blue lotus adventures

You can access the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail from two trail heads.  The north and south trail heads the Bell Rock Pathway will get you there.  I hiked this from the south trail head.  In this direction, it is best to continue on the Bell Rock Pathway, passing Bell Rock until you are on the north side of Bell Rock.  At a more open area you will see a large cairn and signpost showing the start of the Courthourse Butte Loop Trail.  The trail passes closely to the base of Courthouse Butte and offers great views.  After circling the Butte, the trail ends on Big Park Loop Trail.  Turn right and follow back to the Bell Rock Pathway.  Once back on the Bell Rock Pathway, turn left back to the parking area.

The best time to hike this loop is in the early morning or in the evening.  These times have the best lighting for pictures of the Butte.  The total loop, including the Bell Rock Pathway sections in 4.8 miles.  Below is the route map for this hike.