Hiking the Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona, Arizona
Distance: 1.4 miles / 2.3 km
The Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona, Arizona, is without a doubt one of the best and most beautiful day hikes in the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest!
I say this because, through and through, Cathedral Rock is a sunset hike, and when the rock spires atop the trail begin to light up in the late evening, there’s truly no better place to be in Sedona! In fact, sunset is the only time of day I recommend hiking the Cathedral Rock Trail because it’s easily one of the best sunset hikes in Sedona!
Now, all this goes without mentioning that Cathedral Rock—much like the Devil’s Bridge Trail—is one of the most popular day hikes in Sedona, which is why I want to emphasize patience when it comes to everything from parking, the shuttle, and the steep scramble, which can create a bottleneck on the trail.
However, I personally think the hassle to visit Cathedral Rock is worth it the effort—especially if you’re fortunate enough to catch sunset on a clear night from the top!
Cathedral Rock Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Cathedral Rock Trailhead is located in a very small parking lot off Back O' Beyond Road, about 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Highway 179.
That said, the Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the most popular day hikes in all of Sedona, meaning the trailhead parking lot can be one of the most challenging places to park.
On top of this, the parking lot may close during the busiest travel seasons, like spring break, requiring hikers to take the Sedona Shuttle or park as far away as the Bell Rock Trailhead and walk.
Before arriving, be aware that the most trailheads in Sedona are considered U.S. Fee Areas, meaning that hikers are required to pay to park or leave a valid federal recreation pass—like the ones commonly used for National Park entry—in the dash of your vehicle.
Google Maps Directions: Cathedral Rock Trailhead
Southwest Hiking Checklist
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in the Southwest U.S.
Hiking the Cathedral Rock Trail
The Cathedral Rock Trail begins much like the nearby Bell Rock Trail, in that the hike starts off fairly gradual before getting significantly steeper in the second half, gaining roughly 600 ft. (183 m) in just 0.7 miles (1.1 km).
Cathedral Rock-Easy Breezy Junction
Immediately after beginning the hike, the Cathedral Rock Trail passes the Easy Breezy Trail.
At this split, go straight to continue toward the wash shortly ahead.
After the wash, the Cathedral Rock Trail begins a slow, gradual climb above the Juniper trees that dominate the lower forest.
When the Cathedral Rock Trail climbs above the lower forest, the hike loses almost all its shade, which is why I highly recommend hiking this—and all Sedona trails—with a hooded sun shirt, especially if you plan to fit in a number of different adventures over the course of your visit.
Lower Cathedral Rock-Templeton Junction
Just before the Cathedral Rock Trail begins climbing the steeper sections up the second half of the trail, Cathedral Rock joins with the Templeton Trail for a very short stretch before it splits away to continue higher.
That said, go right here and the second junction will be found shortly ahead.
Upper Cathedral Rock-Templeton Junction
This is the second Templeton junction, where the Cathedral Rock Trail splits away to the left (straight) to begin the steeper second half of the hike.
The next 0.2 miles (0.3 km) after the second Templeton Trail junction are the steepest parts of the entire Cathedral Rock Trail, ending in a short Class 2 scramble shortly ahead.
This marks the beginning of the short but steep Class 2 scramble required to continue up the Cathedral Rock Trail, and it’s often considered the crux of the route by those unfamiliar with similar hiking.
Be aware that sections like this—and others—may require micro-spikes during the coldest months of the year, particularly when there is snow and ice.
At this final part, it doesn’t matter which direction you choose to scramble up, as both are similar in difficulty and lead to the end of this steep section.
This is the view looking back toward the trailhead, with Capitol Butte in the distance.
After the steep climb, the Cathedral Rock Trail continues to wind its way up sections similar to the beginning, navigating up to the left toward the gap in the rock spires.
It’s common to get off-route through these sections on the hike back down, which is why I recommend paying attention to different landmarks—especially if you plan to hike Cathedral Rock at sunset, when a good headlamp becomes essential for the hike back.
These final sections navigate their way up 4 or 5 switchbacks, depending on how you count, to the end of the trail that is the Cathedral.
Steep hikes in Sedona, just like the Cathedral Rock Trail, are exactly why I like to hike with this water bladder because it allows for as much or as little water as needed, which is something that cannot be overstated when it gets hot during the summer months!
The Cathedral
The end of the maintained trail is the Cathedral, but it’s very common to venture both right and left from this sign to reach various viewpoints.
By going right from the end of the trail, there’s a path that leads out to the iconic sunset photo spot just around the bend.
This is the end of the trail to the right of the sign, but be careful if you decide to walk all the way out — the drop is significantly steeper than it may initially appear from further back.
'True' Cathedral Rock Trail
By going left from the end of the trail, hikers have the opportunity to make their way up to Cathedral Rock, which is a bit hidden from the end of the official trail.
This final climb is quite steep and is often considered more challenging than the short Class 2 section in the middle of the Cathedral Rock Trail from below.
Cathedral Rock
This is Cathedral Rock, which is out of view for the entirety of the hike until the very end, atop this steep scramble.
That said, some say Cathedral Rock looks like praying hands; others say the rock spire points to something significant; and others simply believe this area has deep spiritual meaning and energy.
I’m certainly not the expert, but it is a place where you may find others quietly meditating, so please be respectful!
