What to do after hiking Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is incredible, but Sedona has so much more to offer. Whether you want more hiking, easier walks, water activities, or just scenic drives, here's what to do next.
Distance: 4.2 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate | Time: 2-3 hours
Sedona's most famous hike and most photographed natural feature. Walk out onto a massive sandstone arch for that iconic Instagram shot. The trail is longer but easier than Cathedral Rock—no scrambling required. Extremely crowded, especially on weekends. Parking is terrible. Go early (before 7 AM) or be prepared to park far away and add distance to your hike.
Good for families with older kids, anyone who wants the classic Sedona photo, and people who prefer longer, easier trails to short scrambles.
Distance: 1-3 miles (your choice) | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Time: 1-2 hours
One of Sedona's most recognizable formations. The trail circles the base and you can go as far as you want before turning around. Way easier than Cathedral Rock—mostly flat with gentle climbs. Popular with families. Parking is easier than other major trails. Beautiful at sunset when the rock glows orange-red.
Good for beginners, families with young kids, people who want a casual walk with great views, and sunset photos.
Distance: 6.9 miles round trip | Difficulty: Easy | Time: 3-4 hours
Follows West Fork of Oak Creek through a beautiful canyon. Shaded, mostly flat, with multiple stream crossings. Spectacular fall colors in late October. No scrambling or exposure—just peaceful canyon hiking. Can get crowded but the length spreads people out. Requires Red Rock Pass. Located in Oak Creek Canyon about 20 minutes north of Uptown Sedona.
Good for people who want a longer, easier hike in a completely different environment than Cathedral Rock. Perfect for hot summer days (shaded and cool).
Distance: 3.5 miles loop | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Time: 1.5-2 hours
360-degree views of Sedona from a mesa top. Popular for sunset. Relatively easy trail with some uphill sections but nothing technical. Parking lot right at the trailhead. Can be windy. One of the famous "vortex" sites if you're into that.
Good for sunset viewing, panoramic photos, and people who want easier hiking with big views.
Distance: 4.4 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate | Time: 2-3 hours
Less crowded than the major trails. Features the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and great rock formations. Some rocky sections but no major scrambling. Good trail for people who've done the classics and want something different.
Distance: 4 miles loop | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Time: 2 hours
Circles Courthouse Butte with constant red rock views. Less crowded than Bell Rock despite being right next to it. Gentle elevation changes, well-maintained trail. Can combine with Bell Rock for a longer day.
Location: 5 minutes from Cathedral Rock trailhead | Cost: $10 day-use fee
Get the classic Cathedral Rock reflection photo from the creek side. Short, flat walk from parking to Oak Creek. Kids can wade and play in the water (in summer). Beautiful spot for picnicking. Less physically demanding than hiking Cathedral Rock but gives you the iconic view.
Best for families, photographers, hot days, and people who want to see Cathedral Rock without the scramble.
Location: Oak Creek Canyon, 20 min north | Cost: $30 per vehicle
Natural water slides formed by slick creek rocks. Extremely popular in summer (packed). Cold water even in summer. Fun for kids and adults. Get there early (8 AM) to avoid crowds and parking nightmares. Water is usually too cold before June and after September.
Location: Various spots along Oak Creek Canyon | Cost: Free to $10
Multiple swimming holes and creek access points along AZ-89A through Oak Creek Canyon. Grasshopper Point is popular (requires Red Rock Pass). Many free pullouts along the road where you can access the creek. Water is cold year-round but refreshing after a hot hike.
Route: AZ-89A from Sedona to Flagstaff | Distance: 27 miles | Time: 45 min-1 hour
One of Arizona's most beautiful drives. Winds through a dramatic canyon with red rock walls, switchbacks, and creek views. Multiple pullouts for photos. Connects Sedona to Flagstaff. Spectacular fall colors in late October. Drive it slowly and stop often.
Route: AZ-179 from I-17 through Sedona | Distance: 15 miles | Time: 30 minutes
Officially designated scenic byway with constant red rock views. Passes Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and other formations. Good for first-time visitors to get oriented and decide which trails to hike.
Route: Dirt road east of Sedona | Distance: First 3 miles accessible | Requirements: High-clearance vehicle recommended
Incredible views from above Sedona. First couple miles are rough but doable in a regular SUV if you go slow. Beyond that requires 4WD and high clearance. Pink Jeep tours use this road if you don't want to drive it yourself.
Location: 5 min from Cathedral Rock | Cost: Free | Time: 30 minutes
Modern chapel built into the red rocks. Unique architecture, spiritual vibe, great views. Short walk from parking lot (steep but paved). Worth a quick stop whether you're religious or not—the building itself is impressive.
Location: Uptown Sedona | Cost: Free to browse | Time: 1-2 hours
Outdoor shopping area designed to look like a Mexican village. Art galleries, shops, restaurants. Nice for walking around, especially if you want a break from hiking. Good place for souvenirs that aren't totally touristy.
Location: 45 min northwest | Cost: $5 | Time: 1-2 hours | Reservations required
Ancient cliff dwellings and rock art from 1150-1350 AD. Well-preserved ruins you can walk through. Limited daily visitors so it never feels crowded. Requires advance reservation. More authentic and less touristy than many Southwest ruins sites.
Off-road tours into backcountry areas you can't access without 4WD. Multiple tour options from 2-4 hours. Popular with families and people who want to see more without the physical effort. Book ahead—they fill up quickly.
Popular spots: Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock viewpoint (from Red Rock Crossing), any pullout along 89A. Bring a camp chair or blanket, show up 30 minutes before sunset, and enjoy the show. The red rocks glow incredible colors as the sun sets.
Location: 30-45 min from Sedona
Page Springs wine country and Old Town Cottonwood have multiple tasting rooms. Jerome (old mining town turned artist community) is worth visiting even if you don't drink wine. Weird shops, galleries, and mountain views.
Distance: 2 hours from Sedona | Cost: $35 per vehicle
Definitely doable as a day trip. Leave Sedona by 8 AM, spend 4-5 hours at the canyon, back to Sedona by dinner. The South Rim is open year-round. Walk the Rim Trail for easy access to incredible views, or hike partway down Bright Angel Trail if you're ambitious.
Distance: 45 min from Sedona
Mountain town at 7,000 feet elevation. Historic downtown with breweries and restaurants. Route 66 nostalgia. Northern Arizona University campus. Good for a lunch break if you're driving between Sedona and Grand Canyon.
Distance: 30 min from Sedona | Cost: $10
Well-preserved cliff dwelling (Montezuma Castle) and natural limestone sinkhole (Montezuma Well). Both quick stops—1 hour each. Good if you want to see ancient ruins without the drive to Palatki.
• 7:00 AM: Cathedral Rock hike (finish by 9:00 AM)
• 10:00 AM: Red Rock Crossing for photos and creek time
• 12:00 PM: Lunch in Uptown Sedona
• 2:00 PM: Drive through Oak Creek Canyon or Bell Rock easy walk
• 5:00 PM: Sunset at Airport Mesa
• 6:30 PM: Dinner in Sedona
Day 1:
• Morning: Cathedral Rock
• Afternoon: West Fork Trail or Slide Rock
• Evening: Sunset and dinner
Day 2:
• Morning: Devil's Bridge
• Afternoon: Tlaquepaque, Chapel of the Holy Cross, wine tasting
• Evening: Sunset drive through Oak Creek Canyon
Day 1: Sedona highlights (Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Red Rock Crossing)
Day 2: Grand Canyon day trip
Day 3: Easy Sedona day (West Fork Trail, Jerome/Cottonwood wine tasting, sunset)
Ready to plan your Cathedral Rock hike?
• Complete Cathedral Rock Trail Guide - Everything you need to know
• Best Time to Hike - Sunrise vs sunset guide
• Parking Guide - Where to park and when
• vs Devil's Bridge - Which hike is better?
• What to Bring - Complete gear checklist