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Canyons & deserts

Sedona Red Rock Country

Sedona, AZ · Verde Valley and Red Rock Country, Northern Arizona$Red Rock Pass $5 a day per vehicle, $15 a week

About

Cathedral Rock is the shape everyone recognizes, a cluster of red sandstone fins standing over Oak Creek and glowing hardest an hour before sunset. The Forest Service rates the trail to the saddle strenuous: 1.1 miles round trip, 669 feet of gain on bare slickrock, with toeholds chipped into the steepest pitches and no shade or water on it. Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte and the Airport Mesa loop offer the same red rock with less scrambling. Trailhead parking takes a Red Rock Pass ($5 daily, $15 weekly, $20 annual) or an America the Beautiful pass. Thursday through Sunday year round the Cathedral Rock lot is closed and the free Sedona Shuttle from the North SR 179 park and ride is the only way in. The Pocket Fire closure order has Devils Bridge, Soldier Pass and Fay Canyon shut through September 30, 2026, and summer highs top 100, so start at dawn and check the forest closure list before you drive.

Highlights

Red Rock Pass required at trailheads ($5 day, $15 week, $20 year) or America the Beautiful passCathedral Rock lot closed Thu to Sun year round; free Sedona Shuttle Route 15 from the North SR 179 park and ride is the only accessCathedral Rock 1.1 mi round trip, 669 ft gain, Forest Service rates it strenuousSteep slickrock scramble with chipped toeholds, hands neededDevils Bridge, Soldier Pass and Fay Canyon closed by the Pocket Fire order through Sept 30, 2026No shade or water and summer highs over 100, so hike at dawn

Getting there

8375 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86351

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