Cathedral Rock
Sedona's most recognizable formation, with a short, steep scramble to the saddle
- Admission
- Red Rock Pass or federal interagency pass required at the Cathedral Rock and Baldwin day-use sites. Visit Sedona lists $5 a day, $15 a week or $20 a year.
- Hours
- Check current access with the Red Rock Ranger District or the City of Sedona before you go...
- Where
- Sedona, Sedona & Verde Valley
- Directions
- Directions
Cathedral Rock is a group of red sandstone buttes and spires on the south side of Sedona, among the most photographed sights in the area. You don't have to climb it to enjoy it. The classic view is from below, across Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing, with the spires reflected in the water. Sunset is the favorite hour, and the Baldwin Trail has good views of the rock with far less effort.
The direct route goes to a saddle between the spires. The climb is short, 1.1 miles round trip with 669 feet of gain according to the Forest Service, which rates it strenuous, and much of it is steep slickrock where you'll need your hands. Hikers uncomfortable with exposure often stop partway, and that's fine; the views open up quickly. Wear shoes with grip, carry water, and avoid the climb when the rock is wet.
Access is the complicated part. The Cathedral Rock trailhead lot is small and fills early, and the free Sedona Shuttle serves it on its operating days, when private vehicles may not be able to use the lot at all. Check the current arrangements with the City of Sedona. The Red Rock Pass rule applies at both the Cathedral Rock and Baldwin sites; you can buy a pass from a kiosk there or on Recreation.gov.
Cathedral Rock is also one of the places New Age visitors describe as a "vortex". Whether or not that interests you, expect company on the trail, and stay on the marked route to limit erosion on the fragile desert soil.
Categories
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Hours & Fees
- Open
- Check current access with the Red Rock Ranger District or the City of Sedona before you go. Shuttle operation may limit trailhead parking, and after the November 2026 Oak Creek flood access at Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon) was restricted.
- Admission
- Red Rock Pass or federal interagency pass required at the Cathedral Rock and Baldwin day-use sites. Visit Sedona lists $5 a day, $15 a week or $20 a year.
Hours and prices change, especially out of season. Check with the venue before you go.
Nearby Attractions
Other places to visit in Sedona
Chapel of the Holy Cross
A 1956 Catholic chapel built around a giant cross, rising from a red rock outcrop
Architectural Landmarks · Religious Sites
Palatki Heritage Site
Reservation-only guided tours of a red rock cliff dwelling and rock art northwest of Sedona
Historic Sites · Native American Heritage
Slide Rock State Park
An 80-foot natural water chute below a historic apple orchard in Oak Creek Canyon
From $5 Historic Sites · State Parks
Questions people ask
Quick Facts
Red Rock Pass or federal interagency pass required at the Cathedral Rock and Baldwin day-use sites. Visit Sedona lists $5 a day, $15 a week or $20 a year.
Best Time to Visit
March to May and September to November for hiking, when the monuments and trails are also busiest. Oak Creek draws swimmers in summer, when some heritage sites close on days above 100°F.