Challenge Level: Hard
Hiking Distance: About 1.75 miles each way, almost 3.5 miles round trip
Trailhead Directions: From the "Y" (the intersection of State Route 89A and State Route 179), travel south on State Route 179 for about 5 miles. The trailhead is the first "scenic view" on the right side of the southbound SR 179 just north of Bell Rock at GPS coordinates: 34° 48.440' N; 111° 44.166' W. The trail starts behind the handicap parking space and you'll need to climb over the fence
Description: The trail begins behind the fence. You begin hiking in a southeast direction and soon begin climbing up about 200 feet to a slickrock area. Continue in the southwest direction and cross a trail (the Templeton Trail?) and then make a turn west. You have great views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte and, in the distance, Rabbit Ears. The trail becomes very uneven and narrow (hence the hard rating). The trail continues along the east side of the seven warriors rock formation. In the far distance you can see the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Coffee Pot Rock. After about 1 mile you have your first view of Cathedral Rock. Continue another 0.75 mile to a very scenic overlook area with Cathedral Rock on the right and Little Park below and to the left.
NOTE: This trail is an unmarked, unmaintained trail with loose rock, narrow ledges, uneven surfaces and steep drop, offs. If these conditions are of concern, do not attempt this trail.
For those of you have a GPS unit, I have the GPS data available which includes the route, waypoints and points of interest for the hike.
Great Sedona Hikes
Last Updated August 30, 2010
Web Page by Bill Bohan (billbo@greatsedonahikes.com)