Cathedral Rock seen from the distance.   The picture below contains an enlarged section of the picture showing the mid-portion of Cathedral Rock Trail.

Click on the Pictures on the Right and the Pictures Below to Enlarge.  

This is a picture of the strenuous mid-portion (C) viewed from the distance.  In the last part of the steep section, one traverses up the crevice in the middle of the picture.  An outline of a trail appears every 5 seconds.

Trailhead sign and Topographic Map

FIRST SECTION: 

Approaching Cathedral Rock.  Hikers can be seen on Templeton Trail.

Lower Cathedral Rock Trail

Lower Cathedral Rock Trail

Lower Cathedral Rock Trail approaches Templeton Trail.  Note the cairns which can be seen at the end of the trail. 

As one approaches the base of Cathedral Rock, cairns can be seen marking the trail. 

For a short distance Templeton Trail and Cathedral Rock Trail merge.

Cathedral Rock and Templeton Trail leading to the base of Cathedral Rock.

SECOND SECTION:

To the right is an aerial map of the beginning of the ascent up Cathedral Rock.  The trail path will be displayed every 5 seconds. 

A short climb leads to the base.  Note the stepping stones and step carved into the rock.

Looking up at the trail which traverses the base of Cathedral Rock.  Multiple cairns mark the trail.

Hiking up the base section of Cathedral Rock.

Approaching the top of the Second Section (Base of Cathedral Rock.)

THIRD SECTION:

This is a picture of the steep portion viewed from the distance.  In the last part of the steep section, one traverses up the crevice in the middle of the picture.

 
 
The picture below and to the right is taken at the base of the steep section of the trail. 
 

• The initial ledge is above the the five foot climb on a rock with poor footing. 

• From this ledge there is a relatively easy walk and short climb to the first cairn.  There is a small ledge which allows one to rest before heading up the groove.

•  The groove is best traversed using footing and hands for stabilization.  This leads to another small ledge and cairn (shown in picture on right) were the trail divides in two. 

• In the upper and final section of the steep part, I elected to climb up the lefthand (or east) fork and down the west fork.  It appeared easier.

The initial ledge is above the five foot climb on a rock with poor footing.   Shown here is a hiker sliding down the five foot climb area.   

From this ledge there is a relatively easy walk and short climb to the first cairn.  There is a small ledge which allows one to rest before heading up the groove.

The groove is best traversed using footing and hands for stabilization.  This leads to another small ledge and cairn were the trail divides in two. 

At the upper part of the grove, a few rock steps lead to the second cairn and a small plateau. 

In the upper and final section of the steep part, I elected to climb up the east fork - on the left.  It appeared easier.  Note the cairn on the west fork.  Click on pictures to enlarge

  
East Fork                      West Fork

Continue Hiking the Cathedral Rock Trail: 

• Go To Fourth and Final Section of Cathedral Rock Trail.

Use the Links Below to Go to Home Page of Additional Hiking Trails:

• Go to Sedona Hiking Trails Home Page

• Go to Cathedral Rock Trail Video Page - Flash

  Go to Cathedral Rock Trail Video Page - MP4 - IPAD