Cathedral Rock Trail | Sedona, AZ

There are so many things I love about Sedona, Arizona but perhaps my favorite is the Cathedral Rock Trail. This short, 1.5 mile roundtrip hike, offers breathtaking views at the top and optimal photo opportunities of stunning red rock formations, buttes and canyons along the way.

I completed this hike in the winter, which I actually would not recommend unless you have adequate gear for snow hiking. I discovered this the hard way –hiking in soggy socks, wet pants, and moist gloves for the entire day. While there was minimal foot traffic on the trail and the pictures captured were incredibly unique, I was uncomfortable and freezing the greater majority of the time. However, reaching the top made it well worth it and I would trudge through 4-5 feet of snow and do it again – if I was properly prepared!

The trailhead begins at the small parking lot, across the wash and up a moderate slope with spires. At 0.25 mile, the trail emerges on a broad ledge with stunning views. Then it ascends steeply over bald rock and in a shallow cleft with a few toeholds notched into the rock to help with climbing in steeper places.

Emerging on a small knob, cairns guide the way up and across several ledges toward the deep drainage ahead, forcing a moderately steep climb to the top of a wide saddle between two spires. This was frozen over during my trek, making it much more difficult to climb. My hiking partner had an even more difficult time since he has longer legs. This was a time when being short and having a lower center of gravity had its advantages!

Continue uphill along the cairn-marked path until you reach the top. The views down along the way were amazing, however nothing beats the view at the very top. An unmaintained path leads south along the west base of the spires allowing access to two more saddles between sheer rock faces and an up close and personal view of an exposed lava dike. You will follow the same route downhill to return to the trailhead.

In the winter when the snowfall was heavy, we simply followed the footprints left behind from other hikers who were crazy enough to hike Cathedral Rock in the snow. Bundles of wood also were found about the trail which we later learned served as markers. I am unsure if these are also present in the spring and summer months.

Cathedral Rock Trail Tips

Tip 1: The parking lot at the trailhead is very small. Plan to arrive early to snag one of the few spots. Some hikers have reported that they’ve been told they would get towed if they parked on the street.

Tip 2: Parking is $5 per car, and by a self-service machine. The fine is steep if you’re caught without a parking permit on your dashboard, don’t risk it!

Tip 3: Be certain to follow the markers to stay on the trail. It is easy to lose track of where you are going and get lost, particularly on the way down.

Tip 4: There is one part of the trail that is difficult to get up but do not get discouraged. Many other hikers have said they’ve seen 80-year-olds with walking polls climb up this section, hopefully that provides you with extra motivation!

Tip 5: Wear appropriate clothing. You will be exposed to the sun during the majority of this hike.

Tip 6: The trailhead has picnic tables, charcoal BBQ grills, restrooms, and an area to wash your feet if needed.

Tip 7: If you are afraid of heights, consider this an opportunity to conquer that fear!

Difficulty: Moderate

Total Distance: 1.5 miles

Trailhead address: Back O’ Beyond Road, Sedona, AZ

GPS ( Map ): 34°49’30.7″N 111°47’18.3″W

Driving Directions : From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 179 south 3.5 miles to Back O’ Beyond Road on the right. Go 0.6 miles to the trailhead parking turnout on the left.