Cathedral Rock – Trails to See This Gorgeous Formation
I know I’m not alone when I say Cathedral Rock is my favorite red rock formation in Sedona, Arizona. I love everything about its form. The first time I visited Crescent Moon Ranch I knew this place was special and it keeps me coming back year after year.
Fortunately you have so many options to view this gorgeous rock formation and your dog is welcome to come along on all of these trails as well.
Cathedral Rock reflecting in the water is my favorite view. I love how there are so many different places you can hike and still have great views of Cathedral Rock. I’ve listed a few of my favorites below.
Cathedral Rock Trailhead
If you want to hike up Cathedral Rock you’ll want to visit the Cathedral Rock Trailhead. This is such a popular hike that depending on the time of year and day of the week you’ll need to take a shuttle to get here.
Crescent Moon Ranch
One of the most picturesque views of Cathedral Rock can be found at Crescent Moon Ranch. It’s a short hike from the parking lot to these amazing views. On a hot day you can take a dip in the water. Your favorite dog(s) can hike these trails as well (on a leash).
Park in the parking area and walk towards the historical Water Wheel. Continue walking along Oak Creek to a wide flat rock area. Here you can get an amazing view of Cathedral Rock
Historical Red Rock Crossing
The internet has so much information, sometimes it is a little confusing. The historic Red Rock Crossing is just south of Crescent Moon Ranch entrance.
Many years ago this area was where a vehicle could ford the creek and connected to Verde Valley School Road. However, now if you park at Crescent Moon Ranch you would need to wade through the water to stand on Red Rock Crossing because it is on the south side of Oak Creek.
Alternatively you can park at Baldwin Trail and a short hike will bring you to the historical Red Rock Crossing.
Red Rock Crossing Vortex Site
The Red Rock Crossing Vortex site is further up the creek than the historical Red Rock Crossing. You can access this site from Crescent Moon Ranch or from the Baldwin Trail. Some believe there is a vortex is where Cathedral Rock and Oak Creeks meets, or at the base of Cathedral Rock.
Buddah Beach
A popular area for views of Cathedral Rock where rocks are stacked on top of each other. If you’re walking along Oak Creek from the Crescent Moon Ranch you’ll come to a large flat rock surface with a gorgeous view of Cathedral Rock.
To reach Buddah Beach cross this rock and continue walking along the side of Oak Creek for another 1/2 mile.
Baldwin & Templeton Trail
The Trailhead parking area is a little more than 5 miles from Oak Creek Village off of Verde Valley School Road. There is a small dirt parking lot for about two dozen cars not too long after the Turkey Creek Trailhead. Baldwin Trail is just across the street from the parking area.
Hike Baldwin to Templeton Trail. Follow Baldwin trail for about a half of a mile to Templeton (straight) Nice wide paths, you have an amazing view of Cathedral Rock and it’s famous spires.
You can cool off in Oak Creek and dogs on leashes are .
Templeton Trail
Secret Slick Slide Rock Trail
Go after a rainfall to see the reflecting pools where rainwater gathers.
Off of Chavez Ranch Road. Take Red Rock Loop to Chavez Ranch Road for about 3.5 miles to find a small dirt parking lot next to a locked gate. The trail starts across the road.
