Hiking Hotspot: Sedona’s Templeton Trail at Cathedral Rock
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For all Sedona visitors looking for an easier, shorter trail which still offers stunning red rock scenery, I recommend checking out the Templeton Trail at Cathedral Rock. One of the newer trails in town, this beautiful course takes you along the base of the stunning Cathedral Rock formation. However, the real treat comes in later when you come across a quiet section of picturesque Oak Creek. This peaceful hike is short and relatively flat, so a good choice for newcomers. It’s one of my favorite easy hikes in the region and also a great summer choice because it is short and shady. I’ve hiked a lot of trails since moving to neighboring Flagstaff, and I particularly love the striking greenery on this one!
Most tourists will be climbing up the challenging Cathedral Rock formation. If you are scared of heights (I am not scared and this trail was super scary in my opinion, the Templeton Trail is a nice flatter alternative which sees very little foot traffic. Thus, this hike is a relaxing trek into nature, rather than a stressful, crowded tourist experience. Anyone seeking a little solitude and a look into what Sedona might have looked like in the past should enjoy the tranquility of this trail. As someone who lived in the area and dealt with the traffic each weekend, I sure did.
Cathedral Rock: one of 4 vortex sites
And a little time is all you will need as this trail is just 2 miles total. You will start your journey at the Cathedral Rock trailhead. A slightly uphill 0.4 mile or so trek will take you up close to this majestic rock formation, which happens to be one of 4 vortex sites in Sedona. Vortexes are areas of powerful energy with supposed healing properties, thus making them popular tourist attractions. I’ve read up a lot about these vortexes, talked with locals, visited new age shops and hiked several vortex trails (Airport Mesa featuring scenic steep drop offs and Boynton Canyon featuring a shady trek through the Secret Mountain Wilderness are both gorgeous!).
From here, most hikers will attempt to climb up the rock. While they are busy challenging their body & mind to complete this strenuous rock climbing activity, you can follow the signs for the peaceful, totally relaxing Templeton hike.
Beautiful Oak Creek
A short walk downhill will eventually lead you to a hidden calm section of Oak Creek. Take a few great photos, relax, or dip your feet into the creek for the ultimate cool down on a hot summer’s day. Simply, enjoy this quiet time and peaceful red rock scenery without the hefty crowds! I love this viewpoint and how the creek contrasts against the green trees.
Along the way, you will get to enjoy not only red rock views, but also beautiful flowering cactus plants, along with other interesting forms of desert plant life that you will not get to see back home. This trail is surprisingly green for a desert with lush plant life to enjoy the entire route. You can really see how much the green stands out amongst the brownish red rocks. I don’t manipulate any pics or run them through Photoshop or Lightroom – they really are this green!
The trail ends at the intersection of the Baldwin trail for a nice refreshing 1 mile out-and-back trek. The way back up is going to be a slight uphill climb, nothing too strenuous, and nowhere near as hard as most other trails. However, you will get in a nice little lower body workout and you can skip the gym for the day.
Although the trail is partly shaded with some decent tree coverage, it is too hot during the summer season especially when temperatures frequently soar into the upper 90’s-low 100’s. Therefore, this hike is much more enjoyable during the spring and fall seasons. However, due to the short distance, it is a much more bearable summer hike than most others if your visit falls this time.
Tips for a great hike
Set out early in the morning, especially during the summer months. The temps will be cooler, plus it will be much easier to find parking.
Bring with plenty of water. The dry, hot climate requires you to drink much more than you are used to.
Wear proper hiking attire and shoes. Carry a hiking stick for extra traction.
Eat a quality breakfast before your hike. A day out hiking is much more time consuming than you would think when you include all the driving to get to the trailhead. If you are coming from Flagstaff, I recommend Indian Gardens on the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon drive. I love this place! Great coffee, food, and pastries plus an awesome shady patio! In Sedona, I recommend Creekside American Bistro.
Hiking details
- Directions: Take 179 south 3.5 miles until reaching Back O’ Beyond Road which will be on the right. Drive 0.6 miles to the trailhead parking. Oftentimes, the lot will be full and you will need to park in the overflow lot.
- Parking: A daily Red Rock Pass ($5) or Annual America the Beautiful Pass
- Distance: About 2 miles total
- Time: 1-1.5 hours
More details on this trail via the National Forest Service page.
