Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands

This is the most comprehensive Santa Cruz Island Backpacking Guide. It contains everything you need to know to do the ultimate backpack on Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park.

The Channel Islands National Park consists of five islands located just off the coast of sunny California. On these islands, you will find loads of hiking, camping, kayaking, snorkeling, and other recreational activities.

The islands are well-protected, and the National Park Service does an excellent job of minimizing human impact. Due to the fragile ecosystem, if you plan on visiting this National Park, you'll need to plan ahead.

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IN THIS GUIDE, WE SHARE ALL THE LOGISTICS FOR PLANNING A BACKPACKING TRIP ON SANTA CRUZ ISLAND LOCATED 25 MILES OFF OF THE COAST OF CALIFORNIA.

You should practice good trail etiquette at all of our shared destinations and remember to Leave No Trace. That means packing out your garbage, being respectful of others on busy trails, and following the established rules.

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Getting To The Santa Cruz Islands

From Ventura Harbor, Island Packers offers regular boat ferries and cruises to Santa Cruz and the other islands in Channel Islands National Park.

The trip to Prisoners Harbor or Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island takes slightly over an hour. Be aware that the boat ride can be cold and rough, so dress accordingly with layers. If you get seasick, consider taking preventive steps before the ride, such as purchasing anti-nausea bands or packing Dramamine. If you start to feel sick while on the boat, head to the back for fresh air and keep your eyes on the horizon.

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You must check in at the Channel Islands office at least one hour prior to your departure to pick up your ticket. Before you put your bags on board they will ask you to remove any water containers and gas/fuel. These will be held in a separate, fire-safe container and collected once you get to the island. Be sure to mark your fuel canisters with your initials or name so it is easy to identify.

It's a good idea to call Island Packers at (805) 642-1393 prior to your boat ride to ensure your trip has not been canceled due to rough seas.

Santa Cruz Island Map

Map of Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island Weather

The best time to visit Santa Cruz is from September to November when the summer tourists have left and the beaches, hiking trails, and other attractions are less crowded.

The warmest month of the year in Santa Cruz is September, where the average temperature gets to around 23℃ (73℉), but temperatures can reach as high as 25℃ (78℉) on the hottest days in summer. The weather in the winter, especially around December, can reach a minimum of 6℃ (43℉).

Here is a link to check the Current Weather and forecast.

Camping Reservations

Del Norte Campground : To camp at the Del Norte Campground, you must have both a boat reservation and a campground reservation. The Del Norte campground, SCI is the smallest campground in the park. There are only four sites each with a four-person capacity for a maximum of 16 total campers at one time. Located 3.5 uphill miles from the pier where you disembark the boat. This is a “backcountry” campground.  Rustic and charming with beautiful views of the island coast, this campground is frequented by backpackers and hearty hikers.

Picnic tables and small food storage boxes are in each site. NO fresh/potable water is available at this location and most years no streams or creeks flow to allow for water filtration by campers.

Campsite 3 (most private)

Campsite 1 (most scenic)

Most Scenic Campsite: Site 1 give you gorgeous views of the water but you are very exposed

Most Private Site: Site 4 gives you some privacy and shelter from the winds.

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Scorpion Canyon Campground: To camp here, you must have both a boat reservation and a campground reservation. Scorpion Anchorage offers the most numerous and most-visited campsites in the Park. The campground area has shade in most sites provided by old-growth eucalyptus trees.

There are two campgrounds - Upper and Lower. Lower is closer to the harbor and therefore a bit more exposed to the elements and humidity. If you plan on doing more water activities, stay in Lower Scorpion Campground for quicker pier access. If you plan on doing more inland hiking, Upper Scorpion Campground is the spot for you.

The placement of the campground in Scorpion Canyon provides shelter from the prevailing NW winds. There are no trash cans for the public on the island, so you must pack out all trash when you leave.

You may reserve up to 7 consecutive nights.

Santa Cruz Island Backpacking Trail Map

Santa Cruz Island Backpacking Trail Map with Pelican Bay Day Hike Added on to Day 1

Water Availability (IMPORTANT)

Drinkable water is VERY scarce on the island. Be prepared to carry extra water, especially in warmer weather. Potable water is ONLY available at the Scorpion Ranch campground on Santa Cruz Island.

Santa Cruz Island Backpacking Itinerary

• Day 1: Hike Prisoners Harbor to Del norte Campground | 4.8 miles
• Day 2: Hike Del Norte Campground to Scorpion Anchorage Campground | 9.5 miles
• Day 3: Optional Exploratory Hike (optional) | Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon, Potato Harbor | ~8 miles
• Day 4: Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage | Hike to Scorpion Canyon Ferry | .5 miles

There are a few variations that you could do to this itinerary. We chose to designated Day 3 as a full exploratory day in order to really kick back and enjoy the island. This gave us enough time to explore all the parts we wanted to see. We also like to spice up our trips, so we allotted time on Day 4 to take a guided kayaking tour.

Trip Report

Day 1: Hike Prisoners Harbor to Del norte Campground (3.2 miles, 1182 elevation gain)

• Potable Water Availability: None available
• Best Campsite at Del Norte Campground: #1 (most scenic) | #4 (most private)

I would recommend getting the earliest ferry out of Ventura so that you can get to the island with plenty of time to explore and, if possible, do the Pelican Bay Hike. You will need to fill out a form and submit this to the rangers before doing the hike. Only passengers of Island Packers are permitted to hike on this land, so take advantage of this unique opportunity.

The Pelican Bay Hike is a 4-mile out-and-back trail that gives offers some insanely beautiful views and gives you access to the sandy shores at Tinker Harbor. Do not miss this hike if you are comfortable with tacking on 4 additional miles to your first day. You can leave your big packs in the fox boxes at Prisoners Harbor and just take a day pack with snacks and water.

If you do the entire Pelican Bay Hike, expect to spend about 3 hours exploring. Once you are back at Prisoners Harbor, grab a quick lunch or snack, pack it up, and head out to your first leg of the backpack.

Pelican Bay Hiking Trail

Tinkers Harbor Cartwheels

Jump Session on the beach

Although the trail does snuggle up against the coastline to give you ocean views at every turn, the majority of the hike is along a road. And it is pretty dang steep. Once you get your boots dug into the actual trail, guess what, it gets even steeper! The trail drops you down into a valley and then straight up the other side a couple of times. However, the rolling hills, blue skies (hopefully) and water views make the hike fly by.

The turnoff for the campground is well marked at a Y intersection, and the sites are only a few hundred feet up the trail. While at camp, make sure to place all of your food, or anything scented inside the fox boxes. The Island foxes are definitely not shy and will start inspecting the new visitors as soon as you arrive. It is recommended to keep all of your gear, socks, bags off the ground and tabletop as these little dudes just may be curious enough to rustle through your goods to try to find some snackies.

Hiking along Navy Road

Del Norte Trail Views

Campsite 1

Campsite 3

Day 2: Hike Del Norte Campground to Lower Scorpion Campground (9.7 miles, 2322 elev gain)

• Potable Water Availability: Water available at both Upper and Lower Scorpion Campground
• Best Campsite at Lower Scorpion Campground: #3 (most private & best access)

Get an early start to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the views. It is possible to add a side trip down to Chinese Harbor (adds 3.6 miles roundtrip). The average time to hike from Del Norte Campground to Lower Scorpion is about 5-6.5 hours, but trust me, you will want to stop to take some photos. Many, many, many photos.

It is pretty incredible how often and vastly the landscape changes along this trail. Some of the hike cuts its way between high grass valleys, over wide-open hilltops, down into deep, rocky valleys, and around some sketchy edges up to a spine that overlooks the west side of the island.

The turnoff for Chinese Harbor is about 2.3 miles from the Del Norte Campground. You should note that this will take you to an overlook of Chinese Harbor, and not down to the beach. The hike is 1.8 miles each way.

This hike really rakes a turn for the awesome the moment you link up with Montañon Trail at about the 5.2-mile mark. The massive peaks in the distance seem impassable, making you question where in the heck you are even headed. You can make out parts of the trail, but it seems to disappear around a very steep corner. And that's because it does!

What started out as a relatively passive hike, gets gnarly with the quickness as you take a quick ascent up to Montañon Ridge. The terrain gets pretty chunky and narrow as it curves its way around a lower ridge, followed by an incredibly scenic 360-viewpoint on top of the ridgeline. Being that this junction is very close to the highest point on the island, you get massive views of the western coastline on one side and Scorpion Harbor on the other. On clear days, you can see Anacapa Island!

This is the part where someone (there's always that guy) starts saying "It's all down here from here." But, for once, he won't be lying. The next 4 miles wind their way down to Scorpion Harbor. There are two trails you could take to get to the campgrounds. We went for the slightly longer one that drops you into the valley, passing through Upper Scorpion Campground and then into Lower Scorpion. Just passed that is the harbor.

There is a fantastic short hike that will lead you to an overlook of the harbor. Here, you will get sweeping views of the giant kelp forest floating below and the massive rock formations in the distance: Scorpion Rock. This is a killer location to photograph sunset or sunrise.

Day 3: Optional Exploratory Hike | Smugglers Road, Scorpion Canyon, Potato Harbor | ~8 miles

There are many ways to spend the day hiking and exploring all the goods on this side of the island. We compiled an 8-mile loop that hits all of the hot spots. You will cover a couple of miles that you did on the way into Scorpion Canyon on Day 2. If you would like to spend more time along the amazing North Bluff Trail instead, do this shorter loop that starts from the Upper Scorpion Campground.

To do the full loop, start off by heading out of camp towards the harbor and turn right onto Smugglers Road. This will take you right up to the top of the cliffs and over to Scorpion Bluffs. The trail will then lead you back inland on the island, circling back around to the campgrounds.

From Upper Scorpion Campground, turn left onto Potato Harbor Road. This climbs its way up to intersect with the North Bluff Trail. Head west on the North Bluff Trail until you reach the most beautiful part of the island: Potato Harbor Overlook.

Day 4: Kayak Tour at Scorpion Anchorage | Hike to Scorpion Canyon Ferry | .5 miles

We scheduled our return ferry for 4 pm so that we could sleep in and enjoy a group breakfast. In the early afternoon, we headed out on a kickass guided kayak tour to see the island from the water!

The Adventure Sea Cave Kayaking experience was incredible! TBH, we tend to stay away from guided tours. We like the freedom to roam freely and get our own take on the experience. But, that's not an option here because it is a protected preserve.

Now, I will be the first to admit - we were dead wrong! The $169 price tag was well worth it! We were shown a lot of really rad sea caves, paddled through tunnels, and got soaked by explosive blow spouts. Our guide kept us entertained and talked about the super interesting history of the island. We learned the names of the birds that live exclusively on the island and tasted kelp fresh from the ocean. Yes, that is correct. We ate kelp.

You can book your adventure in advance here - which is highly recommended during the busier seasons.

Cell Phone Reception

Don't expect really any cell phone service on your Santa Cruz Island backpacking trip. The reception will be very sporadic and unreliable. It's a good idea to turn off or put your phone on airplane mode. Otherwise, your phone will roam about looking for a signal, draining your battery. How else are you going to get those banger IG boomerangs?!

We found that the only place we reliably had any reception at all was on the pier at Scorpion Anchorage.

Santa Cruz Backpacking: What Gear Do You Need?

Make sure to Download our 3 Day Backpacking Checklist. By adding in a couple more meals, snacks and a little more clothing, you could easily adapt this to 4 days.

Backpacking Gear for two on the Santa Cruz Island Backpack

Below you will find a list of the gear that we took on this trip. It includes almost every piece that we had with us in our backpacks. This was the first time we used the Gregory Backpack Combo, and it worked out perfectly. I would argue that this combo may be the perfect backpacking duo for the adventurous couple.

His

• Backpack: Gregory Baltoro 75
• Tent: Nemo Hornet 2p
• Sleeping Bag: Nemo Kayu 15
• Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Wide
• Shoes: Hoka One One Anacapa Mid GTX and Chacos
• Headlamp: Petzl Reactik
• Sunglasses: Rheos Coopers
• Hiking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Ergo
• Clothing: Marmot Knife Edge | Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pant | Vuori Trail Shorts | Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie | Arcteryx Atom LT Hoody | Smartwool Performance Hike Light Socks
• Food Stuffs: Jetboil Zip | Fatty Meat Sticks | Ultima Electrolytes | Mountain House Meals | Starbucks VIA | Nalgene 32oz Water Bottle
• Camera Gear: Canon R, Canon 24-105 lens, GoPro Hero 9

Hers

• Backpack: Gregory Maven 55
• Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Regular
• Sleeping Bag: Marmot Trestles 15
• Sleeping Bag Liner: Cocoon Silk Mummy
• Pillow: Klymit Pillow X
• Shoes: Hoka One One Tennine GTX
• Sunglasses: Rheos Wyecreeks
• Clothing: Marmot Knife Edge
• Food Stuffs: Wild Zora Paleo Meals | Wild Zora Snacks | Wild Zora Grain Free Hot Cereal | Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Mix |

A note about Ticks

Ticks are present on the islands and can carry bacteria and viruses that can cause diseases in humans, including Lyme disease. Now, you see this sign oftentimes at trailheads and they advise you to check yourself. I never take it too seriously, but the ticks on this island are aggressive! Seriously, if you literally step a foot off the trail to snap a quick photo, there's a good chance one of these suckers will get on you.

Periodically check yourself throughout the hike and again when you get to camp. They are harmless if you swat them off before they dig in. If they have latched on, make sure you know how to remove them safely and completely. The Clever Hiker wrote a fantastic article covering ticks that I suggest you check out.

Backpacking the Trans-Catalina Trail (TCT) - Everything You Need to Know

Catalina Island is an inhabited island located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California. There are amazing hiking, camping, and backpacking adventures along the Trans-Catalina Trail. The island also offers fantastic kelp forest diving and a diverse wildlife population, including Bison!

The Trans-Catalina Trail is a 40-mile trail (commonly referred to as the TCT Trail) that runs the length of the island. The hiking has its fair share of tough climbs complimented by never-ending views at every turn. There are some of the most amazing beachside campsites that offer unbeatable seclusion, and get this - there are even a few restaurants along the trail!

We would highly recommend doing this adventure in the fashionable way that we like to call Backpack-to-Bourgeois. WTF is that? Simple: do an epic grind of a backpack, and end it with a pampering hotel stay where you treat yourself like the king or queen you are.

Backpacker on the Trans-Catalina Trail

All smiles on the TCT Trail

In this Trans-Catalina Trail Guide, we share all the logistics for planning a backpacking trip on the Trans-Catalina Island Trail.

You should practice good trail etiquette at any destination you visit and remember to Leave No Trace. That means packing out your garbage, being respectful of others on busy trails, and following the established rules.

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Trans-Catalina Trail Stats

• Total Distance: 37.5 miles

• Total Elevation Gain Loss: +/-7950 feet

• Difficulty: Moderatly Challenging

• Dogs Allowed: On the trail and at camp, yes (except for Two Harbors Campground)

• Advanced Reservations Required: Yes (see CampgroundsReservations section)

• Number of Recommended Nights: 4 nights / 5 days

• Cell Service: Sporadic.

Getting to Catalina Island

One of the things that makes this one of the most unique backpacks in the world has a lot to do with just getting there. In order to get to the island, you have to take a 60-90 minute boat ride via the Catalina Express. If you’re lucky you might spot some marine wildlife on this gorgeous ferry ride across the Pacific Ocean.

Be aware that the boat ride can be cold and rough, so dress accordingly with layers. If you get seasick, consider taking preventive steps before the ride, such as purchasing anti-nausea bands or packing Dramamine. If you start to feel sick while on the boat, head to the back for fresh air and keep your eyes on the horizon.

You must check in at the Catalina Express office at least one hour prior to your departure to pick up your ticket.

It’s a good idea to call Catalina Express at (800) 613-1212  prior to your boat ride to ensure your trip has not been canceled due to rough seas.

TCT Backpacking Overview

The Trans-Catalina Trail runs east-west along Catalina Island which is part of the Channel Islands Archipelago.

Now to be Uncle Frank, this hike should not be underestimated. Even though you are in Southern California under a beautiful sunny sky surrounded by gorgeous blue waters, rolling hills, and fuzzy Bison, this hike is a bit of a beast. There is actually considerable elevation gain (about 8k feet), a lot of very exposed sections which can be downright brutal in the hotter months, and minimal water sources. This means you will need to carry more water weight than you would probably like to. This is actually a common scenario when hiking the Channel Islands - see Santa Cruz Island Backpacking.

Unlike most backpacking adventures, you are able to get your fill of civilization/humanity every single day. That means actual bathrooms, cooked food (pizza!), and even a general store. Parts of the hike follow a dirt road where are you will encounter the occasional vehicle or guided jeep tour. But come on, being able to be in the middle of a backpack and stop off to have a slice of pizza and a cold beer before you continue on is pretty f*cking epic.

Catalina Island Weather

On average, Catalina Island receives more than 260 days of sunshine every year. For the most comfortable weather and the best chance of seeing the sun, it is recommended to plan your backpack from September to early November. Just note that the landscape and foliage may not be as vibrant green this time of year. If you prefer the greenery and are willing to chance rain, late winter, early spring would be the best.

Check the current weather conditions for Catalina island here.

Campground Reservations

Each campsite requires its own reservation and they may be booked up to a year in advance. Visit Catalina Island is a great source of information about each campsite, so I would recommend looking through this page before reserving. This is a very popular destination for backpackers, day hikers, bird watchers, and more so make sure to Book Early - the spaces fill up quickly!

Here are links for each of the campgrounds on the Trans-Catalina Trail:

BlackJack Campground | Little Harbor Campground | Two Harbors Campground | Parson’s Landing Campground

Permits for Backpackers

Carry a copy of your camping reservations with you when hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail. I recommend having them downloaded to your phone because the cell reception is very unreliable. If you plan on doing some day hiking on the island, you will need to apply for a free permit.

Trans-Catalina Backpacking Trail Map

After you pop off the ferry in Avalon, stop by the Catalina Island Conservancy shop to pick up a detailed Trans-Catalina Island Trail map (free). Even though it is extra weight, it's always recommended to have a hard copy map on hand just in case when backpacking. This map shows the location of water sources, restrooms, food, and other services are located along the trail.

Trans-Catalina Trail Backpacking Itinerary

• Day 1: Avalon toBlack Jack Campground | 8.75 miles

• Day 2: Black Jack to Little Harbor Campground | 8.35 miles

• Day 3: Little Harbor toTwo Harbors Campground | 7.2 miles

• Day 4: Two Harbors to Parson’s Landing Campground via the TCT | 7.24 miles

• Day 5: Parson’s Landing to Two Harbors via the road and Lion’s Head | 7.2 miles

There are many variations that can be done to this itinerary. Many people opt to cut the last portion of the hike off and finish up with a kayak rental after some pizza and beer at Two Harbors. Well maybe not many people, but we did! It's your adventure, so make sure you make it yours!

Here is a very detailed trail map on Alltrails:

Water Availability

Water is accessible in Black Jack, Little Harbor, and Two Harbors, but there is no potable water on the route between the campgrounds. Your campground reservation at Parsons includes 2.5 liters of water for the final night which will be waiting for you at your site.

Try to get your gear weight down so that you can manage to carry at least 3 liters of water each day. We love using the 4L MSR Dromedary Bag for water hauls like this. Though it can add a bit of a flavor to the water, the bag is incredibly tough and trustworthy.

Cell Phone Reception

Don't expect really any cell phone service on your Trans-Catalina Island backpacking trip. The reception will be very sporadic and unreliable. It's a good idea to turn off or put your phone on airplane mode. Otherwise, your phone will roam about looking for a signal, draining your battery. How else are you going to get those banger IG boomerangs?!

Leave No Trace

Due to its sensitive ecosystem, backpacking the Trans-Catalina Trail comes with its own set of guidelines to keep in mind on top of practicing Leave No Trace.

Catalina Island is home to a variety of species, including the island fox, bison, and some aggressive ravens. Always keep an eye on your meal. The majority of campgrounds feature fox boxes (also known as bear bins) where you may store your food and drink safely.

Please read this twice: Bison are really dangerous! They have a top speed of 35 mph and can change behavior very rapidly of they feel threatened. Do not approach them for photos or any other reason. You will find them right on the trail and in the campgrounds. It's common to have to wait until the herd moves on before continuing your hike. Always be on the lookout for any signs of aggression if they are present.

We were stopped for a mid-trail snack for about an hour because the bison had decided that was the perfect place to graze. While waiting, we were joined by 2 other groups who also took the opportunity to take a rest.

At the campsites, in town, or at the airport, there are restrooms available so please take advantage of them! If you have to go when not near a bathroom, make sure to observe Leave No Trace guidelines and pack out your toilet paper.

Trans-Catalina Backpacking Gear

Make sure to Download our 3 Day Backpacking Checklist. By adding in a couple more meals, snacks, and a little more clothing, you could easily adapt this to 4-5 days. Below you will find a list of the gear that we took on this trip. It includes almost every piece that we had with us in our backpacks.

Note that in the late fall, winter, and early spring, evenings can be quite cold. Make sure to pack a beanie, long pants, and a warm jacket for the evenings.

HIS

• Backpack: Gregory Baltoro 75

• Tent: Nemo Hornet 2p

• Sleeping Bag: Nemo Kayu 15

• Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Wide

• Shoes: Hoka One One Anacapa Mid GTX and Chacos

• Headlamp: Petzl Reactik

• Sunglasses: Roka

• Hiking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Ergo

• Clothing: Arcteryx Beta SL | Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Pant | Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie | Arcteryx Atom LT Hoody | Smartwool Performance Hike Light Socks

• Food Stuffs:Jetboil Zip | Fatty Meat Sticks | Ultima Electrolytes | Mountain House Meals | Starbucks VIA | Nalgene 32oz Water Bottle

• Camera Gear: Canon R, Canon 24-105 lens, GoPro Hero 9

HERS

• Backpack: REI Traverse 65

• Sleeping Pad: Nemo Tensor Regular

• Sleeping Bag: Marmot Trestles 15

• Sleeping Bag Liner: Cocoon Silk Mummy

• Pillow: Klymit Pillow X

• Shoes: Hoka One One Tennine GTX

• Clothing:

• Food Stuffs:Wild Zora Paleo Meals | Wild Zora Snacks | Wild Zora Grain Free Hot Cereal | Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Mix |

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How to Hike to Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona

So you're thinking of visiting Sedona? You're about to go on an incredible journey. The red pillars are among the most spectacular sights I've seen while hiking. It's one of the most beautiful spots I've ever seen. One of the best things to do in Sedona is hike Cathedral Rock which is why it made our Top 6 Hikes in Sedona.

Sedona is a place where you simply must go outside. Cathedral Rock Trail is one of my favorite Sedona hikes due to it's challenges. 

Everything you need to know about climbing Cathedral Rock in Sedona is right here!

Details of the crazy trees along this hike

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE THE CATHEDRAL ROCK TRAIL?

The greatest time to hike Cathedral Rock Trail is without a doubt in the hours leading up to dusk. There are great views of Sedona from the top, and it is even more magical at sunset.

If you plan on lingering at the summit until sunset, carry a headlamp to assist you in descending the trail. You'll need your hands to get down the trail's steeper sections.

The best time of year to hike cathedral rock is fall to early spring for cooler temps and less crowds.

HOW TO GET TO THE CATHEDRAL ROCK TRAILHEAD IN SEDONA

Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular Sedona hikes. There are multiple trailheads that lead to Cathedral Rock but we found Cathedral Rock Trailhead No. 170 to be the closest.
Cathedral Rock Trail Head Coordinates: 34°49’30.7″N 111°47’18.3″W

The parking lot is a lot busier during the more popular hiking times. Typically, the earlier you are there, the easier parking will be.

There is overflow parking further down on Back O’Beyond Road.

DIRECTIONS TO THE CATHEDRAL ROCK TRAILHEAD

Head south on the junction of 89A and 179. Drive 179 south for about 3.5 miles until you reach Back O’ Beyond Road on the right. Then go approximately .6 miles. The parking lot turnout is on the left.

Note: There is a $5 cost for the Red Rock Pass for parking. The America the Beautiful Pass is also a valid parking pass.

CATHEDRAL ROCK VIA THE BALDWIN TRAILHEAD

There is an alternate way to get to Cathedral Rock if you want a longer and more scenic hike. It starts from the Baldwin Trailhead. The trail is 3.7 miles round trip, and it takes about 1.5 hours to get to the top of Cathedral Rock.

This route will have wonderful views of the west side of Cathedral Rock as you start your hike.

CATHEDRAL ROCK HIKE

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HIKE CATHEDRAL ROCK IN SEDONA?

Cathedral Rock in Sedona will take 30-40 minutes if you hike at a moderate to fast pace. It will take roughly 60 minutes to hike to the top if you hike slower, if you are hiking with children, if you take some breaks along the route, or if you stop to take photos.

I would recommend planning for about 3-4 hours for the entire adventure.

TRAIL STATS –

• Length: 1.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 744 feet
• Route Type: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

CLIMBING CATHEDRAL ROCK IN SEDONA

In general, the Cathedral Rock route is simple to follow. Along the trail, there are basket cairns packed with rocks to direct you. The trail begins with a dried-up creek, followed by a short ascent to a plateau.

The plateau region offers stunning views over the Sedona area and is an excellent location for photographing Cathedral Rock in the background.

You'll climb up through the scramble from there. It's a little crag that you'll have to climb on your hands and knees to get to. This is the most difficult section of the hike, but if you go slow and steady, you'll be OK. The crack is about 40 feet long and has a 45-degree incline.

After the scramble, you'll come to another plateau, which is an excellent area to pause and snap photos if you want to. You'll continue climbing Cathedral Rock from there. There are few stone steps at the summit that will lead you to the top.

The end of the trail has a sign saying, “End of Trail”, but the views alone will tell you that you are there!

HOW DIFFICULT IS THE CATHEDRAL ROCK HIKE?

Although the hike to the summit of Cathedral Rock is short, it does include some steep sections. The Cathedral Rock Trail has certain sections where you must scramble over the rocks using your hands and feet.

For most people, it is not too much of a challenge to climb over the boulders, but this could be difficult depending on the physical abilities of those you are hiking with. The trail is well broken in with places for hand and footholds in the rock making the climb a little easier. Make sure you are wearing sturdy shoes or even better ---> CHACOS!!!

AT THE TOP

At the summit, there is a ledge that wraps around the top making a lot of places to explore and room for everyone. There is a very large drop-off at the top, but the ledge is pretty wide to have safe places for kids to sit.

The highlight and favorite viewpoint is off to the far right after you have reached the summit viewing area. There is a fun ledge that is a great place to take pictures and enjoy the views. It is known by some as the Edge of the World. There is a high and steep drop-off here so be careful.

HEADING DOWN THE TRAIL

There are some spots you will need to slide down on the rocks, but overall, the hike down is pretty easy going and simple to follow - just keep an eye out for the baslets of rocks that you passed by on the way up.

As you head down Cathedral Rock be sure to notice the beautiful views in the distance. Courthouse Butte will be visible as well as Sedona.

SEDONA GUIDED TOURS

Sedona is a lovely destination with plenty of options for independent exploration. However, with so many energy vortexes and gorgeous sites to visit, it can be tough to determine where to spend your time and easy to overlook many of Sedona's unique attractions.

If you want the best Sedona tour with a lot of flexibility, I suggest booking a guided tour with Sedona Spirit Journeys.

During this highly recommended tour, an experienced guide will teach about the area’s sacred nature and energy vortexes as well as the history and geology of the area. This is a great way to see everything Sedona has to offer.

The best part of it all? You pick your stops and then sit back and relax!

HIKING TIPS FOR CATHEDRAL ROCK IN SEDONA

• PLAN TO HIKE EARLY IN THE MORNING OR AT SUNSET - These two times of day will give you the best lighting and will help you beat the crowds.

• CHECK WHAT TIME SUNSET IS - Check to see what time sunset is expected for that day if you want to be there for sunset. To reach to the summit, you'll want to give yourself plenty of time. Depending on how quickly you hike, it normally takes 30-60 minutes.

• If you are planning on staying at the top of Cathedral Rock until sunset, make sure to bring some sort of flashlight to get down. Headlamps are the best so you can have your hands-free climbing down the rock.

• USE YOUR AMERICAN THE BEAUTIFUL ANNUAL PASS - The American the Beautiful Pass is honored for the daily pass for parking for all the Sedona trails.  If you do not have a pass, you can purchase a pass for $5.00 at the fee machines at designated trailheads.

• BE PREPARED - This includes sunscreen, plenty of water, and snacks. Don’t be fooled into thinking the hike is only a mile. The pathway is steep and narrow in places making it more difficult. There is also little to no shade on the trail.

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CAN YOU SEE CATHEDRAL ROCK IN SEDONA WITHOUT HIKING?

Whether you can see Cathedral Rock without hiking depends on what you are wanting to see. You can see the Cathedral Rock formation from below. Hikers will not be able to see the panoramic valley views or cradle of Cathedral Rock. You can only get to those by hiking to the top.

If you want to see Cathedral Rock from a distance, the Templeton Trail is a good alternative. Also, you can climb to the first plateau for a great picture area without making the steep ascent through the crack.

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IS CATHEDRAL ROCK TRAIL DOG FRIENDLY?

Cathedral Rock is dog-friendly if the dogs are kept on a leash. There are some big steps and boulders to climb through, so it is recommended that your dog have hiking experience. In my opinion, once you get to the rock-climbing portion it really is not an ideal hike for dogs unless your dog has a high level of physical abilities.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE VORTEX

Sedona is a lovely destination to visit where you can easily connect with nature. Some visitors travel to Sedona in search of powerful vortex encounters. Cathedral Rock is said to be one of Sedona's four vortexes.

This vortex energy is one of many reasons why people hike the Cathedral Rock Trail. This energy is meant to calm, inspire and ground you.

No matter what your beliefs, Cathedral Rock is a place that will make you feel something. Whether it is outer-worldly spirits or awe and appreciation for the beautiful world we live in, a climb to the top is well worth your time.

OTHER HIKING TRAILS IN SEDONA

Hiking Cathedral Rock in Sedona is my favorite trails in the area but there is still plenty of other fun and beautiful hikes to explore in the area. We recommend picking a hike or two every day because it is such a beautiful area to enjoy.

BIRTHING CAVE

• Hiking the Birthing Cave in Sedona is another family-friendly hike that we enjoyed. The trail is pretty flat until the final descent into the cave. The cave is a fun place to play and has beautiful views of the Sedona area. Be sure to download the coordinates of the cave before heading out before cell coverage is limited.

BELL ROCK TRAIL

• This is a fun area to explore, especially if you’re hiking with kids in Sedona. The Bell Rock Loop is about a mile long with lots of fun places to explore along the way. You can climb all over Bell Rock with great views of the Sedona area.

DEVILS BRIDGE

• The Devils Bridge hike is another great and popular photo opportunity in Sedona. It is a natural sandstone bridge with great views of Sedona. The trailhead is easy to access with an easy hiking trail. The only downside is the trail is about 4.2 miles roundtrip.

SOLDIERS PASS

• This is a relatively easy trail until the final descent into the cave. It is a heavily trafficked trail with plenty to see along the way like the Seven Sacred Pools and sinkhole. This is a popular hike for families.

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MORE TO SEE!

Also, don’t forget that Sedona is only a two-hour drive to the Grand Canyon. You could easily add this in as a day trip during your time in Sedona! Visiting the Grand Canyon is a must-see in Arizona!

If you are going to be exploring the area around Sedona, Page is a fun city to visit. The Horseshoe Bend overlook and Antelope Canyon are fun places to explore.
How to Visit Horseshoe Bend in Arizona
Lower Antelope Canyon – Visiting the Famous Slot Canyon

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Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain - What You Need to Know

Hike Echo Canyon Trail - Camelback Mountain

Camelback Mountain via Echo Canyon Trail is a 2.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Scottsdale, Arizona that offers scenic views and is rated as difficult.

Getting There:

 

The parking lot is off Squaw Peak drive and leads to many more hiking trails in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. The route starts on a short connector trail and then goes straight up to the summit.

The Trail:

The trail begins from the top of the parking lot, just beyond the restrooms and benches. An easy incline at first, the path passes a smaller rock formation, then approaches the base of a larger one known as the “Praying Monk”. If you look up from the Echo Canyon trail, you may see roped-up rock climbers scaling the face above you. And if you turn around and look the other way, you can see Piestewa Peak rising up behind you.

At around 0.4 miles the trail picks up with a set of wooden stairs. Soon after this, the route becomes so steep that there are metal railings anchored into the mountain to safely assist hikers in this potentially dicey situation.

At first, a metal pole will only be on your left-hand side but soon after there will be a pole in the middle and then to the right. From my experience, the pole on your left (as you are going up) is the best pole to hang onto. There are carved out foot notches in the rock that will help your feet up. The other poles will not have these little notches, so it feels a little uncertain to walk on since it’s so steep and smooth you can easily slide on it, even with good gripping shoes.

Once at the top of this steep section, you might think the tough part is over — but it’s only just begun! The trail now will require scrambling pretty much up all the way to the top. For this reason, you might want to consider bringing gloves along, although it isn’t completely necessary.

There are steep piles of bigger rocks that you will need to hike up. At times, it feels as if you’re back in that aquarium climbing up big pieces of gravel to get the relief of freedom up at the top. There is a small dip just before the one mile mark, then the trail rises steady and even steeper as it nears the summit. It’s easy to get a little off track in the last section – just keep looking for the path of least resistance.

The trail makes one final bend to the left as it leads you to the top! Take in the awesome 360-degree view of the valley, with Piestewa close by to the northwest. But make sure you pay attention to which way you came up – it’s easy to mistakenly go down the wrong trail. When you are done soaking in the views, return down the way you came up.

Echo Canyon Trail Map:

Nearby Adventures

• Hike Pinnacle Peak

• Mountain Bike Pemberton Trail

• Top 5 Hikes in Phoenix

SHARE THESE TOP 5 HIKES IN PHOENIX ON PINTEREST

Camelback Mountain Hiking Resources

• Overview of the Camelback Mountain Trails from Phoenix Parks and Recreation. Best resource for the latest information on closures, maintenance and other official notices.

• Visit Phoenix’ guide to Camelback Mountain

• Please #RecreateResponsibly and Leave No Trace