Cathedral Rock is located in Sedona, Arizona, USA.It lies between Oak Creek Canyon and Red Rock State Park, situated in the Coconino National Forest area, and is famous for its red sandstone formations, scenic views, and hiking trails.
Cathedral Rock Location Map, Sedona, Arizona
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Top Attractions Inside Cathedral Rock
- Cathedral Rock Formation – Iconic red sandstone spires offering stunning desert and sunset views.
- Cathedral Rock Trail – Short but steep trail leading to breathtaking viewpoints.
- Hiking and Climbing Routes – Trails and climbing paths suitable for different skill levels.
- Red Rock Scenic Overlooks – Panoramic spots perfect for photography and nature observation.
- Bell Rock Vistas – Nearby formations providing complementary views of the Sedona red rock landscape.
- Picnic Areas – Designated scenic areas for rest and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Cathedral Rock Facts
| Official Name | Cathedral Rock |
| Location | Coconino National Forest, Yavapai County, near Sedona, Arizona, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 34.8200° N, 111.7932° W |
| Elevation | ≈ 4,967 ft (1,514 m) |
| Rock / Formation Type | Sandstone butte (Permian redbed sandstone — Schnebly Hill Formation) |
| Geologic Age / Formation | Permian — formed from ancient coastal sand dunes (red sandstone) |
| Managed By / Protected As | U.S. Forest Service / Coconino National Forest |
| Region | Red Rock District / Sedona – Oak Creek Canyon region, Northern Arizona |
| Nearest Town / Base Access | Sedona, Arizona (with access via Back O’ Beyond Road from State Route 179) |
| Main Trail / Path | Cathedral Rock Trail #170 — steep short ascent to saddle / “gaps” in butte |
| Trail Length & Difficulty | 0.7 miles one‑way; steep slickrock climb; short but moderately strenuous |
| Main Attractions / Highlights | Iconic red‑rock butte — dramatic sandstone spires, panoramic red‑rock scenery, sunset & sunrise views, Oak Creek & surrounding red‑rock landscape |
| Activities / What to Do | Hiking/climbing via trail, Photography / landscape viewing, Sunsets & sunrises, Scenic walks, Spiritual / “vortex”‑site visits (some visitors consider it energy site), Nearby Oak Creek canyon & Red Rock area exploration |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring–Fall (for comfortable weather and clear views); early morning or late afternoon for best lighting & milder temperature; avoid midday summer heat due to exposed slickrock |
| Parking / Access Info | Trailhead parking along Back O’ Beyond Road (off AZ‑179); “Red Rock Pass” usually required for parking — valid America the Beautiful or Red Rock Pass accepted |
| Notes / Cautions | Steep and exposed slickrock — can be very hot in summer, surfaces can be slippery when wet; sandstone is fragile — avoid off‑trail scrambling; limited shade, bring water and sun protection |
| Time Zone | Mountain Standard Time (MST) / Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) — Arizona generally does not observe daylight savings (UTC−7) |
| Currency (for services/fees) | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
Distances from Cathedral Rock to Nearby Landmarks
- Bell Rock – 5 km (3 mi)
- Airport Mesa – 4 km (2.5 mi)
- Red Rock Crossing – 3 km (1.8 mi)
- Chapel of the Holy Cross – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Slide Rock State Park – 14 km (8.5 mi)
- Oak Creek Canyon – 10 km (6 mi)
- Broken Arrow Trailhead – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- West Fork Trail – 20 km (12.5 mi)
- Sedona Downtown – 8 km (5 mi)
- Red Rock State Park – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Courthouse Butte – 5 km (3 mi)
- Soldier Pass Trailhead – 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Boynton Canyon – 13 km (8 mi)
- Cathedral Rock Trailhead – 0 km (0 mi)
- Little Horse Trail – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Thunder Mountain Trail – 10 km (6 mi)
- Airport Scenic Overlook – 4 km (2.5 mi)
- Schnebly Hill Road – 15 km (9 mi)
- Red Rock Crossing Bridge – 3 km (1.8 mi)
- Fay Canyon Trailhead – 9 km (5.5 mi)
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