Hiking Cathedral Rock: What to Expect with Sedona’s Most Popular Hike
Hiking Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular things to do in Sedona, Arizona. This hike has a near-perfect combination of difficulty, panoramic views and distance that makes it ideal for most any type of hiker.
One thing I found when researching Cathedral Rock was a lot of guides proclaiming its challenging rock scrambles. It made me wonder what I might expect when I made the hike myself. After finishing, I decided to share my experience so you can have a better idea of whether this hike is for you or not.
So, is hiking Cathedral Rock really as difficult as some people make it out to be? Let’s dig in and find out!
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Scrambling Up the Trail
The Cathedral Rock Trail starts with an easy stroll along flat ground through some sparse trees. It’s not particularly exciting, but it is peaceful and a good way to warm up your legs before you start your ascent.
Eventually, the trail opens up onto a wide stretch of open red rock. This is where things start to get a bit more exhilarating. It’s also a bit of a choose-your-own adventure through here as the actual trail isn’t very apparent. Fortunately, there are plenty of large rock cairns marking the trail, making it easy to at least have an idea where to go.
This part of the Cathedral Rock Trail has some small rock scrambles. Most of it isn’t too difficult, but you will need your hands to pull yourself up and over some sections. You’ll be happy for some good grippy hiking shoes or trail runners.
Roughly halfway up is the part of the trail that makes most people nervous when reading guides. The trail converges on a section where the only way up is a narrow gap in the rock that appears to lead almost straight up. I have some good news: This scramble looks much worse than it actually is.
It’s really tight, but fortunately, the gap has a space on the ground that is just wide enough for most feet to fit in. There’s seldom a spot as you scramble up where it’s not obvious where to put your hands and feet. It’s not the easiest thing ever, but I don’t think it’s nearly as challenging as some other guides and reviews make it out to be.
Once you’re through this rock scramble, the rest of the Cathedral Rock Trail is rather easy. You’ll encounter a couple more small rock scrambles and a walk around a broad ledge with sweeping views of the landscape as you make your way to the top of the trail.
While it wasn’t as challenging as I hoped, it was still a fun trek up the trail with many breathtaking views.
“End of Trail”
After only 0.6 miles, you’ll reach the top of the trail. It’ll be obvious you’ve reached the end because there’s a sign proclaiming “End of Trail” at the top. The sign’s bluntness is a bit amusing, but it’s an appropriate way to punctuate the end of this fun hike.
Before doing anything, take a few minutes to listen to the wind whistle through the rocks and admire the views. Make sure to look back the way you came to view the trail in its entirety and perhaps give yourself a pat on the back for making it to the top.
You can go left or right from the sign for different vantage points. Going to the right takes you along a narrow ledge for more nice views. This section of Cathedral Rock was one of my favorite parts. Because it wasn’t too crowded when I was there, I made myself a seat out of the rocks, sat back, and relaxed for several minutes while admiring the scenery.
Cathedral Rock Vortex
But for intrepid hikers, the end of the trail isn’t really the end of the trail. To add about a quarter mile to your hike, you can head left at the trail to go up to the Cathedral Rock Vortex.
The first bit of the trail is pretty easy. You’re just 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 face and turn left. Like the rest of Cathedral Rock, the rock scramble facing you looks more daunting than it is, but I think it’s the most difficult part of the trail. This rock scramble felt slightly steeper with less obvious places to place your hands and feet than the couple scrambles on the main trail. The rockface is also more open, which made it feel a bit scarier to me.
Nevertheless, it’s not overly difficult once you actually get going. The most challenging spot is about midway where tall people like me have to duck under a rock hanging over the trail while still maintaining your grip.
Once at the top, you can experience the Cathedral Rock Vortex in all its glory. The large rock spire raising to the sky between the two cliff faces is impressive to see. You also have great views both in front and behind you.
A vortex is thought to be a geographical spot with high levels of energy that are believed to help people heal and grow spiritually. I don’t know about all that, but the features here were worth seeing.
Going Back Down
Going back down a hike like Cathedral Rock is always a little more intimidating than going up, and this hike is no different. Still, it’s not especially hard once you get going. It’s also much quicker than the climb.
The hardest part is towards the beginning of the trail. It’s the same spot where on the way up you have a couple worn down toeholds on an otherwise bare boulder. If you’re tall, it’s not particularly difficult to go back down, but shorter people may have a bit of a harder time.
For those who did the hike in the morning, the views of the surrounding area are better than they were on the way up. As the sun gets higher in the sky, the surrounding rock formations and landscape become easier to see. This is especially nice for taking photos.
If you’re still looking for a bit more hiking, you can try the Templeton Trail before making your way back to the parking lot. The Templeton Trail intersects the Cathedral Rock Trail and continues down towards Oak Creek for a little over a mile. It’s a relatively easy and relaxing trails with some nice views of the area.
Tips for Hiking Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock wasn’t nearly as difficult as I expected. Here are some things that helped me during my hike and some things I wish I had known ahead of time.
- The trail is almost entirely exposed to the sun. Bring plenty of water, especially if it’s hot.
- Shoes with good grip are necessary to help with some of the rock scrambling. I purchased these Saucony trail runners right before our trip that worked out pretty well.
- Arrive before sunrise if you want to avoid crowds and get good pictures. Despite what the internet may say, you can park next to the trailhead before 7:00 a.m.
- If you’re even a reasonably experienced hiker, this trail is going to be pretty easy. Don’t expect this hike to take more than 90 minutes or so – and that’s only if you stop often to admire the views. Plan for another hike if you’re expecting a full morning out on the trails.
- Don’t overthink things with the rock scrambles, especially when coming back down. It’s not as difficult as it looks at first glance, and overthinking things is where you’ll get yourself in trouble.
- And when all else fails, don’t be shy about sliding down on your backside. No one is judging you.
Getting to the Cathedral Rock Trailhead
You can get to the Cathedral Rock Trailhead in one of two main ways: driving yourself to the trailhead or taking the free Sedona Shuttle. Driving yourself is the more convenient option, but unfortunately, it isn’t always possible.
The Sedona Shuttle runs Thursday through Sunday, on holidays, and during spring break (February 27th through April 20th). During those times, the trailhead parking lot is closed. So, if you want to hike Cathedral Rock, you have to take the Sedona Shuttle. The parking lot for the Sedona Shuttle is at the North SR 179 Park & Ride.
Of course, there is one exception to that. If you arrive to the parking lot before 7:00 a.m., you should be able to park without issue. You’ll need either a Red Rock Pass or National Park Pass to park here.
If you need a bathroom, you can find a porta-potty at the Sedona Shuttle parking lot and another restroom at the trailhead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cathedral Rock
When is the best time of day to hike Cathedral Rock?
The best time for hiking Cathedral Rock is either early in the day around sunrise or later as the sun sets. Which one depends on what you want out of your hike. Earlier in the day has fewer other hikers, but the views won’t be quite as good, especially once the sun is up. Coming at sunset is better if you want that perfect photo of Sedona’s unique red rocks. Unfortunately, you can expect larger crowds at that time.
Can kids do Cathedral Rock?
Kids as young as 8 to 10 should be okay with hiking Cathedral Rock. I wouldn’t recommend any younger than that. It has some narrow ledges that children who are still a little wobbly and/or aren’t good at following directions may be a little iffy on.
Is there a fee to hike Cathedral Rock?
If you are coming on the Sedona Shuttle, then the hike is free. It’s also free to use the shuttle.
You’ll need either a Red Rock Pass or a National Park Pass if you’re parking directly at the trailhead. The Red Rock Pass is $5 for a single day and can be purchased at the trailhead with a credit card. The National Park Pass is $80 but gives you access to any federally owned land over the course of a year.
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