Escape to Sedona – Hike Cathedral Rock

On a recent day trip to Sedona, my husband and I hiked Cathedral Rock, considered to be one of the most photographed scenes in the United States. What I thought would be a typical day in Sedona, a magical place that I’ve been to many times, turned out to be a great adventure exploring new sights and tasty cuisine in one of my favorite places on earth.

The drive north on I17 from Phoenix gets you in the mood with scenic views of hilly roads, colorful rock formations and distant mountains. It seems as if you can see forever.

The first sighting of red colored rock peaking through the hillsides gets my heart pumping! Exit the freeway for Highway 179 and before you approach the heart of Sedona, stop at the Red Rock Ranger Station.  I recommend this stop for two reasons; the outdoor patio provides great views of Bell Rock and helpful volunteers provide you with touring suggestions, maps, and the all important Red Rock pass.  If you plan to do any hiking or want to pull off the road to take photos, purchase a Red Rock pass for the day. The cost is $5.00 and well worth it.

Our first stop was to explore Cathedral Rock, not far from the ranger station. A hard, yet short (1.5 miles round trip) hike, the trail starts on the right (west) side of the parking area. You’ll start out crossing a dry creek bed. In the spring and summer, water from Oak Creek fills the area. This is the spot that is known for the photo op. From here you see the breathtaking formation in the distance topped by twin spires, and a large saddle in between that offers spectacular views of both the east and western portions of Sedona.

Continue on the trail through a wooded area and you’ll come upon a stream. When you reach the Templeton Trail, turn right and go 60 paces to the beginning of the Cathedral Rock Trail on your left. The trail up is marked with cairns and is very steep — good hiking boots required!

After an invigorating hike, we drove to the Sedona Airport to watch the sunset.  For unobstructed views of the town, the airport mesa features an unforgettable sunset experience and easy hiking trails. One of my favorite places to watch an Arizona sunset, you will see the rock formations in the distance getting darker as the sun sets behind them. It doesn’t get any better than this!

For a light bite try The Fork in the Road Bistro.  Their tapas menu offers delicious choices of bleu cheese crostini with chutney, and baja prawn wrapped in bacon and their dinner menu offers a little of everything including salmon, roast chicken, duck and grilled flat iron steak. What a great way to end a perfect day!

To me, visiting Sedona is always an uplifting experience. Known worldwide for vortexes, or energy centers that saturate the whole area in and around Sedona, now I know why at every visit, I feel a jolt of positive energy. It’s a great escape that helps to release the chaos of everyday life.

Red Rock Ranger Station
8375 Hwy 179, Sedona
928-203-2900
Open 7 days a week and most holidays 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Cathedral Rock
Trailhead Directions: To reach Cathedral Rock, continue north on 179 from the Ranger station to Verde Valley School Road. Turn left at the second round-about and take Verde Valley School Road for about 4 miles until you reach a dirt road. Continue on the dirt road for one and a half miles and park in the lot. Display your Red Rock pass in your window.

Airport Mesa (map)
Take 179 Hwy north to 89A and head west to Airport Road. Drive up Airport Road to the scenic overlook. Free parking is across the way.

Fork in the Road Bistro
7000 Hwy 179, Suite C-106, Sedona (map)
928-284-9322
Open Tuesday thru Sunday at 4:00 p.m.
Happy Hour – Half off on beer, wine and well drinks from 4-6 p.m.

Photos from private collection.