Sedona is as beautiful as everyone claims. There are so many trails to hike on in this heavily populated area. After reading about the trails, it seemed impossible to find trails that were less travelled, but we did!
There are a few different trailheads you can use to access Cathedral Rock: Cathedral Rock Trailhead, Templeton Trail Trailhead, and Baldwin Trail Trailhead
Baldwin Trail
We decided to hike on the Baldwin Trail to beat the crowds. After landing in Phoenix and waiting until 11am for the car rental, we then drove to Sedona in the afternoon. Baldwin Trail was our first hike after getting out of the car at 3:30PM.
The Baldwin Trail Trailhead sits across the road from the south side of Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon) parking area near the end of the Verde Valley School Road. Verde Valley Road turns in to a pretty bumpy dirt road but you do not need a high-clearance vehicle. Just move slowly around the potholes.
A half-mile in, Baldwin Trail meets the end of the Templeton Trail. Feel free to take the Templeton Trail down to the water (Oak Creek) to play in the water. There aren’t many water hikes in Sedona!
We explored the river and loved climbing on the rocks. The Baldwin Trail forks right and climbs moderately between Cathedral Rock and a red rock butte. The view of Cathedral Rock at the top of the trail was outstanding! Keep on Baldwin Trail to loop back to the parking lot or turn around for an out-and-back hike. Be sure to take photos of the gorgeous red rock!
TRAIL STATS
* Length: 3.2 miles round trip
* Trailhead Elevation: 3,950 ft.
* Type of Hike: Loop with branch off trails
* Difficulty: Easy
* Kid Friendly: Yes
* Dog Friendly: Yes
Erika LaPean 