Cathedral Rock is the iconic Sedona formation — the twin spires rising 1,000 feet above the valley floor that appear on virtually every postcard of the town. The hike to the saddle between the two main spires is short (about 1.5 miles round trip) but steep and scrambling, requiring use of hands on the final section. The effort is fully repaid by the 360-degree views across the red rock landscape.
The classic photographers' viewpoint is Red Rock Crossing on Oak Creek, reached from a separate trailhead on Red Rock Loop Road, where the reflection of the formation in the creek water is one of the more extraordinary landscapes in the American Southwest. Arrive at sunrise for the best light. The Cathedral Rock Vortex site, at the base of the formation, is one of four recognised Sedona vortex points.