Cathedral Rock Trail, Hiking Sedona AZ

This is a short 0.7 mile but strenuous trail which quickly rises 608 feet in elevation. The midsection of the trail has a near vertical segment which requires climbing. The trail is well marked and many hikers can be found using the trail. The trail traverses the east side of the mountain and thus the hike is better taken in the afternoon so one is hiking in the shade. On the top, there is a narrow plateau with steep slopes on each side. The width is about that of a wide sidewalk and several stones are perfect for sitting. One can enjoy the view if not afraid of the heights.

The hike ends at the northern saddle (to the left), between the middle and northern spire.

Cathedral Rock Topographic Map

For more information go to the U.S. Forest Service Website.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/
red_rock/cathedral-rock-tr.shtml

This trail can be divided into four sections.
Click on the picture to the right to enlarge sections

An easy trail to the base of Cathedral Rock.

A moderate hike up the base. The trail is well marked by cairns.

A strenuous hike up the midportion of the rock. This section can be divided into four parts

An initial five foot rock climb to the top of a ledge.

An easy walk and short climb to a ledge with a cairn.

A strenuous navigation up a crevice to a small ledge

Then a strenuous climb up to a large plateau.

From the plateau, a moderate hike up to the outlook between two major towers of rock.

Cathedral Rock Trail - Sections

Cathedral Rock seen from the distance.

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 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.

Cathedral Rock Trail forks to the left off of Templeton Trail and heads up the rock.

View to the east of the Twin Buttes.

View to the northwest.

View to the southeast.

SECOND SECTION:

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 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 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

Go to fourth and final section of the hike to the overlook.