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Cathedral Rock, Sedona, AZ

Photo: Terrydarc, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureIconic

Cathedral Rock

Back O' Beyond Rd trailhead, 0.6 mi off AZ-179 · Sedona, AZ

Why you should go…

Cathedral Rock is a red sandstone butte in Coconino National Forest, about a mile west of State Route 179 near Sedona. Cathedral Rock Trail No. 170 climbs 669 feet in a 1.1-mile round trip from the Back O' Beyond trailhead, and the Forest Service calls it more of a rock climb than a hike. The route follows cairns over steep, unshaded rock to the saddles between the spires. Parking at the trailhead requires a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass, and a free Sedona Shuttle also serves it.

  • #red rock hike
  • #sedona trail
  • #sandstone butte
  • #scenic views

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Cathedral Rock, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Chapel of the Holy Cross

    Free

    Step inside a small 1956 chapel built into the red rock buttes of Sedona, set around a 90-foot cross.

    1.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Guidance Air

    $50+

    Helicopter tour and charter operator based in Sedona offering scenic flights over red rock country and the Grand Canyon.

    1.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Apex Air Tours

    $50+

    Jet-powered helicopter tours over Sedona's red rock canyons, departing from Sedona Airport.

    1.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Bell Rock

    Under $25

    Hike or bike the pathway around a bell-shaped red rock butte south of Sedona, or climb partway up for wide views.

    2.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Devil's Bridge

    Under $25

    Hike through red rock country to a 50-foot natural sandstone arch you can walk across.

    5.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Family Favorite

    Out of Africa Wildlife Park

    $25–$50

    A drive-through and walkabout wildlife park in the Verde Valley with big cat shows and safari tours.

    17 mi awayMore like this