Cathedral Rock Trail, Sedona: Length, Parking, Tips

The hike

•Distance: about 1.1 miles round trip.
•Climb: 669 feet of elevation gain, most of it steep.
•Time: about 1.5 hours round trip.
•Difficulty: a hands-on scramble near the top. Not for anyone uneasy with heights.

Parking and timing

•Arrive early: the trailhead lot is small and fills fast.
•Shuttle: Sedona runs a free trailhead shuttle on set days. Check the current schedule before you go.
•Passes: many Coconino National Forest trailheads require a Red Rock Pass to park.
•Season: spring and fall are best; summer middays are hot.

Plan the rest of the day with a Sedona day trip and Devil’s Bridge.

Where to stay

Paradise Reserve has six bedrooms for up to 16 guests, five of them king suites with their own bathroom, plus a pool and spa, a golf simulator, a putting green and a pickleball court. Events and parties are not permitted at the house, and quiet hours apply.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Cathedral Rock hike?

About 1.1 miles round trip with 669 feet of elevation gain, according to the Forest Service. Allow about 1.5 hours.

Is Cathedral Rock hard?

It is short but steep, with a scramble near the top where you use your hands.

Can you do Cathedral Rock as a day trip from Scottsdale?

Yes. Sedona is about two hours from Scottsdale by car (estimate), so start early.

Trail figures from the USDA Forest Service (Coconino National Forest), checked October 2026. Shuttle days change by season.

Cathedral Rock Trail, short, steep and worth it.