Introduction:
What? :
Cathedral Rock is an iconic red rock bute formation and probably the most popular short but challenging hike near Sedona, AZ.
The breathtaking view of the bute from all directions is impressive and once you will hike to its top you will be rewarded with panoramic views to the east and west.
The hike is very short, about 1.2 miles out and back trip but involves a significant 700-800 feet of elevation gain, sections of rock scrambling and steep climbs making it a relatively strenuous hike.
The hike is not reaching the top of the rock spiky needles but rather the saddle "gaps" between the tall buttes.
I will provide two options to hike to this location.
The hiking time may vary a lot, depending on your group hiking abilities, size, and the crowd load. Plan for at least 1.5-2 hours for this trail.
Where? :
The official trailhead to Cathedral Rock hike (1.1 mile) is located on Back'O'Beyond Road Rd heading west from highway 179. The last few times I visited Sedona the road was close to private vehicles and you can only reach the trailhead by using the shuttle bus service.
I saw that parking here is prohibited on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays.
Another, much longer hike option (3.8 miles) is to start the hike from Baldwin Trail Trailhead located on the far west side of the Cathedral Rock area.
The access to this trailhead is only with your car from the Village of Oak Creek. Take Verde Valley School Rd and head west for 4.8 miles from highway 179, at some point it will turn into un paved but with good conditions.
This trail provides the best views of the Cathedral rocks, especially during sunset where the sun is lighting the rocks from the west.
When? :
This hike is accessible year-round.
The best time to visit here are during Fall and spring that offer mild weather, great for hiking conditions.
Summer is usually very hot, so start the hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Winter days are cold, and you may have snow or ice on the trail (as we had in one of our late Dec. visits).
This hike is most recommended as a sunrise hike or even better late afternoon/sunset hike.
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Due note 1:
On Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays, a free shuttle service is available as the road to the parking area is closed to general traffic.
Use R‑179 Park & Ride and board the shuttle, it runs every ~15 minutes from 7 AM to 5:30 PM
If you are parking a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking ($5/day). The pass can be purchased at the fee machine at the trailhead (credit cards only).
Due note 2:
I highly recommend arriving early and bringing plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months.
The trail is almost entirely exposed to the sun.
Use sun protection, a hat and sunglasses. Wear good hiking boots with grip for the climbing sections.
Another option is doing this hike late in the afternoon and see the sunset from the cathedral high point.
Due note 3:
It’s a VERY popular trail and you may see many people on the trail.
Due note 4:
I think that kids as young as 8 can hike here with parental supervision at the short steep sections.
Due note 5:
Restrooms are available at the trailheads.
Due note 6:
The trail markings are clear.
Due note 7:
Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This hike is not ideal for dogs given the rocky scramble.
Due note 8:
When visiting the Sedona, AZ area you can sleep in Sedona or at Village of Oak Creek.
Due note 10:
If you are planning for after sunset climbing down you must bring a good headlamp.
Due note 11:
The rock surfaces can be smooth and slippery during rain/snow/ice, walk slowly and be stable.
My thoughts:
This is my favorite and most recommended hike in the Sedona area that has picturesque panoramic views of the south Sedona area.
During summer months come early in the morning or even better, late in the afternoon and enjoy the sunset from the top viewpoint.
The Hike:
Hiking from the main trailhead:
After a short easy walk crossing the creek you will start your climb up.
Soon after you will get out of the forest into an area of exposed red-rock.
From here starts a bit more challenging section of the climb.
Look for the next trail mark and find your way up the slickrock, find your path and you will see how your shoes get a good grip on the rock.
After that section you will reach the most steep section of the hike. The path follows a narrow crack where you will need to find a good place to put your shoes and get the help of your hand to progress up.
It is less challenging than it looks and most people can do this section.
This narrow path allows progress only in one direction, up or down, so a line can be created on both sides of these sections.
Some people find it more intimidating to climb down than going up, you can do this section half seating so you will feel safe.
After that section there is a small exposed rock surface to overcome.
From this section up the trail is much simpler although climbing up steeply to the saddle between the rock cliffs.
Climbing a few more wide switchbacks and you will get to the ridgeline. You will see a small sign “End of Trail” at the top, this will be about 0.6 miles from the starting point.
Here, look for a place to sit and enjoy the view into the large gap in the middle and the view in both west and east directions.
You can explore this area, there is a short trail to the right side that leads over a narrow ledge to the cliff edge.
To the left side you can get between the rock spires and scramble up to a place called Cathedral Rock Vortex (believed to be a swirling center of energy).
After enjoying your time here you will need to hike back down.
The walk down is much easier and you just need to take it slow in the steep short sections.
What a great hike, short walk, good climbing exercise and amazing view.
Hiking from Baldwins Crossing:
This trail begins at Baldwins Crossing and travels alongside Oak Creek before ascending towards Cathedral Rock.
From the trailhead the trail ascends to the river level.
The initial section of the trail is easy to navigate where it follows the river bank under the large old willow trees.
After about 0.4 mile from the trailhead the trail crosses an open meadow and from this point you will have a unique view of the Cathedral Rock formation in front of you.
Great point to be in when the sun is setting and coloring the rocks in red-orange glow.
From here the trail keeps following the river and after a short walk it climbs up to the cliffs on your left. A few steep sections and you will be above the river, enjoying the view.
From here the trail follows a leveled rock band to the west.
After a short additional hike you will connect to the main trail leading to the top of Cathedral Rock. This will be 1.5 miles from the trailhead.
From here you need to turn right and climb up (see previous description).
If you are planning to be here during sunset do remember that from the top of the hike you will have a 2 mile hike back to the trailhead parking, bring headlamp.
Overall this trail will be almost 4 miles out and back with 930 ft of elevation gain, plan for a 3 hours hike.
The beauty of this trail is that it is a good hiking combination of both the creek and riverbed, less people, no need for shuttle service and still it is not over long.
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