Cathedral Rock 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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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 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.

Sedona Guides

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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