If you’re in Sedona and looking for an exciting way to spend the day, Cathedral Rock is the place for you!
This spot is very popular for anyone visiting the Sedona area and for good reason! It is an amazing rock formation to photograph and you can even swim right next to it!
Difference between Cathedral Rock and Red Rock Crossing
Now, before you go, you need to know which spot you want to go to. But Adam, it’s only one rock right? Yes, but there is a location where you can actually hike up to Cathedral Rock and another spot where water occupies the foreground.
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is one of the most famous rock formations in the Southwest. Now, technically, when you go to Cathedral Rock, you are really going to hike up to Cathedral Rock, and not the viewpoint.
When I was there a few months ago, I didn’t do my research beforehand and cluelessly walked around looking for water, only to realize I was at the wrong spot.
Red Rock Crossing
The location with the water is more popular for both photographers and normal tourists. The water leads right to Cathedral Rock, making for some awesome images. For tourists, you can even swim in the water!
This “water location” is called Cathedral Rock Vortex at Red Rock Crossing, or Crescent Moon Picnic Site. Entering Red Rock Crossing is an $11 fee. Once you park, it is only a short walk to where the water is. Some people will literally set up camp there with big umbrellas and tables alongside the water.
This was shot at Red Rock Crossing.
The most important thing I can tell you is that when walking across to get to the dry rocks, it is extremely slippery.
I’m talking if you are barefoot, you have to inch your way across. I saw some with water shoes or sandals that didn’t have that big of a problem, so it might just be bare feet that get the worst of it.
Directions
If you want to hike up Cathedral Rock, you will need to go to the Cathedral Rock Trailhead. Again, this is a completely DIFFERENT location than Red Rock Crossing.
Cathedral Rock Trailhead
The trailhead is located 38 miles south of Flagstaff at Red Rock Country.
From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, turn on to 179 south for 3.5 miles to Back O’ Beyond Road on the right.
Then, go 0.6 miles to the trailhead parking that is on the left.
GPS Coordinates: 34°49’30.7″N 111°47’18.3″W
There are 2 parking lots, but they fill up quickly!
For full information about the trailhead, click here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55264
Cathedral Rock Vortex at Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon Picnic Site)
This site is located 37 miles south of Flagstaff and 7 miles southwest of Sedona, with an elevation of 4,000ft.
Drive west from Sedona on US 89A and turn south on FR 216 (Upper Red Rock Loop Road). Continue driving about 1.5 miles and follow signs for Red Rock Crossing.
GPS Coordinates: 34°49’35.7″N 111°48’25.5″W
It is an $11 fee to park.
For full information about Red Rock Crossing, click here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55286
When to Go
Whether you’re hiking Cathedral Rock or swimming at Red Rock Crossing, both places can become extremely crowded.
Not only is Sedona a very popular town in Arizona, but Cathedral Rock is also one of the most famous locations to visit in the Southwest.
This was taken near Red Rock Crossing.
So obviously, summer is the most crowded season.
If you want to swim in the water, I recommend going anytime from Spring to the start of Fall. I was there in late September swimming, and the water was in the mid to high 60s.
Since it is in the desert, you get access to some incredibly dark skies! And if there’s one thing to know about me, I love dark skies.
This was shot at Red Rock Crossing during a full moon!
If you want to get a nice shot of the Milky Way with Cathedral Rock in the foreground, I’d recommend going during the summer months when the Milky Way is high in the sky. If you want to learn how to photograph the Milky Way click here.
*Red Rock Crossing does close at dusk so you might have to go to one of the lookouts for any night photography.*
During the summer months, the temperature can range from 80-100 °F (26-37 °C).
During winter, the temperature can go from 32-60 °F (0-15 °C).
There you have it! A complete travel guide to Cathedral Rock! Have fun, be safe (especially on the slippery rocks) and keep photographing!
