The lot at the base of Cathedral Rock is dark when the first shuttle pulls in. By the time the sun clears the Mogollon Rim, the sandstone spires above you have turned from gray to orange to a red that looks lit from inside. It's a short climb, and one of the best hours you can spend in Sedona.
A short trail that asks a lot
On paper, Cathedral Rock looks easy: the Forest Service lists 1.1 miles round trip. But it gains 669 feet in that distance, and the upper half is slickrock you climb with your hands as much as your feet. The Forest Service rates it strenuous. Wear shoes with real grip, keep both hands free, and turn around at any point that feels beyond you. The view from the saddle is worth it, and so is the view from halfway.
The view from the saddle is worth it, and so is the view from halfway.
Why go early
Morning is cooler, the light is softer, and the trail is quieter. Parking is the other reason. From Thursday to Sunday, when the free Sedona Shuttle runs, the Cathedral Rock trailhead lot is closed to private cars. Park free at the North SR 179 Park & Ride and ride Route 15. On other days, the small lot needs a Red Rock Pass and fills early.
What to bring
- More water than you think you need, even for a short hike
- A headlamp if you start before sunrise
- A warm layer: desert mornings are cold for much of the year
Before you go, check the Coconino National Forest alerts page for closures. Conditions change after storms.
Plan it
- Cathedral Rock trail card: distance, elevation gain, trailhead and the route on our map
- Sedona Shuttle and parking passes
- Active weekend itinerary, which starts with this hike
- See the best Sedona tours: guided hikes, scenic drives and Grand Canyon day trips
Trail facts from the USFS Cathedral Rock Trail No. 170 page and Sedona Shuttle route information, checked Oct 20, 2026. Photo: Tomas Castelazo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
