CATHEDRAL ROCK a short hike

Cathedral Rock

Location: Sedona, Coconino Forest, Northern Arizona
Driving Distance: about 115 miles (185 km) from Phoenix to Sedona (100 miles on I-17 north, then exit 298, 15 miles on AZ-179 to Sedona); 4.1 miles (6.6 km) from the main intersection in Sedona (AZ-179 / AZ-89A).
Hiking Distance: 0.7 miles one way to the saddle
Hike Time: about 45 minutes one way
Elevation Change: 608 feet
Direction:
From the center of Sedona: from the intersection AZ-179 / AZ-89A drive south on AZ-179 (towards I-17) for 3.4 miles (5.5 km), turn right (west) onto Back O' Beyond road, after 0.7 miles (1.1 km) you will see the parking area and trailhead on your left.

Cathedral Rock.

VORTEXES IN SEDONA These are places where some people claim that they feel energy (magnetic, electric,...) and different experiences (positive, negative, cosmic,...). Some of the vortexes in Sedona: Bell Rock, Boynton Vista, Mitten Ridge, Cathedral Rock.

It is one of the most prominent and most photographed redrock formations in Sedona and also regarded as one of the major Sedona vortex sides.
Even if you might not feel the vortex power you will enjoy the hike to the saddle for its beautiful views over Sedona.

The hike. Here you will find a description of the hike to the saddle between the two clusters of spires of the Cathedral Rock (trail #170).

From the parking area follow the trail, go a few steps down and cross a little creekbed (usually dry). From there the hike makes a 150 feet climb to The Vista, a bare redrock shelf, a good place for a short stop and to enjoy wonderful views.
About a 1/3 mile up the trail from The Vista you will intersect the 'Cathedral to Oak Creek Trail'. There make a right and follow the cairns (trail markers) you will see.
After a short distance the cairns will take you uphill, away from the 'Cathedral to Oak Creek Trail'. From here on the climb is much steeper and there are spots where you have to scramble up a little bit. At one point the trail 'squeezes' through two bolders - a narrow spot. And there are toeholds cut into steep key places.
Some hikers might find the steeper part of this hike thrilling (the sign at the trailhead warns that the hike is for experienced hikers only).
Note: Do not hike this trail (or any other trail) if the stone is wet. Then the red rock becomes very slippery and dangerous!

Intersection with the Templeton Trail

View from the trail, east

Once the saddle is in sight, you will be determined to finish the climb so you can see what is on the other side. The route makes a sharp climb to the saddle between two major clusters of spires on top of the Cathedral Rock. The saddle provides room to move around. Some stones are perfectly shaped to sit down and to enjoy the wonderful views to the east and west within mighty cliffs, framing the north and south side (photo below, left).
The saddle is actually split in two parts by a dominant needle formation. As you come up the trail you will reach the northern part of the saddle first. Then there is a small trail along the steep rock wall (be careful!) on the west side which leads to the southern part of the saddle (photo below, right).

View to the west from the saddle

At the highest point of the southern saddle

The following photo was not taken from the trail of this hike but it shows the Cathedral Rock from its best and most famous side.


Cathedral Rock, view from the Oak Creek (enlargeable)
There are more hikes around the Cathedral Rock:
F.e. the 'Templeton Trail' and the 'Cathedral to Oak Creek Trail'. I did not have the opportunity to enjoy either one. Ask at one of the Tourist Info Centers for information.

Note: You will need the Red Rock State Pass to park your car at the trailhead - available at the Tourist Information Centers in Sedona.
You hike at your own risk. Information found on this site is not guaranteed to be correct. Please be aware of your own ability and your own responsibility while hiking. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes and bring plenty of water.

Book info: To get a more detailed trail description and great infos for another 134 hikes in the Sedona area read the book "Sedona Hikes" by Richard & Sherry Mangum, ISBN 1-891517-03-1.

All info: as of 2003


LINKS to more infos about Sedona, Robbers Roost and hiking:
Sedona - website of the chamber of commerce E
Sedona - official website of the city E
Sedona Webcam - website with interactive live-webcams E
HikeArizona.com click on 'C' of the trailDEX, then go to Cathedral Rock E

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