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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

Cathedral Rock is an outdoor activity in Sedona, AZ, part of the Northern Arizona guide. Cost: under $25.

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

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