If you’re planning a trip to Sedona, Arizona, Cathedral Rock is an absolute must on your itinerary. Imagine yourself standing atop breathtaking red rock formations, soaking in the vibrant hues of a sunset that paints the sky in fiery oranges and deep purples. This hike isn’t just a walk in the park; it’s a thrilling adventure that combines stunning desert landscapes with a touch of mystical energy.
As one of the best hikes in Sedona, Cathedral Rock offers an exhilarating rock scramble that will get your adrenaline pumping. Each step brings you closer to panoramic views that will leave you speechless. Cathedral Rock is also a famous vortex site, believed to be a center of energy that promotes healing and spiritual connection. Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for an adventure that combines natural beauty with a hint of magic! ✨
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Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona
Popular Trail Alert!!
Many trails within the Sedona area are quite popular, such as Devil’s Bridge and Soldiers Pass Trail. Cathedral Rock is easily at the top of the list for most popular hikes. The more popular a hike is, the more important it is to plan ahead! Don’t worry, in this blog post I provide all the information you need to have an enjoyable experience hiking to Cathedral Rock.
But why is it so popular? Well, for one, it is a short hike. It isn’t considered easy due to a fairly challenging rock scrambling section, but for the average hiker, it is doable. Plus, the rock scrambling section is the best part! Also, the views from the top of Cathedral Rock are unreal, especially during sunset. And finally, many people visit the vortex at the top for spiritual purposes, such as inner healing and meditation.
It might be near impossible to completely avoid people on this hike, but honestly, when my husband and I hiked to Cathedral Rock, the energy (hello vortex?) at the top, despite all the people, was peaceful. We watched sunset from there and everyone was quiet and respectful. Beautiful experience!
You might find some solitude during the winter when the frigid temperatures keep both tourists and locals away. However, I would not recommend hiking to Cathedral Rock if there is snow or ice on the trail. Or even during a very rainy day. The rocks will be very slippery and make the rock scrambling section more challenging and even dangerous.
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
It’s a Scramble to the Top
The best part of this hike is the rock scrambling section. This is why Cathedral Rock is one of my favorite hikes of all time! It’s not very technical but may be challenging for those who have little to no experience with rock scrambling.
To reach the top of Cathedral Rock, you must navigate a series of steep, rocky paths with some sections being a bit slippery due to heavy foot-traffic. Make sure to pack all your belongings in a small backpack so you can use both your hands and feet to safely scramble up. Also, wear good grippy hiking shoes or boots to avoid slipping.
Our favorite hiking shoes are Altra’s Lone Peak 8 Trail-Running Shoes! This is the women’s and here is the men’s. They are perfect for both hiking and trail running!
Don’t let the rock scrambling section deter you away. Give it a shot! Watch other peoples’ strategies and learn how they’re going up. If it’s still too challenging, simply turn around. Nothing wrong with that! It’s always best to be safe.
Cathedral Rock Vortex
First off, what the heck is a vortex? A vortex is a swirling center of energy, believed to facilitate healing, spiritual medicine, and deep meditation. It’s a sacred and powerful source of energy said to emanate from the vibrant red rocks.
While all of Sedona is considered to be infused with this transformative energy, there are four key hotspots where it’s especially strong, and the summit of Cathedral Rock is one of them.
Interested in learning more about Sedona’s vortexes? Check out this 3-Hour Sedona Spirit Journey and Vortex Tour or this 2.5 Hour Jeep Tour of Mysticism 🤩
Just beyond the “end of trail” sign to the left lies the area where the vortex is said to be. This magical place has the potential to rejuvenate your spirit and replenish your soul. Whether you believe in vortexes or not, Cathedral Rock truly is a magical place.
Know Before You Go
Do I Need a Red Rock Pass?
Yes! There are several trailhead parking areas where you can begin your hike to Cathedral Rock. These spots, mentioned below, require either a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass.
Trailheads that require a pass: Cathedral Rock Trailhead, Baldwin Trailhead, Little Horse Trailhead, and Yavapai Vista Point.
Best Time to Go
The best times to visit Cathedral Rock are typically in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is usually perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.
READ THIS: 1-Day Sedona, Arizona Itinerary (September Edition)
Cathedral Rock is the perfect spot to watch sunset! I highly recommend hiking later in the evening, so you can witness the beautiful phenomenon. Remember to bring a headlamp for your descent and pack some extra layers, as it can get chilly once the sun dips below the horizon. You won’t want to miss this stunning moment in nature!
Visiting Sedona, Arizona in the summer can be an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to stay safe in the heat! Temperatures can soar, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. To enjoy your hike to Cathedral Rock in the summer, consider starting early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. Be sure to pack plenty of water, wear sun-protective clothing, and apply sunscreen to keep yourself safe while soaking in the stunning scenery.
Parking Situation & Shuttle Bus
Parking at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead, located off of Back O’ Beyond Road, can be tricky, especially during peak times. This trailhead parking area is open Mondays through Wednesdays and closed Thursdays through Sundays.
A free shuttle service operates during those days the trailhead parking area is closed (Thursday through Sundays), running from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. The shuttle bus takes you from a designated park-and-ride location (N SR-179) in Sedona directly to the Cathedral Rock Trailhead or the Little Horse Trailhead.
Find more information on shuttle schedules for Cathedral Rock / Little Horse Trailheads HERE.
FREE!? Parking at the park-and-ride location is free, and no reservations are required for the shuttles!
Extended days of service are offered during peak periods, including spring break and some holidays. Learn more HERE.
(more details about different parking options and other trailheads / starting points below)
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
Cathedral Rock Trail
Location: The Cathedral Rock Trail is located about a 10 minutes’ drive from central Sedona in Arizona within the Coconino National Forest.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 1.5 miles with an elevation gain of 780 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 1 to 2 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to hard depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of hard dirt/sandy, rocky, steps, and a rock scrambling section (mostly grippy surface with some slippery sections).
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash. Please know your pet’s abilities! Some people do not recommend bringing your pets due to the rock scrambling section.
Cathedral Rock Trailhead
Parking at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead provides the most convenient access to the trail. As the primary trailhead for Cathedral Rock, it is the most frequented spot, thanks to its close proximity to the hiking destination.
Trailhead Location: The Cathedral Rock Trailhead is located off of Back O’ Beyond Road.
When is the parking area open and closed? The Cathedral Rock Trailhead parking area is CLOSED from 7 AM to 5:30 PM on Thursdays through Sundays. During this time, the only way to access this parking lot is via the shuttle bus.
The trailhead parking area is OPEN on Mondays through Wednesdays at all times. If you want to snag a parking spot on the days it is open, get there prior to 7:00 AM / 7:30 AM. This is a very popular hike, so the earlier you can get there, the better.
How big is the parking area? There are two parking lots side by side which can hold about 45 vehicles.
Are there restrooms? Yes!
Do I need a Red Rock Pass? Yes, to park at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead, you need either a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass.
Can I buy a Red Rock Pass here? Yes! There is a kiosk machine at the trailhead where you can purchase a Red Rock Pass.
Alternate Starting Points / Trailheads
If the Cathedral Rock Trailhead parking area is closed or full, there are other ways to start your hike!
Option #1 – Free Shuttle Bus
As I mentioned above, the shuttle bus runs year-round from Thursdays to Sundays from 7 AM to 5:30 PM. To take the shuttle bus to the Cathedral Rock Trailhead, simply park at the N SR-179 Park-and-Ride location and wait for the next shuttle bus to arrive. It will take you directly to and from the trailhead.
Option #2 – Baldwin Trailhead (adds 2.5 miles to the hike)
The Baldwin Trailhead parking area is small, so have a backup plan just in case the parking lot is full! Hiking from the Baldwin Trailhead will add an extra 1.25 miles one-way to Cathedral Rock. This will be a 4-mile roundtrip hike.
Learn more about this route below
Option #3 – Crescent Moon Picnic Site (adds 2.5 miles to the hike)
The Crescent Moon Picnic Site is a great place to start your hike towards Cathedral Rock! The parking area is fairly big and has bathroom facilities. The best part about starting your hike here is that you have an incredible view of Cathedral Rock with its reflection in the Oak Creek.
The hike begins along the Red Rock Crossing Trail and will add 1.25 miles one-way to Cathedral Rock. This will be a 4-mile roundtrip hike.
Crescent Moon Picnic Site is open:
April 1 to September 30 – 7 AM to 7 PM
October 1 to November 30 – 8 AM to 6 PM
December 1 to March 31 – 9 AM to 5 PM
Fees: You will have to pay $12 for a day-pass per vehicle (up to 5 people) or $3 for walk-ins, buses, and extra passengers. A Red Rock Grand Annual Pass or a Big 3 Red Rock Pass are accepted for entry into the picnic site.
Learn more about this route below
Option #4 – Yavapai Vista Point / Trailhead (adds 4.5 miles to the hike)
The Yavapai Vista Point parking area is only a 5 minutes’ drive from the Cathedral Rock Trailhead, so this is a great spot to park if the main trailhead is full (or closed).
However, starting your hike from here will add a total of 4.5 miles to your hike. If you don’t mind a longer hike, that’s perfect! If you don’t want to hike a grand total of 6 miles, then you will have to find another solution. Simple solutions include taking the shuttle bus to the Cathedral Rock Trailhead if its running or waiting for a parking spot to become available at the main trailhead.
Learn more about this route below
Option #5 – Little Horse Trailhead (adds 4.8 miles to the hike)
The Sedona Shuttle website states, “Little Horse Trailhead Parking IS NOT to be used as an overflow parking lot for the Cathedral Rock trailhead.”
I don’t want to get anyone in trouble, but I’m adding the Little Horse Trailhead as a LAST RESORT if all the other parking areas are full. More than likely, you will be able to find a parking spot at any of the other locations if you just wait.
Starting your hike from the Little Horse Trailhead will add 4.8 miles to your total hike. If you are looking for a longer hike (6.3 miles altogether), this is a great option. There is a shuttle bus stop at this trailhead, so you could take the shuttle if it’s running. Just make sure you get back to the trailhead before the last shuttle leaves!
Learn more about this route below
Let’s Hike to Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock Trailhead
Let’s kick off this hike at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead, the most popular starting point for reaching the iconic landmark – Cathedral Rock.
If you parked your vehicle at the trailhead parking area, don’t forget to purchase a Red Rock Pass (or place your America the Beautiful Pass on your dashboard)!
Easy Beginning Section
The beginning section of the Cathedral Rock Trail is easy to follow with little elevation gain. You will quickly arrive at the first junction in the trail. Continue straight to remain on the Cathedral Rock Trail.
As you reach the next junction, you’ll find yourself on a beautiful plateau, where the views only improve as you climb higher. To stay on the Cathedral Rock Trail, continue straight at the junction. Prepare yourself for the most thrilling part of this hike!
Rock Scrambling Section
The trail quickly steepens, requiring both hands and feet to navigate the rocky terrain. Before long, you’ll encounter a shallow crevasse or crack in the rock face.
For some, this crack marks their turnaround point, as its challenging ascent can be daunting. It sits at a 45-degree angle and rises about 40 feet. There are ample hand and footholds to aid your climb. However, if you’re wary of heights, this section might be a deal breaker.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any good pictures of the crack, but you can watch us tackle this hike in our vlog!
Did you conquer the crack? Fantastic! But the adventure isn’t over yet. Follow the trail as you continue to gain elevation. As you ascend, the path becomes less defined but look for large rock cairns to guide your way.
Eventually, you’ll reach another plateau, a perfect spot to pause and take in the stunning views behind you!
You are so close! Just a few more switchbacks and a series of rocky steps, and you will soon see the opening where the saddle sits nestled between two magnificent rock spires. The summit is within reach!
End of Trail (you made it!)
As you arrive at the saddle, you’re welcomed by an “End of Trail” sign. How crazy are the views from the top!?
If you want to check out the location of the vortex, follow an unmarked path to the left. While my husband and I were sitting at the top watching the sunset, a local told us about the vortex spot.
I attempted to find it but there were so many people in that area, so I decided to turn around and stay in our less-crowded spot. Maybe next time I’ll try to find the famous vortex!
There is a fairly wide ledge that sticks out towards the right of the saddle and lots of people take Instagrammable pictures there. Aren’t you tired of all these people taking pictures for the ‘gram!?
Me too!!
Anyway, I walked over to the ledge and my husband took pictures of me. It was a cool spot.
Now it’s time to return to the parking area. Don’t be embarrassed about this next part. Everyone was literally doing it!
Booty Scoot Down
The descent might be a bit trickier than the ascent, so don’t hesitate to take it slow! If you need to, just sit down and scoot on your booty. With the steepness of some sections, booty scooting is the safest and most fun way to navigate the rocky terrain.
My husband and I were booty scooting quickly down the rock surface because it was getting dark. We did pack headlamps but didn’t feel like taking them out. We made it a challenge to reach our car before it was completely dark. We did it, but barely!
Did you make it back safely? Hope so! Congrats, you did it! 🥳
Alternate Routes
Baldwin Trailhead to Cathedral Rock (4 miles)
Trailhead Info: Baldwin Trail Trailhead is located on Verde Valley Road. There are bathroom facilities here as well as a kiosk machine to purchase a Red Rock Pass.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 4 miles with an elevation gain of 950 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 2 to 4 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to hard depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of hard dirt/sandy, rocky, steps, and a rock scrambling section (mostly grippy surface with some slippery sections).
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash. Please know your pet’s abilities! Some people do not recommend bringing your pets due to the rock scrambling section.
Do I need a Red Rock Pass? Yes!
Trail Directions: Baldwin Trail > Templeton Trail > Cathedral Rock Trail
From the Baldwin Trailhead, follow the Baldwin Trail until it merges into the Templeton Trail. At the junction, take a right onto Cathedral Rock Trail and follow until you reach Cathedral Rock.
Red Rock Crossing to Cathedral Rock (4 miles)
Trailhead Info: Red Rock Crossing Trailhead is located near the Crescent Moon Picnic Site. There are bathroom facilities and picnic tables at the picnic site.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 4 miles with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 2 to 4 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to hard depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of a creek crossing, hard dirt/sandy, rocky, steps, and a rock scrambling section (mostly grippy surface with some slippery sections).
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash. Please know your pet’s abilities! Some people do not recommend bringing your pets due to the rock scrambling section.
Is there a fee to enter? Yes! Find more information about hours and fees HERE.
Trail Directions: Red Rock Crossing Trail > Baldwin Trail > Templeton Trail > Cathedral Rock Trail
From the Crescent Moon Picnic Site, cross the Oak Creek to the opposite side. Follow the creek until you reach the Red Rock Crossing Trail. Continue along this trail until it merges into the Baldwin Trail and then it quickly merges into the Templeton Trail. At the junction, take a right onto Cathedral Rock Trail and follow until you reach Cathedral Rock.
Yavapai Vista Point to Cathedral Rock (6 miles)
Trailhead Info: Yavapai Trailhead is located off of Highway 179 about 2.2 miles from the Cathedral Rock Trailhead. It is a fairly large parking area, and it’s an overflow parking lot for Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and other hikes.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1,050 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 3 to 5 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to hard depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of hard dirt/sandy, rocky, steps, and a rock scrambling section (mostly grippy surface with some slippery sections).
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash. Please know your pet’s abilities! Some people do not recommend bringing your pets due to the rock scrambling section.
Do I need a Red Rock Pass? Yes!
Trail Directions: Yavapai Vista Point / Trailhead > Yavapai Vista Trail > Kaibab Trail > Slim Shady Trail > Templeton Trail > Cathedral Rock Trail
Starting from the Yavapai Vista Point / Trailhead, hop onto either the Yavapai Vista Trail or the Kaibab Trail. At the first junction, take a right onto Kaibab Trail and follow this trail until it merges into the Slim Shady Trail (but for real, who named this trail!?). At the next junction, take a left onto the Templeton Trail. Follow until you reach the Cathedral Rock / Templeton Junction – take a left here to get onto the Cathedral Rock Trail. Continue along until you finally reach Cathedral Rock!
You could also take this route from the Yavapai Vista Point / Trailhead > Hermit Trail > Templeton Trail > Cathedral Rock Trail. This route is about the same distance and elevation gain as the one described above.
Little Horse Trailhead to Cathedral Rock (6.3 miles)
Trailhead Info: Little Horse Trailhead is located off of Highway 179 (northbound) about a 10 minutes’ drive from central Sedona.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 6.3 miles with an elevation gain of 1,030 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 3 to 5 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to hard depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of hard dirt/sandy, rocky, steps, and a rock scrambling section (mostly grippy surface with some slippery sections).
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash. Please know your pet’s abilities! Some people do not recommend bringing your pets due to the rock scrambling section.
Do I need a Red Rock Pass? Yes!
Trail Directions: Bell Rock Pathway > HT Trail > Easy Breezy Trail > Templeton Trail > Cathedral Rock Trail
Starting from the Little Horse Trailhead, follow the Bell Rock Pathway until you reach the first junction. Take a right to get onto the HT Trail. After crossing the highway, there will be another junction in the trail. Take another right onto the Easy Breezy Trail and follow until it merges into the Templeton Trail. Soon there will be another junction where you will take a left to get onto the Cathedral Rock Trail. Follow until you reach Cathedral Rock!
We Vlogged Our Experience!
More Great Hikes in Sedona, AZ
- Devil’s Bridge: Unique Hike in Sedona, Arizona
- Birthing Cave: A Hidden Gem in Sedona, Arizona
- Soldiers Pass Trail & Cave: Epic Hike in Sedona, AZ
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