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Cathedral Rock is perhaps Sedona’s most famous and alluring rock formation that can be seen from far away. But if you want to see it up-close and enjoy the captivating views of Sedona from atop this rock, you’ll have to hike the Cathedral Rock trail.
This stunningly beautiful track located on the south side of Sedona, takes you through a group of red buttes and offers amazing views from the top. Cathedral Rock trail one of Sedona’s most popular hiking trails and therefore is almost always crowded.
General Information
Location: 3.5 miles from Sedona, Arizona
Hiking Distance: 1.3 miles
Elevation gain: 775 feet
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Time needed: 40-50 minutes
Dogs are allowed but have to be kept on a leash
Best time to hike: spring through fall
TIP: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required to park at the trailhead.
How to get to the Cathedral Rock Trailhead
Finding the trailhead was the trickiest part of this hike as Google Maps led us one roundabout further than necessary. So if you are driving from Sedona on Highway 179, head south and make sure to turn right onto Back O’ Beyond Road. In less than a mile you’ll be reaching the parking lot and see a sign for the Cathedral Rock trailhead.
Hiking the Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona
The trail is short but don’t let the distance fool you. Hiking the Cathedral Rock trail requires some climbing abilities and a lot of determination to make it to the top.
The trail starts off easy, with a set of dirt steps, passing through an area with more vegetation. Once you reach the base of the Cathedral Rock the trail becomes very steep, ascending over smooth rock.
For the first part of the hike the Cathedral Rock is hidden from view, but after a short walk the monumental, almost vertical rock appears in front of you.
The mid section has a near vertical segment where you have to climb using your hands and feet. The path is quite steep and difficult in some places. It is more of a rock climb than a hike.
Why Is Hiking the Cathedral Rock So Popular?
Besides its visual attributes, Cathedral Rock is believed to contain a source of magnetic energy, a vortex power. In New Age thinking, a vortex supposedly is a whirling fluid of energy produced by the earth and which can be felt in certain locations.
Besides the Cathedral Rock, Sedona has at least four such vortexes. Now, whether you believe in spiritual energy and metaphysics that’s another story, but Cathedral Rock surely is an idyllic oasis of peace and quiet.
Other Hiking Options Around the Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona
For those less inclined to test their athletic abilities on the Cathedral Rock, there are other trails from where you can admire the stunning views of Sedona and the area around it.
One is the Easy Breezy Loop, a mostly level walk around the base of the Cathedral Rock. This is a 3.9 mile back trail on which you have a big chance to see wildlife.
This trail is good for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. There are wonderful views all along, but the most spectacular ones are definitely from the top of the Cathedral Rock.
TIP: Cathedral Rock is one of the most photographed landmarks in Sedona, but the best spot to take pictures of it are from the Red Rock Crossing, not from the Cathedral Rock Trail.
Tips for Hiking the Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona
- Parking can be a challenge at Cathedral Rock trail, so start early in the morning.
- There is only a very basic restroom next to the parking area, so use it before you start your hike.
- Dress up in layers. No matter what the season, you may need to take off or put on clothes
- Opt for a light backpack to deep your hands free for climbing.
- Wear sturdy shoes, preferably hiking boots to keep your ankles steady. There is no shade on the trail.
- There is no shade on the trail, so bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Carry at least 1 liter of water and a snack.
Where to Stay in Sedona
Sedona is a very expensive town, so no matter what time of the year you travel there you’ll always spend top dollars for lodging. If you travel in a bigger group, you should check out one of the many Airbnbs in Sedona.
We’ve been in Sedona many times before and stayed at different hotels. One that I really liked was Southwest Inn, near the center of the town.
This time we stayed at Bell Rock Inn, a very nice property located just a few miles outside Sedona. The hotel features rooms with sitting areas and kitchenettes, a swimming pool and a beautiful garden.
Places to Eat in Sedona
There are plenty of good restaurants in Sedona and many of them feature patio dining, which is very pleasant during the warm summer nights.
If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience, I would recommend Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante a very romantic restaurant with a villa-themed decor, serving homemade pasta and Italian specialties.
We also dined at Creekside American Bistro, a casual yet upscale spot with creative seasonal meals and local beers, plus outdoor seating; Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen and The Hudson Grill in Hillside Sedona Shopping Center.
If you have any further questions about hiking the Cathedral Rock trail in Sedona, please drop me a line in the comments below.
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anda
That elevation gain is pretty spot on. I went there thinking it’d be an easy trail considering it’s distance, but that elevation gain is nuts when you start on it! I was also in a rush to get to the summit before the sun set and I was fortunate enough to make it. I highly recommend anyone do this hike around that time too because it makes the summit overlook even more amazing in my opinion (plus less need to bring sunscreen and other stuff). Have you done this hike multiple times?
We did it a couple of times, but never that late in the day.
Wow! The landscape looks stunning. Its every photographer’s dream. Thanks for the tip about getting to the trailhead without depending on Google Maps. Its a shame to have to do an extra roundabout! In intrigued that though the distance & time taken is short, its actually a moderate-difficult trail. The vertical segment on the face of that rock in the midsection looks actually a bit scary!
It’s difficult to find some of these trails on Google Maps.
1.3 miles is such a do-able hike, and it looks like such a fab view. Arizona is amazingly beautiful. I’ve only been to Mesa and Phoenix, but I HAVE to get to Sedona someday. So lovely!!
Thank you for this wonderful guide. US was in our plans this December and now probably should make it next year. I love hikes and have been reading so much of late about Sedona that we will definitely be there. Bookmarking for planning. Love the red color of the rocks and the views from up there must be fascinating. Can’t wait to visit.
Arizona is so unique because of its natural landscapes. The Cathedral Rock Trail looks so amazing with a kind of wild beauty. In fact, the place looks out of the world, straight out of a Sci-Fi movie. The views too look really spectacular, it must make for an exciting experience.
It truly is.
I like this trail very much. I was last year for the Day of Thanksgiving. It was snowing, and it was quite slippery, but we managed to get to the top. It’s a beautiful route and great views—one of the best hiking trails in Sedona.
So glad to hear that you’ve been there, Agnes! That’s great! Too bad you had such a hard time to hike this trail.
Although I have climbed a few mountains, I don’t think I have the amount of arm strength and skill needed for rock climbing, so I might have to skip the vertical part (if it’s tough for you, it must be impossible for me ?). But thanks for the heads up. I tend to underestimate the difficulty of a climb and end up regretting it.
Sedona is so stunning!! We crossed it once on our way to Grand Canyon but never really got a chance to exploring in the area. I didn’t even know that Cathedral Rock is believed to contain a source of magnetic energy, that is so fascinating! Gonna make a point to got hiking around Cathedral Rock next time. Absolutely loved the post and thanks for those tips! 😀
Your post brought back such great memories of our visit to Sedona. We loved the chance to see Cathedral Rock from a helicopter. But never did try to hike the area. And I certainly would not be climbing with my hands and feet up the vertical segments. But every viewpoint we found on easier hikes gave us such amazing views.
I hear you, Linda. To be honest with you, only my husband and my niece made it all the way to the very top. I stopped somewhere before the vertical climb, lol! Nonetheless, the hike is really beautiful and very rewarding. Great views all around.
So funny I came across your blog because last night I was talking to my family about planning a trip to Sedona for the beautiful landscapes and energy vortex. We are big hikers and I am definitely forwarding your blog to them! Those scramble-hikes are quite difficult and are not for the faint of heart, but what amazing photos you shared! Thank you for your detailed guide.
Well, I’m glad if I could give you some hiking ideas for Sedona. Hope you’ll finalize your plans and make it to Sedona soon.
Cathedral Rock is so impressive! Did you feel any magnetic power nearby?
I didn’t, Suze. I don’t believe in the miraculous powers of vortexes, hahaha!
I love these rock formations! They are so wonderful! 🙂
I have been wanting to go to Sedona for years. It will happen soon. I will make it.
I was last in Sedona almost 13 years ago now! Can’t remember the hike we did but I do remember how beautiful the landscape was. When I am back here with the family (planning our USA roadtrip for summer 2017 🙂 will be sure to include Sedona! Fun to know about the vortex power as well.
Hope to meet you if you are planning a longer trip in the States, Samiya.
We’ve never been to Sedona but I can see from your photos that it is as beautiful as people say. If the weather is as temperate as you say, Dan and I would probably spend a lot of time hiking through the rocks and trails. How much time did you spend there, and how much water should folks carry along?
The longer you stay in Sedona the more fun you’ll have and cover more territory, Linda. As for the water, it depends on the season. In summer you need at least 1 liter/person, but in winter you can get by with less. We always carry about 2 small bottles each on all our hikes.
Oh my, these pictures look amazing!! Love them 🙂
Thank you for hosting another lovely link-up!!
Wow, absolutely stunning! I’ve had this hike on my list for awhile but this piece and your gorgeous photos are just pulling at me to just go!
You should go, Stephanie, you won’t regret it. Arizona is an such a great state to visit.
I haven’t been to Sedona in a long time. Your photos really capture the beauty that I remember. Now I want to go back.
I like the sound of the Easy Breezy Trail – maybe I’ll do that one and leave the vertical climb to the younger generation.
You are exactly my kind of girl, Lyn. I took the easier path too.
Anda, I hiked this trail last year and I liked it a lot. We went visited during fall and from the high parts we were bale to see the trees in many shades of yellow, orange and red. I was lovely. Sedona left me inspired. I want to visit the area again.
It seems we are not only neighbors, but we also visit the same places, Ruth. I love that!
Beautiful! We love Sedona and wish we had more time to visit. We didn’t make it to Cathedral Rock last time but would love to do this hike. We’ll need to go back when it’s not monsoon season though.
I think the hike would be just perfect for your kids, Mary. They are old enough to be safe there and young enough to be able to climb those rocks. Ha, ha, ha…
Anda, I am very impressed that you made this hike. Personally, I only go for leveled hikes and only braved the elevation very occasionally, for a very good view- this might be just the case. I would love to visit Sedona too.
I wish I did, Victoria, but I chicken out half way and took the more level path instead. My husband though went all the way up there.
Sedona is such a beautiful place. I’ve only passed through there and made a brief stop a couple of times while enroute to or from the Grand Canyon. Next time, I’ll have to allow some time to linger and do some hiking.
Sedona is a must, Vicki. You should stay there more next time you are in the area.
The red rocks and deserts of the Southwest are like nowhere else I’ve been! Seeing your photos reminded me of home and how beautiful the Southwest can be. I’m glad you enjoyed exploring Sedona and this wonderful hiking trail!
Thank you, Brooke. I didn’t realize you lived in Arizona.
Amazing pics! Thinking this would be a great winter getaway from Chicago.
Just stunning!!
we missed this trail when we were in Arizona, but with a baby we wouldn’t have been able to get to the top 🙁
That hike may be a little difficult with a small baby, Shere.