Cathedral Rock
Iconic Sedona red rock formation offering a challenging hike and profound spiritual energy, famous for its breathtaking sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Cathedral Rock
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Sedona red rock formation offering a challenging hike and profound spiritual energy, famous for its breathtaking sunset views.
"The climb was difficult but well worth the entire experience. I truly felt the energy."
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
Crucial for the steep scramble! Good traction prevents slips, especially on the descent.
🚗 Shuttle is Key
Trailhead parking is tiny. Expect waits for the shuttle from the main lot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Summit Scramble
Upper sections of the trail
A steep, exhilarating scramble that rewards brave hikers with unparalleled panoramic views.
Vortex Energy
Throughout the formation
Experience the renowned spiritual energy of Sedona's feminine vortex at this iconic red rock landmark.
Sunset Spectacle
Summit
Witness the desert sky ignite in fiery hues as the sun dips below the horizon, painting Cathedral Rock in golden light.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Shuttle Hassles
Hike Difficulty & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
Crucial for the steep scramble! Good traction prevents slips, especially on the descent.
🚗 Shuttle is Key
Trailhead parking is tiny. Expect waits for the shuttle from the main lot.
💧 Bring Water
No water available at the trailhead. Stay hydrated on this challenging climb.
🌅 Sunset Descent
Sunset is stunning but means scrambling down in fading light. Start descent immediately after sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Grippy Shoes
Crucial for the steep scramble! Good traction prevents slips, especially on the descent.
🚗 Shuttle is Key
Trailhead parking is tiny. Expect waits for the shuttle from the main lot.
💧 Bring Water
No water available at the trailhead. Stay hydrated on this challenging climb.
🌅 Sunset Descent
Sunset is stunning but means scrambling down in fading light. Start descent immediately after sunset.
⬆️ Alternative Access
Hike via Baldwin Trail to avoid shuttle crowds, adding about a mile.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cathedral Rock for its breathtaking views and profound spiritual energy, calling the climb challenging but incredibly rewarding. However, many are frustrated by the extreme parking limitations and the lengthy wait times for the shuttle service, which can detract from the overall experience.
"There are no words. The emotions I felt getting to the top are indescribable. I truly felt the energy. The climb was difficult but well worth the entire experience. Don't forget to go to the left at the end of the trail for another part!"
Amelia
"Wow. What a beautiful experience at Cathedral Rick on our trip to Sedona, Arizona. The climb gets tougher as you go higher, and make sure you remember the trail going up. A bit slippery on the way down. Also, a beautiful stream if you hike to your right and flatland to the left."
Karl Driver
"Minus one star for the mess involved in getting to the trailhead. The parking lot for this place is on a residential street for some crazy reason and so they won't let you actually park there except for limited occasions. So instead you park at a lot two miles up towards Sedona which isn't big enough. So first you wait for a spot to open. Then you wait for a free shuttle (every 15 minutes when we visited but likely you won't get on the first shuttle.) Then you take the short ride to trailhead. We spent more time waiting for parking spaces and shuttles than we did on the hike.
Once there the hike is nice but not really very long. It starts gently and hits what I dubbed the "Hillary Step" which is a short and steep section which is more intimidating than difficult. Many people turned around there but those that didn't were rewarded with beautiful views at the top. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. There is a bathroom at the bottom which is good because you'll spend some time there waiting for another shuttle back to your car, where there will be another batch of people anxiously awaiting your departure."
Shane Kleinpeter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main Cathedral Rock trailhead parking is extremely limited. Most visitors park at a lot two miles north and take a shuttle, which can have long wait times. Alternatively, consider accessing via the Baldwin Trail for a longer but potentially less crowded approach.
Yes, a shuttle operates from a designated parking lot to the Cathedral Rock trailhead. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours.
Direct driving and parking at the Cathedral Rock trailhead is very restricted and often not possible due to its location on a residential street.
Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday can help reduce crowds. Hiking via the Baldwin Trail is another strategy to bypass the main trailhead congestion.
The shuttle parking lot is located about two miles from the Cathedral Rock trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is typically required for parking at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site, which is a common access point. Day use fees are $12 per vehicle.
Cathedral Rock is accessible during daylight hours. The Coconino National Forest generally has dawn-to-dusk access, but it's best to check for any specific seasonal or event-related closures.
There is a $12 day-use fee per vehicle if you park at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site. If you use the shuttle, factor in potential parking fees at the shuttle lot.
Tickets are not typically booked in advance for the hike itself. Parking and day-use fees are usually paid on-site.
No, Cathedral Rock is located within the Coconino National Forest, not a state park.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Cathedral Rock Trail is considered moderately difficult due to its steepness and the need for scrambling over rocks. It's a short hike but physically demanding. 
The hike to the top of Cathedral Rock is about 0.5 miles one-way and can take 30-60 minutes up, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop. The descent is quicker, around 20-30 minutes.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction. Layers are recommended as temperatures can change. Bring water and sun protection.
There are vault toilets available at the bottom of the trailhead.
Absolutely! Cathedral Rock is a prime spot for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset, offering stunning red rock landscapes.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, bathing the red rocks in warm, golden hues.
The summit provides breathtaking panoramic views. The trail itself offers numerous scenic overlooks and unique rock formations for photos.
Yes, Cathedral Rock is a very popular and stunning location for engagement and elopement photography due to its dramatic scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A tripod can be helpful for sunset shots, but be mindful of the crowds.
The summit offers the most iconic views. As you ascend, various ledges and rock formations provide excellent vantage points.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children have appropriate footwear with good grip and plenty of water. The views from the top are spectacular, offering a memorable experience. If the full hike seems too daunting, exploring the base area and the nearby Crescent Moon Picnic Site offers beautiful scenery and a less strenuous option.
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive landscapes and consider a tripod for low-light conditions. The trail itself offers numerous unique rock formations and perspectives. For engagement and elopement shoots, Cathedral Rock provides a dramatic and iconic backdrop.
🧘 Spiritual Seekers
Find a quiet spot on the trail or at the summit to connect with the energy. The natural beauty and serene atmosphere enhance the spiritual experience. Allow ample time to simply be present and absorb the surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Cathedral Rock Trail
+1It's crucial to be aware of the trail's conditions. Hiking in wet weather is strongly discouraged due to slippery surfaces. For those seeking to avoid the most challenging parts or the crowds, the Baldwin Trail offers an alternative route that connects to Cathedral Rock, adding about a mile to the hike but potentially providing a more gradual ascent and descent.
Many visitors report feeling a profound sense of energy and emotion upon reaching the summit, attributing it to the area's reputation as a powerful feminine vortex. The views from the top are consistently described as breathtaking, making the challenging climb well worth the effort.
Understanding Sedona's Vortex Energies
While Cathedral Rock is known for its feminine energy, other Sedona vortex sites, like Bell Rock, are associated with masculine energy, characterized by dynamism and empowerment. The combination of these energies is believed by many to create a unique spiritual and healing environment within Sedona.
Experiencing the vortex energy is a subjective and personal journey. Many visitors come to Cathedral Rock seeking spiritual connection, meditation, or simply a deeper sense of well-being. The natural beauty of the red rocks, combined with the area's reputation, creates an atmosphere conducive to introspection and personal growth.
The Logistics of Visiting Cathedral Rock
To mitigate parking and shuttle issues, consider arriving very early in the morning or exploring alternative access points. The Baldwin Trail provides a connection to Cathedral Rock, offering a longer hike that may bypass the most congested areas. This route adds mileage but can be a worthwhile trade-off for a more relaxed experience.
Day-use fees are applicable if you park at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site, which is a common starting point for accessing the area. These fees contribute to the maintenance of the natural resources. Planning your visit with these logistical factors in mind will greatly enhance your overall experience.
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