Sedona, AZ: Baldwin Loop to Templeton to Cathedral
Snag views of a red-cliffed valley and stand toe-to-rock with iconic 1,000-foot sandstone towers on this 4.9-mile, half-day adventure.
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It’s one of the Sedona classics with a cross-country twist. From the Turkey Tank parking lot, take the Baldwin Trail to the Templeton Trail, trace Oak Creek, ascend 600 feet of switchbacks, and follow cairns to the saddle. Circumnavigate the towers and descend the far side of Cathedral Rock to reunite with the Baldwin Trail for the 1.5-mile return.
-Mapped by Lauren Kelley
Trail Facts
- Distance: 7.9
Waypoints
CRL001
Location: 34.81258, -111.809816
Turkey Creek Trailhead. Start on the Baldwin Trail, which leaves across the street from the dirt parking lot.
CRL002
Location: 34.822082, -111.80735
At the first fork, turn right, staying on the right side of the Baldwin Trail loop.
CLR003
Location: 34.822438, -111.799841
Stay right at the junction with the Templeton Trail and trace the river (Oak Creek?)
CRL004
Location: 34.825445, -111.795092
Still on the trail, ascend switchbacks through crumbly sandstone.
CRL005
Location: 34.824569, -111.792645
Follow enormous cairns across gorgeous slabs of sandstone, and cross impressive flash flood washes as you wrap around this rock formation, approaching the main trail up Cathedral.
CRL006
Location: 34.819125, -111.792177
Turn right to follow the cairns to the saddle in the heart of Cathedral Rock.
CRL007
Location: 34.818188, -111.792004
Head left off the saddle and follow smaller social trails around the smaller towers within the cluster. You are working your way to the far eastern side of the rock formation before you can descend the other side.
CRL008
Location: 34.815917, -111.80144
Rejoin the Baldwin Trail.
CRL009
Location: 34.815901, -111.807946
Turn left and cross Verde Valley School Road to return to your car.
Walking toward the saddle
Location: 34.820605, -111.790562
View from the saddle
Location: 34.818881, -111.792284
Looking east toward the Sedona Valley
Cathedral Rock
Location: 34.81863, -111.792433
Crossing a narrow sandstone ledge.
View of Cathedral Rock
Location: 34.822506, -111.799686
from intersection of Baldwin and Templeton Trails, at creek level.