Arizona Trailblazers Hiking Club
Bell & V-Bar-V Trail Day Hike

when	June 22, 2024 Saturday
	Trip Report : July 1, 2017
where	east of Sedona, east of I-17
the hike	Wet Beaver is an easy hike beside the Wet Beaver Creek, which has water in it at all times. This trail has very little shade until you get to the end, but gives you grand view of the creek and canyon. At the end is a nice boulder area where you can sit and get your feet wet if you wish. The pools of water here are very deep, so swimming and diving are possible. We will be walking at the red rock level of this canyon, so you can get some close up pictures. We will have a snack by the pond at the ens and you can get your feet wet. V-Bar-V Heritage Site     This is the largest known petroglyph site in the Verde Valley, as well as being one of the best-preserved. Acquired by the Coconino National Forest in 1994, the site is protected and kept open to the visiting public for their enjoyment and opportunity to learn more about our national cultural heritage. Rock art is one type of archaeological data that can be used to identify prehistoric cultures and time periods. Various styles of rock art have been identified, based on the kinds of elements, unique elements, relationships between elements, and manufacturing techniques. By making these observations, various rock art styles have been defined for the prehistoric Southwest. One of these styles – the Beaver Creek Style – has been identified through the studies of rock art sites in the Beaver Creek area, especially here at V Bar V Heritage Site. This research has resulted in the definition of the Beaver Creek Style, which is diagnostic of the Southern Sinagua between A.D. 1150 and 1400. Guided tours are provided until 3 PM when the site closes.     This site has multiple sun daggers, which is a ray of sun light going into the center of a spiral. One of these occurs on the summer solstice and we are two day after, so the viewing should still be good.     After the V-Bar-V Heritage Site we will find a place to eat a late lunch. Required: •  Sturdy hiking boots •  At least 2 (Bell Trail) + 1 (V Bar V) liters of water •  Rain poncho •  Hat, sunblock, sunglasses •  Lunch or snacks Recommended: •  Hiking poles •  Camera
distance	7 miles round trip
time	4 hours hiking time + about 1 hour for V-Bar-V tour
EC	+-500' elevation change
elevations	3,820' (trailhead) to 4,320' (Bell Crossing)
type	round trip
starting at	Bell Trailhead 34° 40.424' N,  111° 42.802' W  [NAD27]
on trail	100% — Bell Trail, V-Bar-V Trail
rating	"C"     Rate yourself as a hiker.
dogs allowed	no
cost	$5 for a Red Rock or National Park pass only needed at V-Bar-V, sold on site if needed. Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5 per non-member.
weather	Sedona
leader	Email the leader to confirm.
meet in Phoenix	6:30 AM in the Macdonald’s parking lot on the northeast corner of I-17 & Carefree Highway. Park away from the restaurant.
drive	•  Take I-17 north to the Sedona exit, but turn right instead of left. • Cross the one lane bridge and turn left at the Bell Trailhead sign (about 2 miles). Restrooms at trailhead. • If you get to the creek & camping area you have gone too far. • After the hike, continue to the V-Bar-V site, which is just down the road. • About 180 miles round trip.

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updated April 22, 2024	© Copyright 2024, Arizona Trailblazers.  All rights reserved.