Red spires
Side by side.
dconvertini — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Ken Thomas — Public domain · dconvertini — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Tomas Castelazo — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Adam Baker from Houston / Moscow / Toulouse (travel a lot) — CC BY 2.0
Cathedral Rock is a red sandstone formation near Sedona, Arizona, where slender rock spires stand side by side like the towers of a cathedral. Stepped red rock and green scrub surround it, with Oak Creek at its foot. It lies in the Coconino National Forest and is one of Sedona's best-known sights. A short, steep trail climbs to it, about 1.8 km return with roughly 200 m of gain, with stretches where you scramble up the rock with your hands. The Forest Service manages the trail and rates it difficult. Visitors climb to the saddle between the spires for the view over the valley, or head to Red Rock Crossing on the creek to see the rock reflected in the water, loveliest at sunset. It is about 6.4 km in a straight line southwest of central Sedona. The trailhead car park needs a daily Red Rock Pass, or you can ride the free Sedona Shuttle instead. Bring water and sturdy shoes, and avoid the midday heat.
Side by side.
On the creek.
On the stone.
Coconino National Forest, southwest of Sedona, Arizona
Yes, short but very steep.
With a Red Rock Pass, or take the free shuttle.