May 2017 Mangum Dental Hike of the Month
Cathedral Rock Hike, Sedona Arizona
Distance: 1.5 mile round trip from Back O’ Beyond Road Trail Head. The hike is 3.9 mile round-trip from the Baldwin Trail Head.
Difficulty: Moderate with a few areas of difficulty
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Parking: $5 one-day pass, $20 Sedona annual pass. Bring a credit card in case the pay station is down and cannot accept cash.
Directions: From the intersection of Hwy 89 and 179, drive south on Highway 179 for 3.4 miles and turn right at the roundabout onto Back O’ Beyond Road. Travel an additional 0.6miles and the parking area is on your left. Parking is limited and the hike is about 1.5 miles from here.
Cathedral Rock is a famous Arizona Landmark and one of Sedona’s most photographed places. We feature it as a Mangum Dental Hike, but it may be better classified as a climb. The trail is short and steep so wear shoes with good tread. It is a heavy-traffic area suitable for year-round hiking. Prepare for full-sun exposure as the only shade can be found between the spires. The trail is marked well with rock cairns wrapped in wire. There are some areas where the rock has been cut away for footholds to aid in climbing up the steep rock. Expect to do some bouldering at times, however there are people of all ages on this hike. The reward is the view at the top.
The alternate 3.9 mile hike starts a few more miles out Highway 179 turning right onto Verde Valley School Road. The drive is paved for most of the way, turning to dirt for a short distance. A passenger car is able to make it fine to this parking area. The trailhead here is the Baldwin Trail and the hike follows Oak Creek for part of the way. Follow the Baldwin Trail for about ½ mile to the intersection with the Templeton Trail. The Baldwin Trail turns to the right but continue straight on the Templeton Trail as it circles to the other side of Cathedral Rock. The trails are well marked and connects with the #170 trail from the Back O’ Beyond parking area. This is where the ascent up to the saddle becomes steep. The views are gorgeous and difficult to capture in a photograph. Another classic view of Cathedral Rock is captured on the Scenic Red Rock Loop Drive.
Mangum Dental has been serving the Prescott-area dental needs since 1978. We strive to provide exceptional patient care while rendering outstanding compassionate service. Get the Mangum Dental app for free and have the hike of the month on the go. Find us online at www.MangumDental.com.
