Sedona’s Cathedral Rock Trail: What to Expect
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. To get to the saddleback summit you’ll need both your hands and feet to make it to the top. At the summit you’ll reach an elevation of 4,967 feet are are rewarded with fantastic red rock views.
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If you want to hike to reach the summit of 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.
Cathedral Rock Summit Trailhead
Originally published June 14, 2025 — Last updated September 4, 2026
- Distance: 1.4 miles round-trip
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Elevation gain: 669 ft
- Fee: Yes, this is a fee site. Use a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
- Parking: From Thursday through Sunday Cathedral Rock trailhead requires you to use the free Sedona shuttle.
One of the most popular hikes in Sedona is Cathedral Rock. This red rock formation is one of the most widely recognized and getting to the summit is fun. It is not an easy breezy trail though. It is a bit of a challenging hike due to the elevation change and the scrambling you’ll need to do in order to reach the top.
Ready? Let’s hike.
The majority of the hike is climbing.
There are some flat areas where you can rest, catch your breath and take in the views.
What to Expect on Cathedral Rock Trail
And then you’ll have to continue to climb and scramble up the side of the rock. To get to the saddleback summit you’ll need to climb up a narrow steep 60 -foot crevice. For this part you’ll need both your hands and feet to grab and grip onto indents on the slick rock. On your way down I found it easier to scoot on your back side. reach an elevation of 4,967 feet.
At the end of the trail you will see a sign to let you know you made it to the summit. The summit part is the width of a sidewalk. You can end your hike here and take in the views. In addition if you’re not afraid of heights you can take a short detour to your right and walk along the edge for a different perspective.
If you’re ok scrambling up some more slick rock and you want to make it to the vortex, continue hiking to your left. Follow the rocks around until you come to a steep flat rock wall. Climb this to reach the vortex and for another equally stunning view.
Once you get to the top you’ll find a rock ledge on either side that you can rest and take in the views. While we were visiting a volunteer was removing graffiti in this area. It should go without saying, but don’t write your name or otherwise damage the red rocks. Not only is it disrespectful, it is illegal. Just don’t be that person, there is no reason to deface nature.
See my guide to the best Sedona vortex hikes if you want to compare the area’s four main vortex trails.
How Far is Cathedral Rock Trailhead from Sedona
The Cathedral Rock Trailhead parking lot is 4.4 miles from uptown Sedona. The shuttle parking lot is 1.8 miles from uptown.
How to Get to Cathedral Rock Trail
The trailhead to Cathedral Rock is within a neighborhood and parking is limited. Depending on when you are planning to hike this trail you may have to take a shuttle.
The parking lot to the trailhead is on Back-O-Beyond Road off of State Route 179A. This road will be closed to non-residents on busy days. This means you will need to take the shuttle and you cannot park at the trailhead. The shuttle starts at 7 am. If you want to find a spot at the trailhead before the shuttle runs plan on arriving before 6 am during the busy season.
Cathedral Rock Sedona Shuttle
The shuttle pick up for Cathedral Rock trailhead is about 3 miles up the road off N SR-179. You will make a left on Bowstring Drive.
- If you’re visiting during a holiday, during Spring Break or Thursday – Sunday, you can only take a shuttle to the Cathedral Rock trailhead.
- The shuttle runs 7 am to 5:30 pm, every 15 minutes.
- Bring plenty of water for your hike. There is no water or facilities at Cathedral Rock trailhead.
- In order to ride the shuttle, dogs need to be leashed and muzzled or in an approved carrier. I wouldn’t bring my dog on this hike.
If you would prefer you can also take a guided Cathedral Rock Summit Hike.
Cathedral Rock Trail FAQs
Cathedral Rock trailhead is 4.4 miles from uptown Sedona off of Back-O-Beyond Road.
1.4 miles round trip
Yes, you will gain 669 feet in elevation.
Yes, you need a Red Rock Parking Pass or America the Beautiful Pass to park at the trailhead. Visit my page on Sedona Travel Tips for more information on passes.
No, if you’re parking at the shuttle parking lot and taking the shuttle to the trailhead you don’t need a Red Rock Pass.
The hike takes 1.5 – 2 hours round trip.
The red rock spires resemble a cathedral, hence the name.
It is a strenuous hike that requires hiking boots with good tread so you can grip the slippery rock.
Cathedral Rock is a shorter hike, but it is a harder hike.
How to See Cathedral Rock – Other Hikes
You can see Cathedral Rock from several different trails and scenic overlooks.
Choose Cathedral Rock Trail if you want:
A challenging hike and the experience of climbing Cathedral Rock rather than simply viewing it.
Choose Crescent Moon Ranch if you want:
A flat easy hike to view Cathedral rock, more developed access and parking, shade, swimming, a view of the creek with Cathedral Rock in the background.Choose Baldwin Trail if you want:
A flat easy hike to view Cathedral rock, views of Cathedral Rock, & easy detour to Oak Creek.Choose Secret SlickRock if you want:
A short hike, broad Cathedral Rock views, fewer people, and the possibility of reflecting pools after rain.Can You See Cathedral Rock without hiking?
Yes. The easiest hike to see the iconic face view of Cathedral Rock is from Crescent Moon Ranch. You can also view Cathedral Rock from the Red Rock Loop.
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 can hike these trails as well (on a leash).
Read the complete guide → Crescent Moon Ranch
Baldwin & Templeton Trail
Most people head straight for the steep Cathedral Rock Trail, but if you just want incredible views without the climb, Baldwin Trail is a much more relaxing 3.2 mile RT hike.
Read the complete guide → Baldwin Trail in Sedona
Secret SlickRock Trail
Another beautiful spot to view Cathedral Rock is at the Secret Slick Rock Trail. Is it worth visiting? Yes, you have amazing panoramic views from a large red rock ledge above the park.
It is a short hike, just .8 mile out and back. The best time to visit Secret Slick Rock Trail is to go after a rainfall to see the reflecting pools where rainwater gathers.
Read the complete guide → Secret SlickRock in Sedona
Sedona Guides
Sedona Tours
- Book a Flight to Sedona: To Sedona the closest airport is Flagstaff Pulliam and Sky Harbor in Phoenix.
- Rent a Car to Sedona: You can rent a car in Flagstaff or Phoenix and drive to Sedona. Alternatively, you can leave the driving to someone else and take a bus tour from Phoenix to Sedona.
- Where to Stay in Sedona: Choose from hotels, motels, resorts, airbnb, vrbo, cabins, and camp sites in Sedona.
- Tours to Take in Sedona
Adventurer At Heart
Amber is the writer behind Adventurer At Heart, sharing practical travel advice based on more than 25 years of exploring Arizona and traveling beyond it. She looks for places with a story, from desert trails and historic sites to scenic drives and towns worth your limited vacation time. When she’s not traveling, she’s gardening.
