There is a private parking area for this hike. Perfect for sunrise and sunset, but its busy. 200 Cathedral Ranch Sedona, AZ 86351 Cathedral Rock Ranch Residential MLS# 531631 / Active 3 br, 4.00 total baths, 3258 sqft Big Park Cathedral Rock Ranch is one of the most beautiful locations amongst the red rocks. The week pass is $15 and the Annual pass is $20 (2016 prices). We didnt find the sun to be too much of an issue and the crowds were far less in the morning. Cheers, Its one of the few places Ive photographed in the Southwest where you have to add extra travel-time to your schedule because of traffic. thanks, Hi Krystal, Well, I dont know if I have ever had a fashion-related question before, but Ill try my best to answer! I highly recommend it, it was amazing. The resulting photo is jaw-dropping, making it appear like youre hanging off the side of the rock face (again, not something our mothers probably appreciate as much as we do!). Eventually, Red Rock Crossing will merge into the Templeton trail which heads to the north side of Cathedral Rocks. Practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Come join us for a Zip Line adventure that you'll never forget! Sedona is surrounded by lots of National Forest Service land, so if you want to hike, picnic or just get up close and personal with the red rocks, you will likely need to purchase a Red Rock Pass for parking and access. l Peak Design, Read the Full Guide: What You Should be Packing for a Hike: The Essentials + Extras. Here's North parking Google Maps location off of highway 179. I appreciate you putting this posting out there. We are all in our mid 60s, but plan to do a fair amount of day hiking. Thank you so much for sharing this great article on Cathedral Rock. A handicap license plate or placard does not exempt you from paying parking fees or allow you to park illegally. So I cant go on the extended hikes to get great views, It looks like your map info here on Sedona is something I could tackle. Lots of parking, good amount of shade down near the creek. This short, but heavily trafficked hike challenges your body, but provides ample rewards with some of the best views of the Sedona area, Red Rocks State Park, and the Coconino National Forest. Personal UFO Tour: With 3 or more in a party, the Sedona UFO Tour Guide comes to you with the gear and the information that has made Michael THE guide to hire for a UFO Tour. Very cozy room with nice view to the surrounding red rocks. SOLD JUN 15, 2022. Although the outside temperature may be mild the interior of a vehicle heats rapidly, even with the window left slightly open. That makes it a perfect place, Read More Explore Utahs National Parks: How to Visit the Mighty 5Continue, Your email address will not be published. Although Sedona is surrounded by towering red rock formations, many recent visitors recommend a trip to the official Red Rock State Park specifically to see Cathedral Rock - one of Arizona's . Print/PDF map. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset! There is a free shuttle that takes hikers to a handful of trailheads around Sedona, including Cathedral Rock Trail. Were heading to Sedona next week for a second time, and Im hoping to get some better pics of Cathedral Rock. (2,101 reviews) "Room was spacious and staff was kind." To get to the trail, park in the Cathedral Rock Trailhead parking lot on Back O Beyond Rd. Do your best to follow the trail and watch where other hikers go to keep yourself and your environment safe. For over 16 years, we've been working with small, locally owned businesses to international brand name hotels in effort to support tourism and local economic growth in the state of Arizona. will follow you. Your National Park Service annual pass also covers the parking fee. Thanks so much for this . Arizona's Verde River is a National Wild and Scenic River, which means it's recognized nationally for its extreme beauty. Take another gorgeous nearby hike, e.g. document.getElementById('copyright').appendChild(document.createTextNode(new Date().getFullYear())) Southwest Media Communications All Rights Reserved. In 2015 I walked right past that spot without realizing it. We are in need of a photographer to take pictures of our family of 5 on October 2. So, there are my thoughts, dont hesitate to let me know if you have more questions! I wasted my second trip to the site by rushing from one end of the park to the other trying to find the classic views I had seen in all those photographs. The standard route for hiking Cathedral Rock is from the trailhead on Back O' Beyond Road just off the 179 in between downtown Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. The monumental sandstone butte rises from the Red Rock district close to Sedona, and . Distance: 1.4 miles (out and back) Elevation Gain: 608 ft. The parking requires a $10 day pass. Elite 2022. As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. You will need a Red Rock Pass or an equivalent pass for this trail. I found it throughly confusing and expensive. Jeff. It sits on top of a butte and there is a large parking area just as you get to the airport on the right where you can see great sunsets. If there was one hike that is the epitome of Sedona, Cathedral Rock would be it. It is a steep, but very fun hike up close to one of the most popular landmarks in Sedona. Conversations with a Contactee: Michael will buy lunch and spend an hour sharing his ET contact story, and answering the attendees' questions. Hike Details: Distance: 1.5 Miles Roundtrip. This tour is a great way to experience several of the major scenic sights in this area including stops at Ca. Probably not for every hiking family. Then, take in the spectacular landscape of Oak Creek Canyon as it descends 2,000 feet (610 meters) to the valley floor. From the top of the towers, you can see majestic red rocks, the San Francisco peaks, and the whole breathtaking Verde Valley including Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Jerome. This post may contain affiliate links. Sedona Shuttle provides transportation from two Park and Ride lots to popular trailheads: Note: During days and hours when the shuttles are running, the parking lots at the Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass Trailheads will be closed. Jeff. Do you suggest Buddha Beach location for this? Cathedral Rock is a dramatic location, sounds like you enjoyed yourself! The saddle area is narrow, maybe the width of a sidewalk, and can be busy during peak hiking season. The first way is the quicker option. Many thanks Jeff, your guidance really the best one The clouds dissappeared as the time goes and we dont have anything greenish (basically most of the trees are bold now and just started to have few leaves here and there). Sometimes it is referred to as Red Rock Crossing Parkother times as the Crescent Moon Picnic Area Park, From the Y (intersection of US89A and 179) in downdown Sedona, drive weston US 89A. Cathedral Rock Sedona, AZ A hike up Cathedral Rock is unforgettable. Im an older guy 68 YO. Devils Bridge Sedona: Detailed Hiking Guide, How to Find the Secret Birthing Cave Sedona, Arizona, Soldiers Pass Trail: How to Find the Hidden Cave, 100+ Hiking Quotes to Inspire your Future Adventures, What You Should be Packing for a Hike: The Essentials + Extras, Kanarra Falls Trail Guide: The Slot Canyon You Don Want to Miss, First Hand Ranking of National Parks in the US from Best to Worst, 100+ NYC Bucket List Items: Best Things to Do, 46 Best National Park Gifts for All National Park Travelers. The Cathedral Rock Trailhead is located about 4.3 miles south of the town of Sedona, which is reached by traveling south on Highway 179. Hi Hope, It sits just less that 5000 feet in elevation and although the climb to the top is short, the red rocks will make you work for it. Learn more about our disclaimerhere. 2.8 mi from Cathedral Rock $293 per night Dec 15 - Dec 16 4.8/5 Exceptional! I found your blog post about Cathedral Rock and decided to try a sunset shoot myself. I recently traveled from Phoenix to Sedona to have a much needed break from the heat. Check out the website at http://www.sedonahikingtrails.com/ for more possibilities! I'd suggest driving south on 179 from downtown Sedona and scout out the overlook parking lots. Hiking the Cathedral Rock Trail: The Expert's Take. Your timing for fall color is perfect. There's much to see here. It's just under 1.5 miles round trip but the 740+ ft elevation gain make this a moderately difficult hike with portions where near vertical climbing is required. Apparently the 2nd most popular hike i. Thanks in advance! Youll need to arrive early in the day to grab a spot here as they fill very quickly. 2 Baths. Parking is often a challenge at Sedona trailheads if you are not an early riser. During certain seasons, unforgettable wildflowers bloom along the trail as well. This easily accessible trail is great for people wanting picnics, a quick photography spot (we saw a couple from their wedding doing a photo shoot here), and a cool spot to watch the sun rise or set with the grand view of Cathedral Rock! . There will be a small flat ledge that is perfect to take some creative shots. $810,000 Last Sold Price. First of all kudos for an informative article, which is short and concise but well articulated. This would be an amazing view for a reveal! The Cathedral Rock hike Sedona is considered a moderate hike. Then follow the creek towards Cathedral Rock. Jan 1 - Jan 2. l Hydro Flask, Durable Hiking Footwear: Hiking on different terrain requires sturdy hiking boots you can trust. Important: You need a separate pass called Big Three Pass to enter Crescent Moon Picnic Site. All lots are handicap accessible. We took advantage of being alone by snapping some pictures in all the great photo spots. Both of these lots are small and do not have tons of parking spots. Thanks soo much for these excellent directions. Required fields are marked *. This tour helps you maximize on time while up in Northern Arizona, with a duration of 5+ hours. I got a booklet from a fellow Photographer a few years back that covered most of the popular photo opps in the Tetons, but also covered some really nice Photo opps that were a little off the beaten path, I have some great shots of the Tetons in the fall. The best way to explore the gorgeous landscape with dramatic ledges, glistening, Read More 13 Most Scenic Minnewaska State Park TrailsContinue, Share via: More Utah is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S., having not just one or two, but 5 exceptional national parks in close proximity to each other. Amid stay-at-home and social distancing, thousands of national park fans from around the world are coming together this week to celebrate National Park Week 2020. Making my first trip to Sedona in Feb. will I see any green or color during that time of year? More. Good luck and let me know how it turns out! Thank you so much. This includes Excellent wine, Amazing food, Luxurious vehicles, Guides that want nothing more, than to make your heart Blissfully happy - Cheers! All of our Instructors are well-qualified American Mountain Guides Association certified in their specific terrain. Having a few spots/shots in the back pocket just facilitates those first couple days and puts my mind at ease. This home has a natural red. I think its probably the angle of the sunset at this time of year and suspect it will be the same this time around! All 12 photos. Lots of places to relax and have lunch, with picnic tables near the parking lot. Top Tip: The best photography times of Cathedral Rock Sedona are during the sunrise and sunset. We recommend stopping at the Red Rock Visitors Center or picking up a local trail guide for more options. Rising sharply above the desert floor, Cathedral is topped by twin spires, and a large saddle in between that offers spectacular views of both the east and western portions of Sedona. Due to the popularity of Cathedral Rock and the limited parking available, I highly recommend planning your elopement on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday, no matter what time of year you choose. The Cathedral Rock trail (USFS Trail #170) is a popular short, steep ascent from the Back O' Beyond trailhead to the saddle points or "gaps" in Cathedral Rock.Geologically, Cathedral Rock is carved from the Permian Schnebly Hill formation, a redbed sandstone . I so appreciate you taking the time to do this. Cathedral Rock Trail Fast Facts Length: ~1 mile Elevation gain: 775 ft. Our favorite spot is the Crescent Moon Day Use Area via Red Rock Crossing Road or the Baldwin Trailhead via Verde Valley School Road. You will want to start your hike on the Cathedral Rock trail 1-2 hours before the actual sunset to make sure you make it in time. Cathedral Rock The Baldwin Trail starts across the road from the Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon) parking area near the end of the Verde Valley School Road. One of the most iconic landmarks to photograph in Sedona, Arizona is Cathedral Rock. The Sedona Hiking App currently has over 110 trails, over four hundred miles of trail documented and available in the App. 3) There are a lot of nice overlooks just south of Sedona on Highway 179 that you can get some nice shots from after a short hike Jeff. You are correct, it is prettier after the leaves popeven better is in the fall when the cottonwoods turn golden yellow! Jeff, Thanks for sharing these great tips. Its was awesome! Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Guided Adventure, Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel, Explore the western canyons of Sedona, Arizona on this guided, 3-hour, 4x4 tour. More. The one-day entrance fee (Day Pass)is $10 per car at Crescent Moon/Red Rock Crossing. Hi Aaron, At least 7 million people visit the Adirondacks every year to climb some of the highest peaks in the state and experience natural wonders like the Indian Head Trail Adirondacks. Click 'Take a Hike' to see the map. The hike is steep and requires a bit of climbing in some spots. It is beautiful anytime of year but can be magnificent in October. 2022 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Sunset shots of Cathedral Rock are one of the iconic images of the Southwest and it is on the bucket list of many a photographer. So any additional tips you could give us would be wonderful. It is best to plan at least 2 hours for hiking Cathedral Rock in Sedona. See this desert town's red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests a scenic drive full of fun for the entire family. Hi Jim, Im always very happy to hear that my blogs have helped out a fellow photographer! Just figured out how to fix the issue you described. Know your limits and pack enough water for your hike. Red Rock Pass is $5 for the day to park. Parking at all other trailheads will be open as determined by the National Forest Service. Pay-by-phone users who sign up for the app and enter Parking Zone 846 can skip the pay station. the family did not have plans to ride the shuttle at all until they were turned away from the Cathedral Rock parking lot and redirected to the shuttle's lot at 1294 SR 179. Trail Summary. 2022 Traveling Found Love - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, FAQ: Hiking Cathedral Rock Sedona Arizona, Final Thoughts on the Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona, How to Hike the Striking Indian Head Trail Adirondacks + Rainbow Falls NY, 15 Most Helpful Hiking Apps to Download In 2022. This collection of Arizona Travel websites is owned by Southwest Media Communications. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You may choose to enjoy tastings or bottles of award-winning wines. Where is the Cathedral Rock in Sedona? I had read How to Photograph the Southwest by Laurent Martres(a great series of books for any landscape photographer) as well as a number of other books and internet articles. exactly what I was looking for. After just over 0.5 miles, the Cathedral Rock Trailhead is on your left. Michelle, Hi Michelle, Nearby homes similar to 260 Cathedral Rock Trl have recently sold between $810K to $810K at an average of $400 per square foot. Just a stroll. Cost is about $90 each. No, you don't need hiking boots for most Sedona trails. If you look online you might easily get confused about exactly where the park is and what it is actuallycalled (I certainly did). Why so early? Jeff. No hiking at all. The trailhead for the Cathedral Rocks Trail can be found off Back OBeyond Road, just south of downtown Sedona. adventures and follow local regulations. Third, you will need time to scout the area (see below). The trail initially starts out with a slight incline, which will increase quickly during certain parts of the hike. The views on the trail are quite stunning, even if you dont travel all the way up to the saddle. The trailhead is on the south side of the road and only has around 20 parking spaces. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean . Tower of Terror: A Stunning new Photo location near the Towers of Silence, Cathedral Rock is located in a park about 7 miles from downtown Sedona. One of my favorites is Devils Bridge, which is a great photo op. Contents. After another section up we stopped for a snack and to catch the morning fog burning off the valley below. The pay schedule will be clearly visible when you park. Also, make sure to bring a backpack to be able to store all your equipment during the rock scrambling. We suggest planning extra time for taking in the incredible views surrounding Cathedral Rocks Sedona by taking photos and celebrating your accomplishment of making it to the top of Sedonas most popular rock formation. Plus you may be able to catch a marvelous sunrise view over Sedona. Or you can take the Slim Shady trail to Templetown trail to Cathedral Rock trail. When you park at the Baldwin Trailhead, you will need a Red Rock or equivalent pass. Very busy, lots of families (especially on the weekends!). Let someone else navigate the rough terrain while you sit back and enjoy the scenery. Parking Info. 4) Buy a Red Rock Annual Pass for $40 it will allow you to park at most overlooks. In this spot, the earths energy is swirling to the surface and helps people to be creative and find themselves. However, I am here to tell you that there is a backdoor trail to the top that will not require you to battle traffic or crowds at least not until you're near the top. After passing the first plateau, you will come to the rock scrambling section of the trail. We live midway between town and the canyon and I will use almost any excuse to wander around down there! The red rocks of Sedona attract hikers from all over the globe. The Cathedral Rock Sedona vortex is believed to have feminine energy due to it being an inflow area. Im a photographer. The trip to the top of Cathedral Rock is an amazing hike in the southern part of Sedona. Here are some of my suggestions: It will add 4 miles to your hiking adventure. 261. Wilson's south-side trail begins at Midgely Bridge (aka Red Rock Country's biggest parking headache) and climbs the sunny southern slopes of Sedona's biggest mountain. This is extremely useful! They will be really helpful as you are making your way back down the trail too. I didnt get a decent shotuntil my third trip here. Buddha Beach would be an excellent choice for a portrait with Cathedral Rock in the background. Be respectful of others search to feel the power of the vortex in this area. Jeff. The downside to starting your Cathedral Rock hike Sedona from this location is that it is the longest hike to Cathedral Rocks. I want to be sure to not get locked in by a gate enjoying the twilight color, Hi Bob, Please explore responsibly! A side that is still mystic and beautiful but with less red rocks, more whispy, shady trees, and cool streaming water. More. Moderate 4.7 (5129) Munds Mountain Wilderness. I should be good to go in the future. Searching for " Cathedral Rock Trailhead " on Google Maps should also produce the same location. Sedona is incredibly popular and there are often issues getting parked up at trailheads. Location: Sedona, AZ. Other Nearby Hiking Options: The Sedona area has more than 170 different trail options at all fitness levels. Jeff. Take a Hike! Park & Ride to the Most Popular Trailheads Jeff. Our previous trip was in late January and we arrived for sunset, however baby spire in the middles was always in shadow (the rest of the rocks were lit beautifully). So as the sun sets, get it kind of coming through back of the mountain. Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular landmarks in Arizona. Good luck! But it will add an additional 3.7 miles to your hike. Im glad the blog came in helpful and you got some great shotsthat makes the time I spend on this blog worthwhile. Plus this gives you a reason to take a quick rest, catch your breath, and take a sip of water. The shuttle departs every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, for the 10-minute drive. Cathedral Rock. 289 reviews of Cathedral Rock "My favorite of the four vortex hikes this one is steep but not too long and the views are outstanding! The parking lot can fit a decent amount of cars, but it is known to fill up during peak times . The guards usually do a sweep to ensure that no cars are still in the lot when they leave and besides, the best light is long gone by dusk and Ive never seen a good reason to stay that late. Let someone else navigate the rough terrain while you sit back and enjoy t Hey, just a tip for your website all of the links open in the same tab. Trailhead: There . Your suggestions and diagrams will help us make the most of our time. One of the best photo spots is just a little to the left of the sign. The majority of riders told a similar story, as city . I love personal blogs like yours, they really help stay out of the Traps in popular photo destinations. Unfortunately, I dont know any of the photographers in the Sedona area, so I cant make a recommendation. that is great!..i do wish i will have clouds as these past 2 days! Vortex Experience | Activities | UFO Tours, Take a Hike! You can hike up in the dawn to enjoy the sunrise from the top or you arrive as soon as the sun rises to get a spot in one of the popular parking lots. I wish there were more photography-guide type posts with this kind of detail out there. The free, easy and eco-friendly way to explore some of Sedonas favorite trails! Thanks for the suggestions! (Does that make sense?) This is a true day of pampering! Look forward to your reply. Go early! I am visiting Sedona this weekend, which is first weekend of November. From the field, you have a wonderful view of the barn and Cathedral Rock. This rock is one of the most photographed sites in the state and the trail to reach it is one of the busiest hikes in Sedona. Elevation Gain: 645 feet. The tour finishes back at the start point. Basement: None At this point, you will probably think that youre close to the end, but the last steady uphill climb to the end of the trail seems to be the longest. I believe I took the Broken Arrow tour. I thought I had done a solid job researching Cathedral Rock beforemy first trip. Make sure to start your hike well before the sunrises. With over 20 years of experience . At sunset, the sun will be over your right shoulder and it will light up Cathedral Rock. Hi Sharon, im planning a family photo in front of red rocks such as the ones in sedona, what colors for clothing would you suggest? You have a 30% chance of clouds and thunderstorms but otherwise expect clear skies. As a mentioned, Cathedral Rock will be shaded as sunset approaches, so the dynamic range can be quite extreme. The cairns on the trail are the large wire baskets filled with rocks. As with all outdoor adventure As with most areas in Sedona, you will need to have purchased aRed Rock Passto park at the trailhead, which is located just south of Verde Valley Road. If you find yourself not able to get on the Cathedral Rock trail during these times, it is suggested to wait to hike in the later afternoon. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Top Camping Spots in Sedona: Cave Spring Campground, Hiking Little Horse Trail to Chicken Point, Sedona AZ - Park Chasers, 3 Easy Day Hikes in Colorado National Monument. Hike to Cathedral Rock Sedona Arizona from another trailhead (see below). The Cathedral Rock Loop Trail (via Hiline and Templeton) is roughly 8 miles long and is considered easy to moderate . If you could only do one hike in Sedona, choose this. Ive done the Pink Jeep tour in Sedona. I was only in Sedona for couple hours one day during the summer and I stumbled upon this trail. Let me know how your shoot at Cathedral Rock turns out! We started with, Read More 15 Most Helpful Hiking Apps to Download In 2022Continue, Share via: More New York City is well known as the city that never sleeps. You will receive discounts for tastings and bottles of wine, at some of the winer You can easily hike to the top and back down in two hours or choose to spend a half day exploring this area. Glad you found my blog helpful. Difficulty: Difficult, 741 Foot elevation gain. To feel the powers and energy of the Cathedral Rock vortex, you will have to hike up to the saddle. It costs $5 for single-day use, $15 for 7 consecutive days, and $20 for 12 consecutive months. From this lot, you will walk a very very short path to the trailhead located in the first parking lot. Cathedral Rock Vortex at Red Rock Crossing is also easily viewed and accessed from 89a and Red Rock State Park: Crescent Moon Picnic Site - Drive West from central Sedona on Highway 89A. I believe that there are some places you can rent 4 wheel drive jeeps which would save you quite a bit of walking. Your email address will not be published. Also, are the jeep tours and/or balloon rides worth it or can you get to sites via hiking that will provide good photo ops? It is also a short day hike that can be completed by hikers of most skill levels. The hike is short but steep and strenuous in parts. For many people, coming to these spiritual spots is the highlight of their stay. Thank you for the detail in your blog(s). Once you reach the top and take in the backside view make sure to continue on to the left for another stunning (less crowded) view of Sedona. keep up the great work! 2) Ive booked the balloon tour twice but they were both cancelled due to winds. Jeff, Im planning an Easter visit to the area and came across your blog while scouting locations. Great info and great shots. Travel by Jeep through Sedona's rugged countryside toward Soldiers Pass for expansive landscape views. Youll start in a small parking area and immediately begin to ascend up to the saddle of the Cathedral Rock formation. With four days, you should be able to cover all the highlights. The Red Rocks day pass is only $5. The parking requires a $10 day pass. Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular trails in the Sedona area and is only a ten minute drive south of downtown Sedona. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 26 min to complete. When you go to the Crescent Moon Day Use Area, you have to pay a day-use fee of $9 per vehicle or a $2 walk-in fee per person but you will get rewarded with beautiful reflections of Cathedral Rock in Oak Creek. But only for a short time. More. Your comments and directions were accurate and useful to the last detail. The trailhead, starting at an elevation of 3,950 feet, is well marked and the trail is defined. One of the most AMAZING hikes I have ever done, its short and steep but its not a difficult climb. Rated 4.9 /5 based on 20 reviews 4.9/5 based on 20 reviews Save. Here's how it works: After you decide on the trails you'd like to experience, download the trails onto your device (with a network connection) and 'select' them as you do the hike. (We promise youll appreciate the chance to catch your breath!). Great tips about photographing Cathedral rock. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime on a world-class zip line over Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde Arizona! Well the first reason is because sunset will actually be 30 minutes before the official time becausemountains to the eastwill block light on Cathedral Rock. 5) I did another blog about Sedona you might be interested in: https://www.firefallphotography.com/sedonas-towers-of-the-virgin-a-surprising-sedona-sunrise-photo-location/ You may not of heard of Cathedral Rock, but Ill betyouve seen pictures of it. Thanks again for the guide . This is a fun intermediate hike you get to scramble on your hands and knees and explore off the beaten path. Thanks for helping me improve the blog! (Heres an example: https://www.istockphoto.com/ca/photo/beautiful-mountains-of-sedona-gm897191666-247647333). Really loved the location #2 and #4. Learn how your comment data is processed. Don't miss the chance to kayak down the river at your own pace, taking in the views as you go with this Verde River Inflatable Kayak Adventure from Camp Verde. Next. While many of the parks 40+ miles of, Sometimes our favorite national park units arent the end destinations but the parks we find on the way. There is an overflow car park as well, but many people choose to park beside the road! All roads except the short segment leading from Red Rock Crossing Road to the picnic area are paved, GPS: N34 49 33.78, W-111 48 26.7114. A tripod will also come in handy since you will likely want to use HDRto capture the full dynamic rangeespeciallyas the light begins to fade. Cathedral Rocks Sedona can be easily seen from various locations within Sedona. 4.3/5 Excellent! Cathedral Rocks Sedona Arizona happens to be 1 of the 4 major Sedona vortexes. Cost: $5 Red Rock Pass, use an American the Beautiful Pass to avoid the Red Rock Pass. 928-202-1018 Welcome to Cathedral Rock Ebikes Welcome to Red Rock Loop Rd. Soon you will be one of them. HIKING TIPS. Other passes that are accepted are the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, Golden Access Pass, and Golden Age Pass. From the parking lot, walk east into the wide, grassy field (walk towards Cathedral Rock). Which is actually the front cover of the children's book I illustrated as a love letter to Sedona! Glad you found the tips helpful and have a great time in Sedona! Corinne, Hi Corrine, Parking at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead. The cost to park varies with seasonal fluctuations in visitation. Hopefully, the color and weather will be right for it. Hikers are asked to park at the park & ride lot located at 1294 SR 179 and use the Sedona Shuttle to access the trailhead. I dont recommend Crescent Moon for a sunrise shoteverything would be backlit. There are sections of the trail where you will have to use your hands and feet to climb and rock scramble. 10/10 recommend starting your day with this. 3. Jeff, Jeff; Well be there this weekend 11/18. A Red Rock Pass is a permit that is required when utilizing Sedona trails that are on National Forest Land. Although parts of the river are shallow (there are even stepping stones at one location), the rocks are very slippery. So sorry but I actually live in central Florida and wont be in Sedona in October! 6) Bell Rock is cool and has great hiking trails as well. We would definitely recommend wearing over the ankle hiking boots to give your ankle more support on the rocky terrain. Wilson Mountain Trail. Check out more things to do in Sedona. To ensure you are staying on the trail, keep a lookout for the cairns which are easy to spot in the beginning. Jeff, what a great site full of tips and direction! Hi Jennifer, Glad to hear my blog was helpful and Im sure you will have a great time visiting Sedona again. The best way to beat the crowds is to get up and arrive early at the trailhead. Good luck in capturing some memorable images! 4) Take at least a day to explore Oak Creek Canyon. About the Cathedral Rock Trail Hike When reaching the 5 th traffic circle (after getting on 179), take a right (west) on the Back O Beyond Road. I am going here tomorrow at sunset to photograph and was hoping to get the sun behind Cathedral rock, and not facing it. the easy Baldwin Loop Trail with beautiful views of Cathedral Rocks or the easy Mystic Trail which gives you the opportunity to admire the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a chapel built into the red rocks. If you are not able to park in one of the two designated lots for Cathedral Rock, additional overflow parking is available at the Yavapai Point Parking Lot, which is about two miles south on Highway 179 and on your right-hand side. Pay stations accept coins, bills, major credit cards and pay-by-phone apps. Awesome tips and a huge THANK YOU! The park is pretty big and if you dont know the best vantage points you should expect to invest a lot of time scouting locations. I wish the sky had some additional drama (all day long there were fantastic clouds, sunset shows up.nada). Share via: More Hiking in the Adirondacks is one of the most spectacular activities to do in New York. The best time during mid spring? Just keep enjoying hiking Cathedral Rock in Sedona. Thanks. Cathedral Rock will be to the west from 179, so it will receive direct sunlight after sunrise. It is a steep one that involves a little rock scrambling. . Spectacular views in all directions. 3. We are the most luxurious, customer-focused, wine tour company in Sedona! If you are going to be at the Crescent Moon Picnic Area, then the sun will rise behind Cathedral Rock. Besides hiking Cathedral Rock in Sedona from the Back o Beyond parking lot, which is where the main Cathedral Rock trailhead is located, you have a few other options to extend your Sedona adventure. Time To Top: 40 - 60 minutes. For some reason I cant even right click on a link to do this, either. Most of my shots were taken between 35 and 50mm on a full frame camera (22-31mm on a crop-frame APS-C camera). There are a slew of different passes and tickets for the multiple photo ops around Sedona. Glad you found the blog helpful! Get familiar with the lay of the land in Sedona before you go, so that you can prepare yourself to be in the correct lane at these two busy traffic circles. This pass will allow you to park at any trailhead for the day in Coconino National Forest. Its also an option to drive slightly farther down Back OBeyond Road to a second, larger parking area and hike from the Baldwin or Templeton trails. Just get there a bit early so you can scout it out. The car park by trail head is not far from Bell Rock and about 10 minutes from the centre of Sedona. Both parking areas require a parking permit for Red Rocks State Park. To return, the Sedona Shuttle departs the Cathedral Rock Trailhead every 10 minutes from 7:10 a.m. until 5:12 p.m. Get off the beaten track in a 4x4 Jeep vehicle Choose from several departure times throughout the day Get inside tips and information from a local guide Ideal choice for the entire family. Please help to guide me further . Also, what does closing at dusk entail? There are a few key things to remember about driving roundabouts: As you approach a roundabout, slow down and watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk. It's a different side to Sedona. From here, you will want to cross over Oak Creek if the water is low. I photographed both cathedral rock as well as mini tower of virgins. We arrived around 6:30 AM in July and already had to park in the second parking lot. Since then I have grown a penchant for doing Video Landscapes, quite challenging for sure.So we want to come out to Sedona and enjoy it and capture it, with the least amount of wasted expenditure as possible. At the first traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto AZ-179 S. In about another mile, you will reach another traffic circle, keep straight on AZ-179 S. As you continue driving, you will go through 2 more traffic circles. Make sure to use the Cairns to stay on track. See this desert town's red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests a scenic drive full of fun for the entire family. Cathedral Rock is one of the most scenic hikes in Sedona, AZ withamazing views from the top. Thanks for the tip. Second, traffic in Sedona can be challenging. Located just south of Sedona, take Highway 179 south from the 89A / 179 split. - Pay-to-Park - Spaces located directly in front of the Uptown shops along Main Street, SR89A , require visitors to pay to park. Since we started our hike early, we were lucky enough to have the view at the top of Cathedral Rock Sedona all to ourselves. Thank you, I will give that a trial run and see how it works. Definitely a must do. In that way, most guide books say its best to hike in the afternoon when the trail is shaded. Im not from this area and was wondering if you know if it sets behind the mountain or if it rises behind the mountain? Don't miss the chance to kayak down the river at your own pace, taking in the views as you go with this Verde River Inflatable Kayak Adventure from Camp Verde. The shuttle runs Thursday - Sunday, year-around, from 8:00a.m. We arrived at the trailhead early, by 7 AM to beat the crowds. 9/4/2022. Cathedral Rock is a vortex with feminine energy. If you're visiting Sedona and looking for a great way to see the main sites on the East side of Sedona, then look no further than eTrekAdventures Village of Oak Creek half-day tour. Start by heading south on 89A. 3rd gen night vision goggles are distributed to see what can't be seen with the naked eye. Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Activities | Native American Culture & Tours, Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly | Exceptional Service | Individualized | Safe Environment | Covid-19 Precautions Taken, Experience the wind ripping through your hair on a thrill ride over nature's wildest predators. Any additional info would be great. Granite Mountain Guides was established on the foundations of providing exceptional instruction to climbers that are just learning the craft. When you arrive at this famous location, you'll be able to hike a short, 0.7-mile trail all the way to the saddle. Glad you like the website and blogits always nice to get positive feedback! Also, we are the only tour company that allows you to bring your own alcoholic (or nonalcoholic) beverages with you on the bus. View all 12 photos. If you are ever likely to be around that area, email me. To fully embrace the citys lifestyle, you simply have to enjoy some of, Read More 42 Best Things to Do in NYC at NightContinue, Share via: More Bryce Canyon is a unique gem in the American Southwest located in the southern part of Utah. This trail is a connector trail to the Ridge Trail. This trail will require you to do some rock scrambling, so appropriate hiking footwear is very important. Sorry for the delay in respondingI was in Central America on a shoot and didnt have internet service! I took pictures in the park, and also at a vantage point along the road, same shadow in both places. Im glad that my blog helped you make the most of your chance to photograph in Sedona! It is a very quick (0.6 mile one way) and easy walk to the Red Rock Crossing where you will be able to snap your perfect picture of Cathedral Rocks Sedona. Cost: Need a Red Rocks Parking Pass or America the Beautiful National Park Pass to park in the parking lot, at most $5 if you have neither Time needed: You could spend as little as 2 hours or up to half of a day on this hike! These will keep you heading in the right direction. Id recommend planning on a couple hours to scout the location and be ready to start shooting about two hours before the scheduled sunset (sunset will be earlier than the scheduled time due to the mountains to the west which will block the sun). You'll need to arrive early in the day to grab a spot here as they fill very quickly. 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