Cathedral Rock

Sedona, Arizona

4.9/5

based on 23 reviews

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Details

Distance

1.7 miles

Elevation Gain

925 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

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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Scenic

Cathedral Rock Reviews

Abby Ragain

Cathedral Rock

03/27/18

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 5:45 in the morning and went up to watch the sunrise. I highly recommend it, it was amazing. My dad and I were the only ones on the hike. It was quiet and serene. 10/10 recommend starting your day with this.

5.0

Sophia S

Cathedral Rock

11/07/17

We tried to do this hike on a Saturday morning and was unable to find parking. Had to try again in the afternoon and barely got a spot. Be prepared if you go on a weekend or a free hiking day.

5.0

Ben Chaffin

Cathedral Rock

06/14/17

I was only in Sedona for couple hours one day during the summer and I stumbled upon this trail. It starts out flat for a about .3 miles then goes straight up the incredible rock formation for the rest of the 1.5. It gets pretty steep at some parts so I recommend good hiking boots with grip. The views are worth the steep climb to the top of the trail. When you hit the end of the trail I recommend taking a left and walking along a path that hugs the cliff for a little ways, there is an awesome hangout spot there. Prepare to dodge inexperienced hikers since it is pretty popular.

5.0

Explorer

Calvin Weibel

Explorer

Cathedral Rock

01/07/17

This is definitely a popular hike but wasn't too overcrowded, at least in January.

5.0

Explorer

John Maurizi

Explorer

Cathedral Rock

12/15/16

The Red Rocks day pass is only $5. There is a kiosk at the trailhead or you can purchase one at the ranger station in Oak Creek. This pass will allow you to park at any trailhead for the day in Coconino National Forest. The week pass is $15 and the Annual pass is $20 (2016 prices).

5.0

Sarah Levant

Cathedral Rock

12/09/16

This is a fun intermediate hike... you get to scramble on your hands and knees and explore off the beaten path. You can easily hike to the top and back down in two hours or choose to spend a half day exploring this area. Once you reach the top and take in the backside view make sure to continue on to the left for another stunning (less crowded) view of Sedona.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Templeton Trail to Oak Creek

Beginning at the Cathedral Rock trailhead down Back O' Beyond Rd., this path at the base of the Cathedral Rock climb takes the hiker down into a lush, tree covered area perfect for swimming and enjoying the views of red rock above and all around. Start by heading up the main trail, and as you emerge into a clearing after a brief climb, bear right and find the Templeton trail instead of continui...

Hike or Bike Secret Slickrock Trail

Wanting a short and sweet sunset or sunrise spot in Sedona away from some of the crowds? This easily accessible trail is great for people wanting picnics, a quick photography spot (we saw a couple from their wedding doing a photo shoot here), and a cool spot to watch the sun rise or set with the grand view of Cathedral Rock! This trail is a connector trail to the Ridge Trail. Our group decided ...

Hike the Oak Creek Trail

Great, short hike in Red Rock Crossing. Make sure to check out the hundreds of cairns at Buddha Beach. Beautiful views of Cathedral Rock. Lots of places to relax and have lunch, with picnic tables near the parking lot. Lots of parking, good amount of shade down near the creek. Good for all skill levels. Very busy, lots of families (especially on the weekends!). As with all outdoor adventure...

Hike the Baldwin Trail

As with most areas in Sedona, you will need to have purchased a Red Rock Pass to park at the trailhead, which is located just south of Verde Valley Road. The trailhead, starting at an elevation of 3,950 feet, is well marked and the trail is defined. You have an option to either hike clockwise or counterclockwise, my personal recommendation is counterclockwise as it offers you the most dynamic v...

Explore Crescent Moon Ranch

Crescent Moon Ranch was established in the 1880's, and now serves as a day use facility for the U.S. Forest Service. It lies on Oak Creek directly below Cathedral Rock, one of the most iconic towering monuments in Sedona. The ranch is beautiful, and is popular for picnic's, swimming, hiking, and photography. Most of the Cathedral Rock photos you will find in Sedona's gift shops were taken here....

Sedona Wind Caves

These beautiful caves are located mid-way through a short 0.5 mile hike, rated moderate. And if you weren’t looking, you would never know they were there… note that they are before the end of the trail, on the right as you hike. The caves are well trafficked, so if you go, make sure to go early (parking only has room for 3 or 4 cars, and is right off a main road. The trail is quite flat, an...

Cathedral Rock

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Cathedral Rock Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Templeton Trail to Oak Creek

Hike or Bike Secret Slickrock Trail

Hike the Oak Creek Trail

Hike the Baldwin Trail

Explore Crescent Moon Ranch

Sedona Wind Caves

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