GUIDE TO HIKE CATHEDRAL ROCK

What to Expect with Sedona’s Most Popular Hike

DISTANCE:

1.4 miles / 2.3 km 

PARKING:

If you’re parking at the trailhead, you’ll need either a Red Rock Pass or a National Park Pass.  The Red Rock Pass is $5 for a single day and can be purchased at the trailhead with a credit card.

DESCRIPTION:

Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona-Arizona, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful day hikes in the Red Rock District of the Coconino National Forest.  It lies in the heart of Sedona’s red rocks, with stunning sweeping vistas of brilliant sandstone.

Cathedral Rock is a short but challenging hike that has become very popular for the energy vortex at the top of this red rock structure. Its vortex is considered the strongest in the area, making it one of the most popular day hikes in Sedona. 

Therefore, it’s important to be patient with everything from parking to transportation to the ascent, as it can create a bottleneck on the trail.

However, visiting Cathedral Rock is worth the effort. The energy flows down into the earth, making it perfect for those seeking introspection and balance in their overly busy lives. 

BASIC TIPS:

• If you’re planning to tackle this unforgettable trail, pace yourself and come prepared; it’s not for the faint of heart, but the payoff is truly spectacular.
• The trail is almost entirely exposed to the sun. Bring a hat, plenty of water, and a change of clothes.  
• Shoes with good grip are necessary to help with some of the rock scrambling.
• Arrive early if you want to avoid crowds and get good pictures.
• Expect this hike to take around 90 minutes or so – add a little time if you stop often to admire the views and take tons of pictures. 
• Don’t overthink about the rock scrambles, especially when coming back down, and if you need to slide down on your backside that’s ok, no one is judging you.

SCRAMBLING UP THE TRAIL

Cathedral Rock Trail starts with an easy stroll along flat ground, it is peaceful and a good way to warm up your legs before you start your ascent.

After about 20 minutes, the trail opens up onto a wide stretch of open red rock. This is where things start to get a bit more exhilarating and the actual trail isn’t very apparent anymore, but fortunately, there are plenty of large rock cairns marking the way. 

This last part of Cathedral Rock Trail has rock scrambles with certain difficulty, because you will need your hands to pull yourself up and over some sections until the “end of the trail”. 

VORTEX:

For those intrepid hikers, the end of the trail isn’t really the end of the trail. You can head left at the trail to go up to the Cathedral Rock Vortex, hiking along a reasonably wide ledge with a couple moderately sized steps.

The trail gets more difficult once you make your way around the cliff but like the rest of Cathedral Rock, the rock scramble looks more daunting than it is.

The most challenging spot is about midway where most people need to duck under a rock hanging over the trail while still maintaining a good grip.

Once at the top, you can experience the Cathedral Rock Vortex in all its glory, having great views at all 360 degrees.

The large red rocks spire raising to the sky between the two cliffs are magnificent.

while still maintaining a good grip.

Once at the top, you can experience the Cathedral Rock Vortex in all its glory, having great views at all 360 degrees.

The large red rocks spire raising to the sky between the two cliffs are magnificent.

*Please remember to leave no trace so that many people can enjoy this hike for years to come!

LALY PENA

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