Cathedral Rock Sedona (Trail No. 170)

Two ways to park or ride

Private trailhead lot (when open): Back O’ Beyond trailhead parking; Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful required to park — prefer the USFS Cathedral Rock #170 page and the Passes Program page. Sedona Shuttle Route 15: City of Sedona public transit — North SR-179 Park & Ride → Cathedral Rock / Little Horse — published Thursday–Sunday grid; lot closed to general public when trailhead shuttles operate — confirm on sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/ and the how-to-ride FAQ; check clocks and holiday calendars live. This index does not give medical or pregnancy advice. Read USFS trail character language; turn around if the scramble feels wrong for you; check the Forest Service page live. For map and stats, see Cathedral Rock Trail.

• Cathedral Rock Trail
• Plan a Sedona trip
• Sedona Shuttle — Trailhead Routes
• Red Rock Pass Sedona

Trail facts (USFS Cathedral Rock Trail No. 170)

Prefer the Forest Service page for trail facts. From Cathedral Rock Trail No. 170 (read October 5, 2026 PT): short scramble to Cathedral Rock — more of a rock climb than a hike; difficulty strenuous — steep, difficult in places, unshaded; trail character — basket cairns, toeholds in a cleft, return the same route; trailhead elevation 4,043 ft; elevation gain 669 ft; length prefer table 1.1 miles roundtrip; time about 1.5 hours; USFS also describes returning the same route as about a 1.5-mile hike — prefer the table 1.1 mi RT and do not treat a third distance as Index fact; hot in summer; Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful required to park at the trailhead; page notes consider free Sedona Shuttle Thu–Sun. Directions (USFS page): from the 89A / 179 junction, take 179 south 3.5 miles to Back O’ Beyond; then 0.6 mile to trailhead parking on the left. Check the USFS page before you go. Prefer table 1.1 mi RT (plus same-route ~1.5-mile hike wording); prefer sedonashuttle.com for Route 15 / lot closure.

• Cathedral Rock Trail

Private lot vs Route 15 (lot closed when shuttle runs)

When trailhead shuttles operate, Cathedral Rock trailhead lot(s) are closed to the general public and reopen after service ends — per the official how-to-ride FAQ (read October 5, 2026 PT). Re-check how to ride and Route 15 the morning of. Do not treat “always Thursday–Sunday” as evergreen — spring break, holiday, and supplemental calendars can extend service to daily; check live. Little Horse is not Cathedral overflow parking (official Sedona Shuttle FAQ). Do not treat Little Horse as a workaround lot for Cathedral when the Cathedral lot is closed. Route 15 serves Cathedral Rock / Little Horse from North SR-179 Park & Ride as one published route — check stops and rules before you go. No unofficial shuttle brands, shoulder parking on Back O’ Beyond or SR-179, Uber guarantees, or tow-rule guesses. If the lot is closed or jammed, take Route 15 on a published service day, or pick a backup hike (Bell Rock Pathway · Airport Mesa · Chapel · Devil’s Bridge timing).

• Bell Rock Pathway
• Airport Mesa / Airport Scenic Overlook / Airport Loop
• Chapel of the Holy Cross (Sedona)
• When to Hike Devil’s Bridge in Sedona

Sedona Shuttle Route 15 (Cathedral Rock / Little Horse)

Route 15 is the official City of Sedona public-transit option for this hike — not an unofficial pickup brand. From sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-15/ (read October 5, 2026 PT): service days Thursday – Sunday on the published timetable; stops North SR-179 Park & Ride → Cathedral Rock / Little Horse; first outbound ~7:00 / last outbound ~4:30; return has late ~5:xx notes on page; footer Effective November 6, 2023 — check clocks live; they are not permanent; operator City of Sedona only — no unofficial brands. Re-check Route 15 the morning of. Holiday / supplemental calendars change lot-closure days and may add daily service — clocks here are a dated reading, not permanent. Secondary pointers: hiking ideas from Sedona Shuttle stops and the trailhead shuttles page on sedonashuttle.com — re-check; prefer USFS for miles. Shuttle riders: FAQ says no trailhead parking fee — verify on how-to-ride.

• Cathedral Rock Trail
• Plan a Sedona trip

Sunrise and pre-shuttle parking

Travellers talk about early private-lot attempts before service starts, sunrise parking, and exiting after shuttle hours begin. This page does not state fill times, overnight lot-open guarantees, or shoulder parking. Confirm USFS plus Route 15 and how to ride the morning of. Have a backup — shuttle later, Bell Rock Pathway, Airport Mesa, or Chapel of the Holy Cross. Weekday vs Thu–Sun matters because Route 15’s published grid is Thu–Sun — a Tuesday is a different plan; check the schedule before you go; daily service is not assumed as the default. Season: best time to visit Sedona. Holiday stack: Thanksgiving in Sedona and Christmas in Sedona. Stack pacing: Plan a Sedona trip.

• Bell Rock Pathway
• Airport Mesa / Airport Scenic Overlook / Airport Loop
• Chapel of the Holy Cross (Sedona)
• Best time to visit Sedona
• Thanksgiving in Sedona
• Christmas in Sedona
• Plan a Sedona trip

Sunset and the last shuttle

Wanting a summit sunset on a shuttle day can conflict with last-return windows. Alternatives: views of Cathedral from Crescent Moon / Red Rock Crossing, or Templeton / Baldwin approaches. Crescent Moon uses Coconino Hospitality (not RRP/ATB). Confirm on the Passes Program page — this page does not state Crescent Moon fees, hours, or highway parking. Templeton / Baldwin appear on the shuttle’s hiking-ideas page — re-check; prefer USFS for trail facts. This page does not state last-bus clocks beyond the dated Route 15 reading, photo-line minutes, or shoulder parking. Other options: Airport Mesa, Chapel, West Fork, and Slide Rock.

• Airport Mesa / Airport Scenic Overlook / Airport Loop
• Chapel of the Holy Cross (Sedona)
• West Fork Trail / Call of the Canyon (Sedona / Oak Creek Canyon)
• Slide Rock State Park (Sedona / Oak Creek Canyon)

Pass confusion (RRP / ATB ≠ Hospitality)

Mixing them in one breath is the common traveller mistake this section answers. Red Rock Pass (USDA Forest Service / Coconino NF): required (or ATB) to park at Cathedral Rock Trailhead when private parking is open. America the Beautiful (interagency pass): can stand in for Red Rock Pass at many Coconino NF fee sites, including this trailhead when private parking is open. Coconino Hospitality (concessionaire sites, e.g. Crescent Moon / Red Rock Crossing): not the Cathedral trailhead pass; it is an alternative spot for views of Cathedral; check fees before you go; this page does not state amounts. From the Red Rock & Coconino Passes Program page and the USFS trail page (read October 5, 2026 PT): Cathedral Rock Trailhead = RRP or ATB. Confirm amounts on the Passes Program page — not a forum thread. To buy one: Recreation.gov Red Rock Pass. Chamber secondary: Visit Sedona RRP Q&A — prefer USFS for fee authority. Stacking: Plan a Sedona trip. Other Hospitality sites: Crescent Moon for views of Cathedral; West Fork for another Hospitality day.

• West Fork Trail / Call of the Canyon (Sedona / Oak Creek Canyon)
• Plan a Sedona trip

Shoes and grip

Travellers ask obsessively about footwear on this scramble — grippy closed-toe trail shoes vs slick sandstone. Poles are often called less useful on the steepest hand sections in traveller reports. Match footwear to USFS trail character (rock climb more than hike; toeholds; steep cleft). No medical advice, no pregnancy guidance, no brand recommendations. If the rock feels wrong, turn around — same turn-around note as the lead. Families and dogs: Sedona with kids and Sedona with dogs. Shuttle animal policy is separate — verify on the Sedona Shuttle site; this page does not state it.

• Sedona with kids under about ten
• Sedona with dogs

Crowds / optional ledge beyond the saddle

Cathedral Rock is a year-round iconic magnet. Expect company on popular mornings and weekends. Optional ledge / photo-op beyond the main saddle (traveller question: Cathedral Rock, Sedona - narrow areas by cliff side ?) is optional — skip without missing the hike. This page does not state ledge widths or wait minutes. Stacking Bell / Cathedral / Devil’s: When to hike Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, Plan a Sedona trip, and Bell Rock Pathway. On steepness, USFS calls it strenuous; this page adds no grades of its own. Other options: Airport Mesa, West Fork, Chapel, Slide Rock, best time to visit Sedona, and Soldier Pass Trail (a different shuttle and gate). Current open/closed status is not stated here — check Coconino alerts and USFS before you drive.

• When to Hike Devil’s Bridge in Sedona
• Plan a Sedona trip
• Bell Rock Pathway
• Airport Mesa / Airport Scenic Overlook / Airport Loop
• West Fork Trail / Call of the Canyon (Sedona / Oak Creek Canyon)
• Chapel of the Holy Cross (Sedona)
• Slide Rock State Park (Sedona / Oak Creek Canyon)
• Best time to visit Sedona
• Soldier Pass Trail

Cathedral Rock and vortex sites

Cathedral Rock is a classic named vortex site and often appears in “four vortexes in one day” beginner stacks. This page makes no spiritual claims or energy guarantees. Travellers also say continue past the first saddle / left-and-higher for “vortex” views — optional; this page does not claim that a particular ledge is “the” vortex. On your own or with a guide: Do you need a guide for Sedona vortex sites?

• Do you need a guide for Sedona vortex sites?

Heat and exposure

USFS flags the trail as unshaded and hot in summer. Midday on a hot day is a poor default for this scramble — see cool things to do on a hot day in Sedona. Travellers report that rain makes sandstone slick. This page does not give medical, heat-illness, or fitness advice.

• Cool things to do on a hot day in Sedona, Arizona

If you want a different shape of day

Drive-up contrast: Airport Mesa and Airport Loop Trail. Landmark without scramble: Chapel of the Holy Cross. Stack pacing: When to hike Devil’s Bridge in Sedona and Devil’s Bridge Trail. Easier pathway: Bell Rock Pathway. Creek / canyon: Slide Rock and West Fork. Season / pacing: best time to visit Sedona and Plan a Sedona trip. Hot midday: cool things to do on a hot day in Sedona. Kids / dogs: Sedona with kids and Sedona with dogs. Alternate shuttle-day hike: Soldier Pass Trail. Vortex sites: Do you need a guide for Sedona vortex sites? Light jeep vs DIY: How bumpy are Sedona jeep tours? Holiday peak: Thanksgiving in Sedona and Christmas in Sedona.

• Airport Mesa / Airport Scenic Overlook / Airport Loop
• Airport Loop Trail
• Chapel of the Holy Cross (Sedona)
• When to Hike Devil’s Bridge in Sedona
• Devil’s Bridge Trail
• Bell Rock Pathway
• Slide Rock State Park (Sedona / Oak Creek Canyon)
• West Fork Trail / Call of the Canyon (Sedona / Oak Creek Canyon)
• Best time to visit Sedona
• Plan a Sedona trip
• Cool things to do on a hot day in Sedona, Arizona
• Sedona with kids under about ten
• Sedona with dogs
• Soldier Pass Trail
• Do you need a guide for Sedona vortex sites?
• How bumpy are Sedona jeep tours — and which ones are gentle?
• Thanksgiving in Sedona
• Christmas in Sedona

Next steps

Decide first: private Back O’ Beyond lot when open (RRP or ATB), or Route 15 when trailhead shuttles run and the lot is closed — the right choice follows day-of-week and calendar. Check the Forest Service Cathedral Rock Trail No. 170 page before you drive — strenuous scramble; more rock climb than hike; prefer table 1.1 mi RT (plus same-route ~1.5-mile hike wording). Need the shuttle? Open Route 15 and how to ride the morning of — published Thu–Sun grid; check clocks live (the timetable footer read Effective November 6, 2023); holiday/supplemental calendars can extend to daily. Confirm pass rules for your access — Cathedral Rock Trailhead needs Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful when private parking is open; re-check the Passes Program page. Crescent Moon is a different Hospitality site for views of Cathedral — this page does not state its fees. Little Horse is not Cathedral overflow parking, per the official FAQ. Shoes: travellers favour grippy closed-toe shoes on slick rock; poles are often less useful on hand sections — no brand recommendations, no medical advice. Turn around if uncomfortable. Optional ledge beyond the saddle is optional — skip without missing the hike. Hot midday? Leave the scramble for cooler hours and use the hot-day guide. No medical advice here. For map and stats, see the Cathedral Rock Trail page. Alternative days: Airport Mesa, Chapel, Devil’s Bridge timing, Bell Rock Pathway, West Fork, Slide Rock, trip-shape, and best time. Have a backup if the lot is closed or the scramble is packed. This page does not deep-link a car-free guide. Corrections are free and need no account.

What this page will not say

It does not state lot-fill clocks, photo-line minutes, space counts, overnight lot guarantees, shoulder-parking advice, or tow / citation rules. It does not assume daily Route 15 service or unofficial shuttle brands. It will not mix Red Rock Pass, America the Beautiful, and Coconino Hospitality as if interchangeable, and it does not state Crescent Moon / Hospitality amounts. It will not name lodging, restaurants, jeep shops, or Uber guarantees. It will not give medical, pregnancy, heat-illness, or fitness advice, rank a best hike, state ledge widths or wait minutes, deep-link a car-free guide. Fee, trail, and shuttle figures are dated from the official pages; if those pages change, trust those pages.

About this page

This page covers visit logistics from the Forest Service Cathedral Rock Trail No. 170 page, Sedona Shuttle Route 15, the Sedona Shuttle how-to-ride FAQ, and the Red Rock & Coconino Passes Program page, not lodging or restaurants. Every dated trail figure and shuttle clock below was read from those pages on October 5, 2026; check them the morning you go. It does not state lot-fill clocks, photo-line minutes, tow rules, medical advice, or unofficial shuttle brands. For map and stats, see Cathedral Rock Trail. Cathedral Rock is a short, strenuous scramble — not an easy stroll to a viewpoint. The Forest Service describes Cathedral Rock Trail No. 170 as more of a rock climb than a hike: unshaded, steep, difficult in places, with basket cairns and toeholds in a cleft. Confirm difficulty and current notes on the Forest Service Cathedral Rock Trail No. 170 page before you commit. Turn around if the rock feels wrong for you. This page is not a fitness or medical receipt. Access is two options, not one lot that always works. (A) Private trailhead parking on Back O’ Beyond when the lot is open, needing a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful. (B) Free City of Sedona Shuttle Route 15 from North SR-179 Park & Ride when trailhead shuttles run — and when those shuttles operate, Cathedral Rock trailhead lot(s) are closed to the general public. Open Route 15 and the how-to-ride FAQ the morning you go. Check before you go; holiday and spring-break calendars can change lot-closure days. Sunrise / pre-shuttle parking, sunset vs last-shuttle return, shoes on slick sandstone, crowds, and vortex-beyond-saddle confusion are the problems travellers name most. Arrive with a plan and a backup hike if the scramble or the lot/shuttle situation is a zoo. The dated counts this page can honestly print are jeep, trolley and trail records this index already holds for a Sedona day — they are not Red Rock Pass amounts or Route 15 clocks: As of October 5, 2026 that is 24 trail records, 6 jeep tour records and 2 trolley tour records. The comparison pages below are the lists.