Here is how I know this is a great trail: A young man in love one day comes into the store and asks where would be a great place to propose to his girlfriend. I told him of this trail down by Oak Creek. He took his girlfriend to this place and she said “YES!” So that means this is a great trail. Cathedral/Templeton Trail is a romantic adventure. The majesty of Cathedral coupled with the beauty of Oak Creek and the cool canopied forest leading down to the creek make this a great hike for couples in love and families looking for a moderate adventure where the kids can jump around in the water. This is my wife’s favorite hike in the area and it embodies everything that is great in Sedona.
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I loved this trail! It ran along a creek, and I saw quite a few ducks! The creek made little burbling noises as it rushed along and that was very peaceful. The green plants contrasted with the red rock, making for a very pretty picture. The red rock dust on the trail was surprisingly really smooth, and soft. I found so many place that you could just stay by forever. There was one place where a huge flat rock lay on a smaller rock, and it made a little hideout place. 🙂 There was another place where a rock was right by the water and it had a little scoop inside so you could lie down and take a rest. As the trail went on, it got twistier and steeper, and funner. (FUNNER HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE DICTIONARY SO DON’T SAY ANYTHING!) Then we came to a rock that had a great view, and my mom stopped there, but my dad and I went further. The trail got rockier, and then it got really steep. We climbed up to Cathedral Rock, and my dad was freaked out, even though I wasn’t. 🙂 From Cathedral Rock, you could see almost EVERYTHING!! I thought this trail was AMAZING! 🙂
Oh, and I’m 12. (The guy told me to say my age)
Wow! The hike along the creek was spectacular. My husband and I always get excited when we find water in the desert. We even decided to go for a dip. This hike was beautiful (minus the suburban creep). It was not too crowded at the top. Very fun hike. We liked the small scramble to the top and the scramble down the backside. Great “energy!” 🙂
Beautiful trail perfect for families. The contrast between the red rock and the creek makes you feel like you are in two totally different parts of the country. The view from the top of Cathedral Rock is spectacular! It was the perfect hike to spend a couple of hours exploring.
We liked the Cathedral-Templeton trail. The best part was reaching the river – the river area is very pretty & green. The trail is pretty easy, except it’s not marked well in one section where you start going down to the river. Overall, it’s a pleasant hike.
Wonderful hike today! We took The Templeton trail and did the Baldwin loop. We will absolutely do this again the hike took us approximately 2 1/2 hours in just under 5 miles .
Use the cathedral rock trailhead on Back o’ Beyond road. After about 15 minutes you come to a sort of plateau with sign posts. The Templeton Trail arrows point right and left!! To get to the creek follow the trail to the RIGHT, or you can take the long route if you prefer . At least half the route is hot and sunny in August, but along the creek it’s shady and beautiful. Carry a wet towel back to keep cool
This is far from a moderate hike for layman. I am 60 and in pretty good shape. Should tell people this is a mountain climb not a hike. Soooooo worth the challenge though. Beautiful scenery. Took my chicuauah, not a climb for him but he made it.