Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock is a natural sandstone butte and one of the most-photographed sights in Arizona. The rock formation is located in the Coconino National Forest in Yavapai County. The summit elevation of Cathedral Rock is 4,967 ft. The Cathedral Rock trail is a popular short, steep ascent from the Back O' Beyond trailhead to the saddle points or 'gaps' in Cathedral Rock. Geologically, Cathedral Rock is carved from the Permian Schnebly Hill formation, a redbed sandstone formed from coastal sand dunes near the shoreline of the ancient Pedregosa Sea. Ripple marks are prominent along the lower Cathedral Rock trail, and a black basalt dike may be seen in the first saddle. The trail is not safe for horses or bicycles and is considered steep and difficult in places, making it more of a rock climb than a hike