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Rock formation · Sedona, Arizona
Cathedral Rock
Red sandstone formation with towers that evoke a cathedral, south of Sedona by Oak Creek, featuring a short steep trail to a saddle between the towers.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is a sandstone formation with multiple towers and spires that from a distance resemble cathedral towers. It is southwest of Sedona’s center and one of the town’s most photographed images, especially reflected in Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing across the water.
The trail to Cathedral Rock is short, about 1.9 km round trip, but very steep: it climbs the smooth rock with sections that require using your hands, up to a saddle between the towers roughly 230 meters above the parking area. From the top you get sweeping views of the Sedona valley and other formations. The end of the trail is marked; continuing beyond it is technical scrambling.
The trailhead parking on Back O’ Beyond Road is small and fills very early. Part of the year the city shuttle serves the trail from larger parking lots.
On the creek side, Crescent Moon Park at Red Rock Crossing has lawns, shade and the classic view of the rock reflected on the water.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Trail: about 1.5 to 2 hours; Red Rock Crossing: about one hour.
Best time
Late afternoon for the view from the top or from Red Rock Crossing. Avoid the trail in rain: the rock becomes slippery.
How to get there
The trail starts on Back O’ Beyond Road, which branches from State Route 179, about 6 km from town. Red Rock Crossing is on Verde Valley School Road across the creek.
Tip
Wear shoes with good traction and keep your hands free for the climb. In high season prefer the city shuttle to the small trailhead parking.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cathedral Rock
Is the Cathedral Rock trail difficult?
It is short, about 1.9 km round trip, but steep, with sections of smooth rock where you use your hands. It is not recommended for those afraid of heights or in rainy conditions.
Where can you photograph Cathedral Rock reflected in the river?
From Red Rock Crossing in Crescent Moon Park, on the banks of Oak Creek. Access is via a different road on the other side of the creek, and there is an entrance fee.
Is there a bus to the Cathedral Rock trail?
Part of the year, Sedona’s city bus takes visitors to the trail from larger parking areas, since the trail’s parking lot is small. Check the operating days.