a fork in the trail and started our ascent into the canyon.

The course narrowed as steep canyon walls and the lush riparian habitat came into view. We gained elevation (500+ ft) quickly as we hiked towards the crack. 

Large boulders overlooking deep pools greeted us upon arrival. I can see why this would be a popular destination in the summer—a relaxed icy break after a hot, exposed climb. 

Today’s journey was a different story—solitude, a cool breeze, and the warmth of winter sun.