Cathedral Rock

Since this was a last minute trip, I didn't have the opportunity to do as much research as usual. So after our very good hotel breakfast this morning, we went over to the official visitor information center to get recommendations on hiking trails. (FYI, there are a lot of places around Sedona with signs saying "Tourist Info" and "Free Maps," but I suspect that they just steer people to their own businesses.) I asked the volunteer about two trails that were well-reviewed on TripAdvisor, Devils Bridge and Cathedral Rock. She advised against Devils Bridge since much of the trail is along the north-face of the rocks and would likely still be icy/muddy from the recent rain. But she thought that the boys would really enjoy hiking Cathedral Rock, especially since it involved some rock climbing. Sold!

We headed south on Route 179, the Red Rock Scenic Byway, to get to the trailhead off of Back O' Beyond Road. Luckily, we were able to get the last spot in the parking lot, and our national park annual pass covered the fee! Armed with water and snacks, we set off. We were obviously more prepared for the hike ahead than the woman we saw in her pretty suede boots with wedge heels. Don't think they made it very far in - LOL!

The first part of the trail was easy and shaded by trees. As we approached the base of Cathedral Rock, the trail became exposed slickrock, but it was well-marked with cairns.

Captain Morgan, the trail blazer

And this is where the climbing began...

Yep, that crevice on the left was the way up!

Once we reached the plateau, I was ready for a breather. And the views weren't too shabby either!

Our car is waaaay down there!

But we still had a little ways to go to get to the end of the trail. The rocks looked even more spectacular up-close!

The mountain goats lost patience with their old, picture-taking mother, so they forged ahead. The advantage was that they could point out the good footholds on the way up to the saddle between two of the spires.

R at the trail's end

Looking west to Red Rock State Park from the saddle

Yes, I have to stand on a rock to look taller than my boys!

R and J decided to explore a little further and found another saddle with a view of Courthouse Rock...

Red dirt badges for completing the hike

When the woman at the information center said that trail had 700 feet of elevation gain in only 0.7 mile, I was only thinking about how I was going to make it up there. It totally didn't register when she warned that getting down was harder than climbing up! And was she ever right! EEK!