Cathedral Rock
4.8(347)yelp
Rock FormationHiking
Overview
Cathedral Rock is one of Arizona's most recognizable natural landmarks, towering majestically as a massive red sandstone spire formation within the Coconino National Forest in Sedona. Renowned world-wide as one of Sedona's most powerful metaphysical vortex sites, the location attracts both spiritual seekers and avid hikers. The trail leading up to the saddle is short but intensely steep, requiring rock scrambling over smooth shelves and through narrow sandstone crevices. Reaching the high peak rewards hikers with awe-inspiring, sweeping panoramas of Sedona's fiery red rock country and verdant creek canyons, offering an unforgettable wilderness adventure.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeIt's highly recommended to start the hike 2 hours before sunset. When you climb, through great difficulty, to the topmost saddle, the setting sun's afterglow completely ignites the red rock pillars beside you—an unparalleled visual and spiritual shock
Getting ThereLocated south of Sedona's old town. From Monday to Wednesday you can try the official parking lot on Back O Beyond Road (very few spots, luck required); Thursday to Sunday you must park at the free Shuttle transfer point in town
Travel Tips
- This is the most famous and most magnificent iconic monolith of Sedona's red-rock terrain, recognized as one of the world's strongest core-radiating sites of the Earth's 'energy vortex'—extremely spiritual
- Although the summit trail to the saddle in the middle of the red rock (Cathedral Rock Trail) is only 0.7 miles one way, the vertical drop is huge and it's almost all climbing directly up bare, steep red sandstone; some narrow sections require full hands-and-feet scrambling—extremely difficult
- Because of its very high environmental-protection level and huge popularity, the official small parking lot at the foot of the mountain is usually fully closed Thursday through Sunday each week, and visitors must take the free official Shuttle from downtown Sedona to the trailhead
Reviews
Positive
- The ultimate top-tier view of Sedona! When you climb with all your might to the very top of the rock, sit at the cliff edge in the breeze, and look at the infinitely stretching red valley below your feet, in that moment you feel completely opened up—you can truly sense a magical calm energy
- Although the trail is steep like rock climbing, the red sandstone's grip is surprisingly good. As long as you wear professional hiking shoes and climb up step by step following the footprints of those before you, the experience is extremely thrilling and satisfying
Heads up
- An absolute nightmare for those with a fear of heights! There's a section that's almost a 70-degree rock crevice where you must scramble up gripping with hands and feet; families with no exercise habit or with young children should absolutely never attempt it