Cathedral Rock: A Playful Climb and a Perfect Sedona Farewell

Some hikes make you work for the view.
Others invite you to engage with the landscape a little more closely.

Cathedral Rock falls somewhere in between.

Rising sharply above Sedona, its sculpted red sandstone spires look dramatic from below, but the climb itself is more approachable than it appears. On our final full day in Sedona, Irene and I set out early, excited for a hands-on hike that promised big views, a bit of scrambling, and a fitting sendoff to the trip.

Starting Early: Cool Air and Quiet Trails

Cathedral Rock gains elevation quickly, but the trail is short and well-traveled. We arrived early, catching the cool morning air and watching the light slowly warm the rock as we started up.

The route transitioned easily from packed dirt to slickrock, and while hands came into play, the movement felt intuitive rather than technical. It was the kind of climb that keeps you engaged—never rushed, never overwhelming—encouraging you to move steadily and look around often.

The Climb: Scrambling, Focus, and Big Views

As we climbed higher, the world below us slowly unfolded. Cathedral Rock felt playful and interactive, offering a steady rhythm of walking, light scrambling, and natural pauses to take in the scenery.

Sunlight bounced off the stone, deepening the reds and oranges, while juniper and cactus clung to ledges along the route. The trail opened into a series of sandstone shelves and overlooks near the top, each offering a slightly different perspective of Sedona’s red rock landscape.

Feeling strong and making good time, Irene and I followed a semi-hidden path toward a striking, solitary rock spire rising from the surrounding formations. Nearby, we found one of Sedona’s well-known vortex sites—a place many hikers pause to snack, reflect, and soak in the views.

We lingered for a bit, chatted with fellow hikers, and shared a snack while taking it all in. From this vantage point, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and distant mesas stretched out below us—a rewarding reminder of how much ground we had covered over the weekend.

The descent required attention, but it never felt technical. With care and patience, we worked our way back down the slickrock, returning to the trailhead and then back to the B&B for breakfast. It was a great start to the day—energized, grounded, and already savoring the adventure.

Afternoon Shift: Wine Country Surprises

After the hike, we traded dusty boots for shaded patios and headed toward the Verde Valley Wine Region. I’ll admit—I was skeptical. Arizona wine wasn’t high on my expectations list.

Sedona surprised me again.

We spent the afternoon lingering at three wineries, each with its own personality. Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery offered a relaxed outdoor patio overlooking the vines. Page Springs Cellars blended farmhouse charm with a dramatic volcanic landscape. D.A. Ranch felt expansive and welcoming—the kind of place that encourages you to slow down and stay awhile.

Live music drifted through the warm air. Glasses clinked. The pace softened.

Sunset at Mariposa

On our final evening, we dressed up and headed to Mariposa, a Latin-inspired grill perched high above the red rock canyons. We timed it perfectly—arriving just as the sun dipped low.

As the light shifted, the cliffs below us ignited with color. Reds deepened. Shadows stretched. Sedona glowed quietly beneath the fading sky.

It felt like the perfect bookend to the trip—adventure in the morning, celebration in the evening.

Trail Notes & Tips

Trail Name: Cathedral Rock Trail
Distance: ~1.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~750 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Out-and-back with short slickrock scrambling sections

Parking & Access:

Cathedral Rock Trailhead via Back O’ Beyond Road
Parking is limited; shuttle service is often required during peak seasons
Arrive early for easier access and cooler conditions

Best Time of Day:

Early morning for fewer crowds and softer light
Minimal shade—avoid the heat of midday

Good to Know:

Hands-on movement is helpful but not technical
Slickrock can be slippery after rain
Short, engaging climb with big rewards

One Last Look

Cheers to another girls’ trip, another adventure logged, and the red rocks of Sedona—where the trails, the light, and the pace all feel exactly right.