Visiting Cathedral Rock in Sedona? Review 2026 permit prices, shuttle hours, and parking information for this popular site.
I’ll be honest — when I first saw Cathedral Rock rising above Oak Creek, I understood why Sedona attracts the “vortex energy” crowd. There’s something genuinely arresting about those rust-red spires against an impossibly blue Arizona sky. Whether you believe in spiritual energy or not, the rock formation is properly spectacular.
Quick overview: How much does Cathedral Rock cost?
You’ll need a Red Rock Pass to access Cathedral Rock trailhead, which costs $5 for the day or $15 for a week. The trail itself is free once you’ve paid for parking, and there are no additional entrance fees. The site is managed by the Coconino National Forest and is accessible from sunrise to sunset daily, though the car park gates close at 6pm.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5-15 (parking pass) | Sunrise to sunset | Back O’ Beyond Road, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Federal pass holders | 6pm (car park) |
How much does Cathedral Rock cost?
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Red Rock Pass | $5 | Per vehicle (up to 5 people) |
| Weekly Red Rock Pass | $15 | Per vehicle (up to 5 people) |
| Annual Red Rock Pass | $20 | Per vehicle (unlimited visits for one year) |
| America the Beautiful Pass | $80 | Access to all federal recreation sites nationwide |
| Children under 16 | Free | When accompanied by pass holder |
If you already hold an America the Beautiful Annual Pass, Senior Pass, or Access Pass, you don’t need to buy a Red Rock Pass — these federal passes work here. Military members with proper ID also get free access.
The passes must be displayed on your dashboard. Rangers patrol regularly and tickets for not displaying a pass start at $175, which rather takes the shine off saving a fiver.
Is Cathedral Rock free to enter?
Not quite. Whilst there’s no entrance gate or ticket booth, you must purchase a Red Rock Pass to park at the trailhead. There’s no way to access Cathedral Rock without parking (legally, at least), so the pass is effectively your entry fee.
You can buy passes at the trailhead from self-service machines that accept credit cards — they don’t take cash, which caught me off guard. Alternatively, buy them in advance from the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, visitor centres, or various shops around town.
Some people try to park along the road to avoid the fee. Don’t. It’s illegal, you’ll likely get ticketed, and you’re creating hazards on narrow roads.
5 great Sedona experiences to book
- 🚙 Get to red rock views others cannot reach on an off-road Jeep tour.
- 🚆 Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad, passing cliff dwellings, desert scenery and wildlife.
- 🌀 Discover the science and spirituality of Sedona’s vortexes on a specialist tour.
- 🚲 See Sedona’s highlights the easy way on an e-bike tour.
- 🌌 Take a Sedona night sky tour and hear the stories of the constellations.
What time does Cathedral Rock open?
The Cathedral Rock trail is accessible from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. However, the car park gates close at 6pm sharp, so you need to be back at your vehicle before then or you’ll be locked in until morning.
In winter (November-February), sunset comes around 5:30pm, giving you precious little time for an afternoon hike. Summer offers longer days with sunset around 7:30pm, but you’ll still need to be off the trail and back through the gates by 6pm.
Do I need to book Cathedral Rock tickets in advance?
You don’t need to book anything, but the car park fills up almost every day, especially from March through May and September through November. It holds only 12 vehicles, which is absurdly inadequate for one of Sedona’s most popular hikes.
Arrive before 7am if you want guaranteed parking. By 8am on weekends, you’ll likely be circling like a vulture waiting for someone to leave. Afternoons (after 3pm) sometimes ease up as people finish their hikes, though this depends on the season.
Midweek visits are marginally better than weekends, but “marginally” is doing heavy lifting there — Cathedral Rock is popular every single day.
You are far, far better off taking the free Sedona Shuttle.
The rock that defines Sedona
Cathedral Rock has been a landmark for centuries, sacred to the Yavapai-Apache people long before Sedona became a tourist destination. The formation gets its name from the Gothic cathedral-like spires that dominate the western skyline.
The rock formed from Schnebly Hill sandstone, deposited around 280 million years ago when this area was a coastal environment. Iron oxide gives the rock its distinctive red colour, whilst erosion carved the dramatic spires and saddles you see today.
In the 1980s, Cathedral Rock became central to Sedona’s reputation as a spiritual vortex site. New Age practitioners claim the rock emanates particular energy that aids meditation and healing. The Forest Service maintains a neutral position on vortex claims whilst managing the very real crowds they attract.
Cathedral Rock Trail (Trail #170) was formally established in the 1990s to manage increasing visitor numbers and prevent erosion from people creating their own routes up the rock.
What you’ll experience on the trail
The Cathedral Rock Trail is 1.2 miles round trip but climbs 744 feet in 0.6 miles, making it one of Sedona’s steepest hikes. The trail is rated strenuous, and that’s not tourist-board hyperbole — you’ll be scrambling over boulders and using your hands in several sections.
The first quarter-mile is relatively gentle through desert scrubland. Then the trail turns sharply upward, becoming a boulder scramble with sections where you’re essentially rock climbing without ropes. There are no railings, chains, or safety features.
The saddle between the two main spires is the typical turnaround point for most hikers. From here, you get panoramic views across Oak Creek and the surrounding red rock country. Fitter hikers can continue scrambling to higher vantage points, though these routes become increasingly exposed and technical.
The descent is harder than the ascent — loose rock and steep angles make it easy to slip. I watched several people slide down on their backsides rather than risk their ankles.
What’s included with your parking pass?
- Access to Cathedral Rock Trail #170
- Use of vault toilets at the trailhead (basic but functional)
- Access to all other Red Rock Pass sites if you buy weekly or annual passes
- Trail information boards at the trailhead
- The satisfaction of supporting National Forest maintenance (allegedly)
Things to do near Cathedral Rock
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop (5.7 miles, 12-minute drive) — Popular 3.5-mile loop trail around two iconic rock formations – Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Another vortex site. Red Rock Pass required.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (4.2 miles, 10-minute drive) — Spanish-style shopping complex with galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. Architecturally impressive even if you don’t buy anything. Free to wander.
Chapel of the Holy Cross (3.1 miles, 8-minute drive) — Modern Catholic chapel built directly into red rock cliffs in 1956. Striking architecture and excellent views.
Red Rock State Park (6.8 miles, 15-minute drive) — 286-acre nature preserve with easier trails along Oak Creek. Visitor centre with natural history exhibits. Not to be confused with the magnificent Red Rock Crossing swimming hole, which is part of Coconino National Forest and has superlative views of Cathedral Rock from the water.
Slide Rock State Park (9.4 miles, 20-minute drive) — Natural water slide formed by Oak Creek flowing over slippery rocks. Brilliant for cooling off after hiking, and also one of the best places in Arizona to see bears.
Practical information
Location: Off Highway 179, turn onto Back O’ Beyond Road. The trailhead is at the end of this short dirt road.
Getting there: You need a car unless you take the Sedona Shuttle. Sedona has no other public transport to trailheads. The dirt access road is suitable for standard vehicles in dry conditions.
Time needed: 1.5 to 3 hours depending on fitness level and how long you spend at the top. Allow extra time if the car park is full and you’re waiting for a space.
What to bring: At least one litre of water per person, proper hiking shoes with ankle support, sun protection, and snacks. Mobile signal is patchy.
Fitness required: This is genuinely strenuous. If you’re uncomfortable with heights, exposed scrambling, or haven’t hiked recently, choose an easier Sedona trail.
Best time to hike: Early morning for parking and cooler temperatures. Afternoon light is stunning for photography but car park access is tricky.
Weather: Avoid after rain — the sandstone becomes dangerously slippery. Summer temperatures exceed 38°C. Winter can bring ice on shaded sections.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cathedral Rock suitable for children?
Older children (10+) with hiking experience manage it, but toddlers and young children shouldn’t attempt this trail. The scrambling sections are too technical and exposed.
Can you hike Cathedral Rock without a Red Rock Pass?
No. You need a valid pass displayed in your vehicle. Rangers patrol regularly and fines start at $175.
What time should I arrive to get parking?
Before 7am for guaranteed parking year-round. After 8am, expect to wait or be turned away, especially on weekends.
How difficult is Cathedral Rock really?
Properly strenuous. You’ll use your hands for scrambling, navigate steep loose rock, and deal with exposure. Don’t underestimate it based on the short distance.
Are dogs allowed on Cathedral Rock Trail?
Yes, but it’s a terrible idea. The scrambling sections are too difficult for most dogs, and the hot rock burns their paws. Leave them at home.
More Arizona travel
Other Arizona travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Should I do a Grand Canyon day tour from Sedona?
- Why visit Montezuma Castle National Monument?
- A complete guide to visiting Phoenix Zoo.
- What is the best value entrance pass for Grand Canyon National Park?
- Driving across London Bridge in Lake Havasu City.
