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Hiking Cathedral Rock Trail, a religious
experience
For the avid hiker, this strenuous but short climb is as
rewarding as it gets with a secret view for those in the know
by Carl Jackson
SEDONA, AZ - Certainly the most spectacular red rock
formations in all Sedona are the majestic spires of Cathedral Rock.
So is it any wonder that Cathedral Rock Trail, that takes hikers up
to the saddle between the spires, is as equally spectacular?
This strenuous hike has a 608 foot elevation change in just .7 miles
making it one of the shortest, most strenuous and most rewarding
hikes in the area. Only those in good physical condition should
attempt the climb.
Make sure you're wearing an old pair of jeans or shorts and get
ready to scramble along deep crevices, feel off balance once or
twice, and scrape a knee. You'll need both hands in many spots so
have a wrist strap on your walking stick if you carry one.
The first part of the hike over a dry wash to Courthouse Butte Vista
is an easy jaunt, just a third of a mile in, and less than a 100
foot elevation change. The vista offers expansive views of
Courthouse Butte in the distance and the towering spires of
Cathedral Rock.
The trail soon become very steep as it climbs 525 feet in .4 miles
to the saddle.
As you ascend the final leg of the hike to ridge line, the
combination of hyper ventilation, the dramatic elevation change, and
the panoramic views of the Verde Valley as it comes into view, all
conspire to create a tingling out of body sensation: a true
religious experience.
Along the ridge line, there is a hidden trail that takes hikers out
to a gorgeous view of Courthouse Butte framed like a painting by the
spires of Cathedral Rock.
Be prepared to scramble in between rock crevices on the Cathedral
Rock Trail.
On the way down, don't be afraid to implement the "butt shimmy"
technique. Crawling down crab style with your butt sliding along the
rock face and keeping your center of gravity as low as possible is
the easiest way to descend the steep, loose gravel trail.
To get to the Cathedral Rock Trail travelling south along SR179 from
Uptown Sedona, take a right at the new roundabout at Back O' Beyond.
The trailhead is less than a mile down on the left.
To share hiking stories, photos, and videos please visit Sedona's
only social networking site for hiking enthusiasts at
www.SedonaHiker.com.
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