Cathedral Rock Trail is Arizona’s beloved hike, known for spectacular views, challenging terrain, and spiritual significance. Although relatively short, the trail takes adventurers to the imposing sandstone buttes of Cathedral Rock, an outcropping that has become an inseparable part of the beauty of Sedona’s red rocks. The trail, featuring spectacular views and a fulfilling climb, is one that any serious hiker must visit if they want an unforgettable excursion.
The trail originates near the Cathedral Rock Trailhead, accessed by way of Back O’ Beyond Road. A Red Rock Pass or other valid federal lands pass is required for vehicles using the trailhead parking. At just 1.2 miles round trip, the trail is moderately demanding owing to the steep incline. The trail shortly turns from an earth trail to patches of slickrock, requiring significant rock scrambling by trail users over several steep and challenging spots. Cairns (rock piles) mark the trail, indicating the way through the boulder-strewn ground. The near-vertical elevation change of some 740 feet ensures this little trail has an exercise kick and an added measure of enjoyment.
As you ascend, the views get progressively breathtaking. The trail offers panoramic views over Sedona’s famous red rocks, Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, the extensive expanse of the Verde Valley, and the iconic view of Oak Creek at Crescent Moon Ranch. The closer you get to the saddle of Cathedral Rock, the greater the vistas, with huge cliffs and splashes of orange, red, and gold tinting the ground. At the top, you are treated to an unforgettable vantage point nestled between two spires of the rock.
Cathedral Rock also has spiritual significance. It sits atop one of Sedona’s famous vortices, one many people believe has greater spiritual power and meditation. Many visit not only for the exercise opportunity, nor only for the breathtaking views, but so that they can achieve inner peace and renewal. Whether you are one who does, or does not, believe in vortices, the beauty and calm here are unquestionable.
The best time of year to visit is in the spring and fall, and daily timing is also crucial if you want to get the best out of the Cathedral Rock Trail. A sunrise hike or late afternoon visit allows you to escape the midday heat and enjoy the spectacular play of light over the red rocks. Sunset, especially, casts warm, golden lights over the terrain, creating an enchanted setting. But the trail gets extremely crowded, and trailhead parking is very limited. To avoid issues, visitors should plan to use the free Sedona shuttle, which is the primary access for this hike on weekends and busy days.
Cathedral Rock Trail is no ordinary hike—it’s an immersion into the very center of Sedona’s spiritual and natural beauty. Whether you get there by the allure of the challenging terrain, the promise of spectacular vistas, or the presence of its vortex power, this trail promises an unforgettable adventure. While the trail is technically dog-friendly for leashed pets, the intense rock scrambling can be dangerous for most animals. Like any trail in Sedona, visitors are requested to stay on designated routes, carry enough water, and respect the vulnerable desert environment.
Location and Reviews
Photo by Deborah Lee Soltesz, January 12, 2011. Credit: USFS Coconino National Forest. Learn more about hiking Cathedral Rock Trail No. 170 in the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest website.
