Sedona, Arizona is located in the northern part of the state, about 30 miles south of Flagstaff and 100 miles north of Phoenix. Nestled within the beautiful Red Rock Country, Sedona is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including vibrant red sandstone formations and spiritual energy vortexes. The city covers approximately 19 square miles and has a population of around 10,000 residents, though the area attracts a large number of visitors year-round. It is well known for having a ton of amazing hikes! They range from easy to very hard, simple paths to scrambling up rocks. Everywhere you look, there are stunning views during your hike. Today we will be exploring Cathedral Rock. Here are all the best tips you need to make this an amazing hike!
General Info
Cathedral Rock is one of the most iconic landmarks in Sedona, Arizona, known for its striking spires and stunning natural beauty. The formation consists of towering red sandstone peaks that rise dramatically from the surrounding landscape, creating a cathedral-like silhouette that gives the rock its name.
The rock is part of the larger Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness area, and it stands out due to its unique, sharp spires and deep gorges. It’s a popular hiking destination, with a trail that takes visitors up to the base of the rock and even up the spires for more adventurous hikers. It is also a location that is believed to be on of the energy vortexes in Sedona. For this reason, you are likely to see many people meditating at the top of the hike.
How to Hike Cathedral Rock
There are multiple options when choosing how to hike to the top of Cathedral Rock. The two options that are most popular are taking the direct trail from the main parking lot or taking Baldwin Trail to Cathedral Rock trail.
Cathedral Rock TrailHead
If you are looking for the shortest trail, this is the best option.
- Parking Lot: Two small lots close to trail head *Closed Thursday-Sunday*
- Fee: Red Rock pass required for these lots.
- Shuttle Service: Thursday – Sunday the lots are closed and the free shuttle service is required for reaching the trailhead. Check their website to see times.
- Length: 1.2 miles round trip
Taking the main trail head is great if you are looking for a shorter hike. If going on the weekend, it can be limiting due to having to take the free shuttle.
The trail itself is relatively easy at first. The scramble up can be difficult in some parts and does require having two free hands to climb. It is considered a dog friendly trail but it is not really recommended due to the amount of climbing. The views at the top are absolutely stunning! We recommend going around sunset to get stunning lighting.
Baldwin Trail To Cathedral Rock Trail
This is the path we chose due to not wanting to be limited on time with the shuttle.
- Parking: Medium Sized Lot
- Fee: Red Rock Pass is required
- Length: 3.8 miles round trip
- Bathrooms: Yes at trailhead
To take this trail, park at the Baldwin Trailhead. The trailhead is across the street from the parking lot. If you want the shortest route, go east at the trailhead. From here stay straight at the half mile mark to go onto Templeton Trail. From here it will connect to the Cathedral Rock trail.
*Baldwin is a loop so if completed the opposite direction it is still possible to reach Templeton Trail, it will just take longer.*
The Baldwin and Templeton trails are relatively easy with some incline. Templeton is also a mountain bike trail so be aware of your surroundings.
General Recommendations
Cathedral Rock trail does require wearing proper shoes. This could be sneakers with good grip or hiking shoes. We both wore our hiking shoes and found no issues. The end is a bit of a scramble so it is important to have the use of your hands and pay attention to others around you.
Since we took Baldwin just before sunset, we brought flashlights for the hike back. If you are taking the shuttle, you may not need them as it will likely not be dark when you leave.
Be respectful of others taking photos. There is a spot where many people walk out to for photos and it is important to take turns and have fun with others at the top!
Bring plenty of water and some snacks. The views are stunning and a great place to have a picnic! And of course, Have Fun!!!!
Interested in other hikes in Sedona? Check out our posts! Have a question or different experience (things do sometimes change), let us know in the comments below!
