Your complete guide to one of Arizona's most iconic landmarks
If you're planning to visit Cathedral Rock, you've picked one of the most spectacular hikes in the Southwest. I've been hiking this trail for over a decade, and I still get that little flutter of excitement every time I see those red spires come into view.
This isn't just another hiking website with recycled information. Everything here comes from actual experience on the trail, conversations with local guides, and the kind of details you only learn by showing up at the wrong time once or twice. Whether you're here for the famous vortex energy, the challenging scramble to the saddle, or just to see what all the fuss is about, you're in the right place.
The Cathedral Rock Trail is short but steep. You'll gain over 700 feet in just over half a mile, and the last section involves genuine rock scrambling. This isn't a leisurely stroll—you'll use your hands, you'll question your route choice a few times, and you'll definitely feel it in your legs the next day.
The trail starts easy enough. You'll cross Oak Creek (usually ankle-deep, sometimes dry in summer), then begin climbing almost immediately. The path is well-worn and clear, winding through juniper and scrub oak. About halfway up, the hiking transforms into scrambling. You'll be pulling yourself up over boulders, finding footholds in the red rock, and occasionally wondering if you're still on the trail (you probably are—look for cairns).
The reward is the saddle between Cathedral Rock's spires. The views open up to 360 degrees of red rock country. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. Most people stop here, sit on the rocks, and just take it in. Some believe this is one of Sedona's vortex sites, a place where the earth's energy is especially strong. Whether you feel it or not, there's definitely something special about being up there.
More rescues happen on this trail than almost any other in Sedona. The rock scrambling is real, and it's more challenging going down than up. Don't attempt this trail in wet conditions—the rocks become incredibly slippery. Bring at least a liter of water per person, even for this short hike. The Arizona sun is no joke.
Sunrise is magical. You'll have cooler temperatures, better light for photos, and you might actually find parking. The rock face catches the first light beautifully, glowing that famous Sedona red-orange. If you're not a morning person, late afternoon works too—aim to start your hike around 4 PM so you're up top for sunset.
Avoid summer midday at all costs. I've seen people turn around halfway up in July because it's just miserable. The exposed rock radiates heat, there's no shade, and it can easily hit 105°F. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are ideal. Winter can be beautiful, but check for ice on the rocks after storms.
Keep it simple but don't skip the essentials. Good hiking shoes with grip are non-negotiable—I've seen people attempt this in flip-flops and it never ends well. Bring way more water than seems reasonable. A small first aid kit is smart. Your phone for photos, obviously, but don't count on it for navigation once you're scrambling—cell service is spotty.
If you're hiking early or late, bring a headlamp. You do not want to be scrambling down those rocks in the dark without one. I learned that the hard way.
You want to be close to the trailhead, which means looking at places in the Village of Oak Creek or West Sedona. Uptown Sedona is beautiful but adds 20 minutes to your drive, which matters when you're trying to catch sunrise.
📍 105 Bell Rock Plaza, Village of Oak Creek
10 minutes from Cathedral Rock trailhead. Clean, affordable, and they have good coffee ready at 5:30 AM for early hikers. Nothing fancy, but you're here for the rocks, not the hotel room. Rooms run $120-180/night depending on season.
📍 125 Canyon Circle Drive, Village of Oak Creek
If you want something nicer, this is it. Views of Bell Rock from the pool, excellent breakfast, and the hosts actually know the trails. They'll pack you a breakfast to-go if you're doing sunrise. $250-400/night.
📍 100 N State Route 89A, West Sedona
Great middle ground between budget and luxury. About 15 minutes to Cathedral Rock. Comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and easier on the wallet than the resort properties. $180-280/night.
📍 230 Apple Ave, West Sedona
Budget pick that's actually clean and comfortable. No frills, but great value. The owner has been here for 30 years and knows every trail in Sedona. Don't expect a spa, but do expect working AC and a comfortable bed. $90-150/night.
After scrambling up and down Cathedral Rock, you'll be hungry. Here are the spots locals actually go to, not just the tourist traps on 89A.
📍 671 AZ-179, Village of Oak Creek
Best breakfast in the area, hands down. Get the chilaquiles or the breakfast burrito. They open at 7 AM, perfect for a post-hike meal. Cash only, which catches tourists off guard, but there's an ATM inside. Expect a wait on weekends. $12-18 per person.
📍 251 AZ-179, Sedona
Italian food that's actually good. The patio has red rock views and the pizza comes out of a real wood-fired oven. Perfect for a celebratory dinner after conquering the trail. Try the prosciutto and arugula pizza. $20-35 per person.
📍 1595 W State Route 89A, Sedona
Vegetarian/vegan spot that even meat-eaters love. Everything is organic and actually tastes good. The açai bowls are massive. Great for a healthy post-hike meal. Gets crowded at brunch. $15-25 per person.
📍 6446 AZ-179, Village of Oak Creek
Locals' breakfast spot. Nothing fancy, just solid food, strong coffee, and friendly service. The biscuits and gravy will fortify you for any hike. Opens at 6 AM. $10-15 per person.
📍 1405 W State Route 89A, West Sedona
When you want a cold beer and a burger after hiking. No pretense, no red rock views, just good bar food and reasonable prices. The nachos are enough for three people. $12-20 per person.
📍 2690 W State Route 89A, Sedona
Best Mexican food in Sedona, tucked away in a strip mall. The carne asada torta is incredible. Generous portions, authentic flavors, locals line up here. $10-16 per person.
Once you reach the saddle, walk carefully to either side for different perspectives. The north side gives you views toward Uptown Sedona and Wilson Mountain. The south side opens up toward Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. The light changes throughout the day—sunrise hits the east faces, sunset paints the west.
On your way up, there's a spot about two-thirds up where you can turn around and get a great shot looking back toward Oak Creek. You'll know it when you see it—everyone stops there.
This is where you get the calendar shot of Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek. It's a separate location (requires another Red Rock Pass), about 10 minutes from the Cathedral Rock trailhead. Go in the morning when the water is still—afternoon winds ripple the creek and you lose the reflection. The crossing is at the end of Chavez Ranch Road.
If you have a high-clearance vehicle (and I mean actually high clearance, not just an SUV), drive up Schnebly Hill Road for panoramic shots of Cathedral Rock from a distance. The road is rough but the views are incredible. You can also walk it if you're up for more hiking.
If you're spending a few days in the area (and you should), here are some other excellent options:
Bell Rock Trail: Easier than Cathedral Rock, with similar views. Great for families or if you want a warm-up hike. 15 minutes away.
Devil's Bridge: Sedona's most famous hike. It's become crowded, but the natural arch is genuinely impressive. Go early. 25 minutes from Cathedral Rock.
Red Rock Crossing/Crescent Moon Picnic Area: Even if you're not swimming or photographing, it's a beautiful spot to relax by the creek. $10 day-use fee.
Slide Rock State Park: Natural water slides in Oak Creek. Packed in summer, beautiful in fall. The swimming holes are worth it despite the crowds. $30 per vehicle.
Chapel of the Holy Cross: Built into the red rocks in 1956. Interesting architecture and free to visit. Skip if you're not into that sort of thing, but the views from the parking lot alone are worth the drive.
📍 204 N State Route 89A, Sedona
If you want to explore the backcountry without the driving stress, these folks know every trail and viewpoint. Not cheap, but professional and safe.
📍 6020 AZ-179, Village of Oak Creek
Bike rentals and excellent coffee. The combo you didn't know you needed. They can recommend bike routes that give you different perspectives on Cathedral Rock.
📍 275 N State Route 89A, Sedona
Guided hiking, rock climbing, and canyoneering. If you want to scramble more technical terrain than Cathedral Rock offers, book with them.
📍 160 Coffee Pot Dr, Sedona
Stock up on water, snacks, and supplies here. Way better prices than the tourist shops on 89A. They also have a decent deli and hot food section.
• Merrell Moab Hiking Boots - Great grip for scrambling
• CamelBak Hydration Pack - Stay hydrated on the trail
• Coolibar Sun Hat - Essential sun protection
• Sedona Shirt - Perfect Souvenir
Cathedral Rock Trailhead is located at the end of Back O' Beyond Road in West Sedona. From Uptown Sedona, take 89A west, turn left on Upper Red Rock Loop Road, then left on Back O' Beyond. Total drive is about 10 minutes. GPS coordinates: 34.8261° N, 111.7888° W
From Phoenix, it's a 2-hour drive straight up I-17 to the 179 exit. From Flagstaff, it's about 45 minutes south on 89A. Both drives are scenic.
You need a Red Rock Pass to park at the trailhead. Buy them at any local store, visitor centers, or vending machines at popular trailheads. $5 daily, $15 weekly, $20 annual. Your annual national parks pass doesn't work here—this is Forest Service land, not NPS.
There's a vault toilet at the trailhead. No water, no other facilities. The closest gas station, real bathrooms, and cell service are back in the Village of Oak Creek or West Sedona.
Summer (June-August): 95-105°F, afternoon thunderstorms possible. Spring (March-May): 65-80°F, ideal conditions. Fall (September-November): 70-85°F, perfect weather. Winter (December-February): 40-60°F, occasional snow/ice on rocks.
Cathedral Rock isn't just a hike—it's one of those experiences that stays with you. Sure, it's challenging, and yes, it gets crowded, but there's a reason people keep coming back. Maybe it's the vortex energy, maybe it's just the raw beauty of red rock against blue sky, or maybe it's the satisfaction of pulling yourself up to that saddle and seeing the whole valley spread out below you.
Take your time up there. Don't rush. Sit on the rocks, feel the sun, listen to the wind in the juniper. That's what this place is for.
If you have questions or want to share your Cathedral Rock experience, there's no comment section here, but you can find the Sedona hiking community pretty active on social media and trail forums. People are generally happy to help.
Hike safe, leave no trace, and enjoy one of Arizona's most beautiful spots.