With a unique 360 view of one of Sedona’s most prominent features, the Cathedral Rock Loop trail offers stunning panoramic views from multiple angles as you traverse around the sandstone landscapes with a fraction of the crowds.
The Cathedral Rock Loop Trail (via Hiline and Templeton) is roughly 8 miles long and is considered easy to moderate due to the distance and light scrambling. Note, that this is not the ever-popular Cathedral Rock hike that scrambles up to the prominent rock feature itself, but a wonderful loop trail around it. This took us just under 3 hours with only a few stops for photos and water breaks. Dogs are able to take this trail as well.
Note that there are a few junctions for this hike that you’ll need to be aware of. Otherwise it’s relatively easy to follow along. Just be on the lookout for cyclists coming around the corners. We hiked this clockwise, which gave us the magnificent vistas at the beginning, and then the approach below Cathedral Rock towards the end.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Cathedral Rock Look Trail, search for the Yavapai Vista parking lot in Sedona, Arizona or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Sedona, get off Highway 89 and take the roundabout for Highway 179. Go for a couple miles and the Yavapai Vista Point parking lot will be on your right.
Driving Info: This is all paved so it’s accessible to anybody. This lot often fills up on weekends and even during the week, so be mindful or turning around and heavy foot traffic in the area.
Time & Weather: We did this hike in late March. Since it’s Arizona desert it can be painfully hot or cold. We had perfect 60 degree hiking weather for most of the hike.
Gear: You want decent boots with grip for this hike since you’ll do some light scrambling. Hiking poles are always recommended, especially if your knees struggle with distance or on sharp ascents and descents.
Trail Navigation: There are a few junctions for this hike, so you’ll want to consult an offline map to make sure you take the correct turns. There are white dots signifying the direction of the trail in some places.
Water & Food: As is the case for any desert hike, bring plenty of water and stay hydrated. Bring snacks to enjoy at the various viewpoints.
Trailhead Info: The parking lot is large but definitely fills up on weekends.
Pictures of the Cathedral Rock Loop Trail (via Hiline and Templeton):
We decided to hike clockwise, with most of the ascent in the beginning. In the distance you can see the mountain you’ll traverse across.
The first of many vista points, this one looking back towards the trailhead as you ascend.
Parts of the trail are quite rocky and require stable footing.
As you hike across Hiline trail, the views open up towards Cathedral Rock and Sedona.
On the other side of the mountain, the expansive vistas continue to impress as you look down at the valley forest.
Cathedral Rock comes into perfect view before you make the sharp descent.
As you continue your descent, you’ll start to carve your way down the mountain back towards Cathedral Rock.This is one of the steeper parts of the entire hike.
Down in the valley floor, you now begin to encircle the backside of Cathedral rock with gorgeous meadows all around.
Breaking right, you can see into the distance towards Oak Creek.
Eventually you’ll arrive at the magnificent Oak Creek.
Once you break away from Oak Creek, you’ll climb back up towards Cathedral Rock and begin to wind your way around the front.
Looking up at the spectacular sandstone formations.
As you approach the popular Cathedral Rock trail, you’ll notice many more hikers and foot traffic in the distance. This is an optional couple miles to scramble to the popular vista point between the rocks. We highly recommend this, although it’s quite crowded all the time.
After you cross through the main Cathedral Rock trail, you’ll continue to traverse along the base of the mountain with stunning views off to your left.
Looking back towards Cathedral Rock with a new perspective before you get back to the main trailhead and complete your loop.
The final portion of this trail meanders through beautiful forest landscapes. Just be very cautious of cyclists speeding around corners.
Once you get back to the parking lot, decide if you want to tack on some of the other popular trails in the nearby area. Bell Rock, for instance, is just a half mile away. Although keep in mind, the parking lots are usually full so you may want to simply walk the extra distance to experience another amazing hike.
This is one of the many trails that makes it onto our list of the best hikes in Sedona. If you have limited time be sure to check it out so that you can prioritize properly.
