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In Sedona, Arizona, one trail is at the top of many hikers’ must-do lists: Cathedral Rock. And for good reason: While the striking red sandstone towers reminiscent of man-made houses of worship are a spectacular sight from a distance, they’re even more mesmerizing up close. And if you believe in the renowned vortex spirituality of the area, a trip to the top might just provide a similarly religious experience.
When planning a hike to Cathedral Rock, it’s important to go prepared. After all, it is one of the more popular hikes near Sedona and is located in Coconino National Forest, which surrounds the city with over 1.8 million acres that stretch in every direction. Its popularity and location mean you’ll need a day pass and/or knowledge of the local shuttle system, especially because the parking lot is closed Sunday through Thursday when shuttles are running (more on that below).
That said, this trail is absolutely worth the effort. The views of the orange- and green-dappled landscape as seen from the sheer red rock face and the Munds Mountain Wilderness just a few miles to the east are spectacular. Whatever route you choose, you’re in for a wild wander through a remarkable landscape and striking rock formations in one of Arizona’s best hiking destinations.
Cathedral Rock Trail
- Start: Cathedral Rock Trailhead
- Style: Out-and-back
- Length: 1.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 804 feet
On Cathedral Rock Trail, the half mile closest to the trailhead is pretty moderate hiking. Once you reach the base of the formation, however, it gets much steeper. That’s where most of the 669 feet of elevation take place. The climb up may require a bit of scrambling on hands and feet—and perhaps a bit of technical butt-scooting on the way down if you’re less sure-footed. Plus: Trekking poles won’t be that helpful once you start climbing, so stash them if you’ve got them. Poles or no poles, wear shoes with sticky tread to help keep you upright.
Once you reach the steep section, you can scramble all the way up to the saddle and the base of the impressive towers. Depending on the time of day you may even find a spot of shade in which to rest and absorb the views—and the mystical energy, if you believe in that—before returning the way you came.
Most of the trail is a gradual uphill on a combination of packed red dirt and slickrock, so watch for cairns and stair cutouts to mark your way. Large metal baskets filled with rocks and directional trail signs will also keep you on track.
How many miles is the hike to Cathedral Rock?
Whether you hike to the top or not, Cathedral Rock Trail is the most direct option: a brief 1.1 miles. But Cathedral Rock Trailhead isn’t the only place to start to get to the famed formation. Several trails lead to the feature, so depending on how much mileage you want to log before you get there, check the map and consider your options.
How long does it take to hike Cathedral Rock Trail?
The whole hike takes about an hour depending on your fitness level and how often you stop to take photos. Despite how short the hike seems, though, bring plenty of water, especially in the summer when temperatures can swell above 100ºF. That said, the combination of elevation and lack of humidity can be more dehydrating than you think in cooler seasons, too, especially if you came from closer to sea level. Don’t underestimate the power of the desert to zap you of energy in the absence of water, electrolytes and salty snacks, especially since there’s little to no shade. Hit the trail early to beat the heat—and the crowds.
If the climb to the saddle feels a bit too ambitious, rest assured that the surrounding trails offer not only dramatic views of the surrounding terrain, but of Cathedral Rock, too. Mesas, buttes, pinnacles, and other rock formations that have been carved out of the red sandstone by no more than time and the elements are scattered everywhere.
Cathedral Rock via Baldwin Trail
- Start: Baldwin Crossing Trailhead
- Style: Out-and-back
- Length: 3.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,161 feet
Head to Baldwin’s Crossing Trailhead and take Baldwin Trail for a 3.8-mile trek that leads you briefly through the shaded, riparian environment along Oak Creek and down a few wide, slickrock cliff edges. Even though this trail has some shade, start early—for a more temperate hike and a better shot at finding a parking space. Bring grippy shoes for the final scramble to the summit.
Cathedral Rock via Templeton Trail
- Start: Yavapai Vista Trailhead
- Style: Out-and-back (optional loop via adjacent trails)
- Length: 6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,348
You’ll want to take in the amazing views of sandstone formations on this longer 6-mile out-and-back through desert scrub. This trail starts off flat, even slightly downhill, before finishing with a challenging, steep climb up to Cathedral Rock’s summit. Want some variety? A handful of interconnected trails offer the opportunity to loop back a slightly different way from which you came.
What to Know About Hiking in Sedona
You need a day pass.
To park at any trailhead around Cathedral Rock—Baldwin’s Crossing, Yavapai Point, and Cathedral Rock Trailheads—you’ll need a Red Rock Day Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass (colloquially known as a national park pass). You can buy a daily ($5), weekly ($10), or annual ($20) Red Rock Pass at the Visitor Center in Sedona or on recreation.gov.
There’s very little shade.
Trees are scarce and the ones you will find—mostly juniper—don’t provide much respite from the sun. Start your hike early if you’re undertaking the route in the summer, and bring more water than you think you need. The dry heat can sap you faster than expected. For example: In July, the average high is 97°F.
Shuttles are available (and often necessary) to get to Cathedral Rock Trailhead.
If you don’t want to fuss with parking or day passes, the free Sedona Shuttle travels from the North SR-179 Park & Ride to Cathedral Rock Trailhead every 15 minutes from Sunday to Thursday (every day on some holidays) between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. No reservations are required. Important note: When shuttles are scheduled to run, the Cathedral Rock Trailhead parking lots are closed. So if you plan to park and hike, arrive outside of shuttle hours or pick a different trailhead.
