Cathedral Rock
Sedona’s most iconic summit scramble — a short, steep Class 3 climb to the saddle, filmed step by step so you can see every handhold before you go.
Trail Notes
What to expect on Cathedral Rock.
Cathedral Rock is short but serious. After a moderate approach up the slickrock, the route funnels into a steep chute that requires real hands-and-feet Class 3 scrambling to reach the saddle. It’s not technical climbing, but the exposure and steep rock catch people off guard. The video shows every handhold and foothold on the crux so you know exactly what you’re signing up for. Go early — the Back O’ Beyond lot fills by about 7:30 AM on weekends.
Planning the real hike? Read the full Cathedral Rock trail guide for difficulty, parking, permits, and route-finding details.
Trail at a Glance
Ready to take on Cathedral Rock?
Watch the full POV film, then dive into the complete trail guide before you go.