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Details
Distance
1.7 miles
Elevation Gain
925 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Features
Easy Parking
Dog Friendly
Scenic
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About this place
Added by Justin Ritucci
Cathedral Rock is one of the most scenic hikes in Sedona, AZ with amazing views from the top.
Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular landmarks in Arizona. This amazing rock formation is located in Sedona, Arizona.
The hike is steep and requires a bit of climbing in some spots. The 1.5 miles roundtrip is pretty strenuous, leading you up a moderately steep incline, but well worth the reward once you make it up. Follow the basket cairns up and enjoy the breathtaking views from the top. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset!
To get to the trail, park in the Cathedral Rock Trailhead parking lot on Back O Beyond Rd. The parking requires a $10 day pass.
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Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
Photos
Check-ins
Dana Seward
3/17/2026
Good Views
Adequately Maintained
Good Conditions
Decently Marked
Easy To Park
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Genevieve Scott Anthony
4/2/2025
Easy to enjoy. Wonderful views.
Well Maintained
Amazing Views
Not Crowded
Great Conditions
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Sam Borta
4/17/2023
Very fun!
Small children cannot handle the hike, do not bring them!
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Angela Dair
2/2/2023
In winter months, be careful!
Unfortunately we didn’t get to the top of Cathedral Rock as it was raining/hailing and was slippery. You do have to be comfortable with ...
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Jazmin Conde
12/16/2022
Cathedral Rock, AZ
Uphill hike is intimidating at first but it’s quite easy once you get the hang of it, the beautiful scenery up top definitely makes ...
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Lucas Bremer
Club
7/14/2020
Do it early or late
To avoid the crowds do this hike at dawn or dusk.
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Laura Hill
7/9/2020
Short, Steep, Stunning!
Short and strenuous, but worth every bit of effort. Perfect for sunrise and sunset, but it’s busy. Go early!
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Jason Hatfield
10/28/2019
Dark sky views
I did this a night hike and it was great way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the stars.
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Abby Ragain
3/27/2018
Sunrise Hike!
One of the most AMAZING hikes I have ever done, it’s short and steep but it’s not a difficult climb. I went up at ...
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Sophia S
11/7/2017
Fun hike, tough parking.
We tried to do this hike on a Saturday morning and was unable to find parking. Had to try again in the afternoon and ...
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Ben Chaffin
6/14/2017
Short But Rewarding
I was only in Sedona for couple hours one day during the summer and I stumbled upon this trail. It starts out flat for ...
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Calvin Weibel
1/7/2017
Nice short hike
This is definitely a popular hike but wasn't too overcrowded, at least in January.
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John Maurizi
12/15/2016
Great place to watch the sunset
The Red Rocks day pass is only $5. There is a kiosk at the trailhead or you can purchase one at the ranger ...
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Sarah Levant
12/9/2016
Beautiful Sedona hike!
This is a fun intermediate hike... you get to scramble on your hands and knees and explore off the beaten path. You can easily ...
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Breanne McNitt
12/9/2016
Do it at sunset!
One of my favorite places to watch the sunset in Sedona! Definitely a must do.
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Olivia Bennett
10/27/2016
Best Hike In Sedona
I have done many hikes in Sedona and this one was my favourite. I found the climb quite fun and when you got to ...
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Cindy Herrera
10/8/2016
Great Little Treasure
Love this short hike make sure you have water, hiking shoes and camera ready for the breath taking views! It's dog friendly, there's a ...
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Kelly Park
9/28/2016
If you must choose one hike in Sedona this is it!
Love these hikes -- short but rewarding. You'll be sure to get your heart going and if I lived in the area I ...
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Jeremy Meek
7/16/2016
Epic views and awesome photo-opps!
Great, short hike with a scenic pay off! After the classic photo-opp where you will surely see people lined up, continue to the south ...
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Jared Blitz
7/8/2016
One of my regulars
Cathedral Rock and I have become friends over the years. It's my go-to when I'm not making my way through the West Fork. ...
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Christina Adele Warburg-Hon
4/27/2016
Sedona Must Do
This is one of my favorite hikes in Sedona and it is absolutely worth the effort. I will say though, it is a bit ...
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Cameron Kennedy
4/5/2016
One Of The Greatest Places On Earth
If you're in Arizona, Sedona is a must see. Cathedral rock is a steep climb but the view from the top is unbelievable. If ...
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Gabbi DeMarce
2/17/2016
A Spiritual Experience
Absolutely amazing views along with a very peaceful stop at the vortex. The hike is a bit of a challenge but it's worth it.
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Beaux Kapr
1/15/2016
Amazing Views!
This is a steep incline right from the start on some slippery surfaces. Make sure you are prepared for a challenge. The climb is ...
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Cameron Jarman
10/2/2015
Try Baldwin Trail as well
Great post. If you try Baldwin Trail you get a great view of Cathedral Rock from the "backside" and is a nice easy ...
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Mike Zeugirdor
4/13/2015
Sunset is the best time!
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Diane Ritucci
12/11/2014
This looks fantastic - Thanks for the great pictures!
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