Cathedral Rock in Sedona - 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 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.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy. If you purchase after clicking an affiliate link we may receive small commission at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

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.

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 1.4 miles round-trip
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.

Cathedral Rock Sedona Shuttle

If you’re visiting during a holiday or Thursday – Sunday, you can only take a shuttle to the Cathedral Rock trailhead.
If you’re taking your dog on the Sedona Shuttle he/she either needs to be leashed and muzzled or in an approved carrier.

How to Get to Cathedral Trail

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

crescent moon park sedona 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.

Baldwin & Templeton Trail

Cathedral Rock is the formation I find myself staring at the most whenever I’m in Sedona.

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 option.

The trail wanders through juniper trees before connecting with Templeton Trail, and Cathedral Rock seems to get bigger around every corner.

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.

Baldwin Trail to Cathedral Rock — Baldwin Trail in October

One of my favorite parts is taking the short detour down to Oak Creek. On a warm day, it’s hard to resist slipping off your shoes and cooling your feet in the water. If it’s really hot, plenty of people go for a swim.

Parking

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.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 hour
Distance: 3.2 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 150 ft
Fee: Yes, this is a fee site. Use a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash
Access: Oak Creek and swimming

Secret Slick Rock 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. There is no shade on this trail, so keep that in mind when choosing when to hike.

Secret Slick Rock Parking

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. There are about 10-12 parking spots.

Finding Secret Slick Rock Trail

Don’t walk down the gravel road, this is not the Secret Slick Rock Trail. To find the trail walk across the street from where you parked and look to the right of the gate.

Trail

Don’t expect to see a sign that says Secret Slide Rock. There are no helpful signs to speak of here, hence I guess why it’s a secret. You will see a sign and a path that veers to the right and one that veers to the left. Choose the left path closer to the road.

The trail is short and mostly level, but the surface is rocky and uneven. It’s an easy hike for most people, but don’t expect a smooth, maintained path. You’ll know you’re on the right path because of all of the prickly pear on either side of you. We saw a lot of lizards too. As you walk you can see the gravel road at first and then it will disappear. There are a few trees, but it is mostly desert scrub on the trail.

Right before you hit the wide red rock ledge you’ll walk down some rocky steps. Once you step off the steps on to the ledge you have panoramic views of Cathedral Rock and of the Crescent Moon Ranch Park.

My husband and I visited after some summer rain, so there was a couple pools of water when we visited. The reflecting pools are weather-dependent. Go shortly after a good rainfall if that’s what you’re hoping to see. By summer, they can disappear quickly in the Arizona heat.

If you look to your left there are two juniper trees that perfectly frame Cathedral Rock

Which Place To Choose

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 Secret Slick Rock if you want:

A short hike, broad Cathedral Rock views, fewer people, and the possibility of reflecting pools after rain.

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

Cathedral Rock in Sedona – Trails to See This Gorgeous Formation

Cathedral Rock Trailhead