Is Cathedral Rock the best place to watch the sunset in Sedona?
Cathedral Rock is a great “bang for your buck” hike. It’s only about two miles round trip, easy elevation gain, and leads to one of the best views in Sedona. Both times we’ve hiked this trail have been at sunset, so we can’t comment on the usual daytime crowds, but they’re worth bearing at sunset.
In between a lot of scrambling up rocks, there are flat landings to take a break and take in the beautiful, sweeping views of Sedona.
There’s a spot where there can be a bit of a traffic jam because it’s so narrow. The rock looks pretty slick, but if you have shoes with good grip it should be a piece of cake.
Because there isn’t really defined trail up these huge red rocks, there are several ways to the top, but if you want to go to suggested route, just find the giant caged cairns.
After the last flat spot, there’s short bit of scrambling followed by quick set of switchbacks before you crest the ridge and are greeted by this awesome view:
There’s a ledge out to the right where you can walk out to a point apparently called the “Cathedral Rock Vortex,” if you’re into that kind of stuff. If you’re not, it’s just a great photo op!
