These recently developed trails have Cathedral Rock as their centerpiece. They are very scenic, but mostly un-shaded and can be very hot in summer.
The Templeton Trail begins off the Bell Rock Pathway just north of Bell Rock, goes under Route 179 through a tunnel and heads northwest. It intersects the H.T. Trail at 1 mile. (New as of 4/20/2007: there is a new alignment for the Templeton Trail. A new box culvert has been installed to take the trail under the new road construction. Also, cairns have been installed to help people find their way. Go through the box culvert – it even has the trail name on it!)
H.T. Trail is a 3/4 mile connector trail which goes northeast, passes under Route 179, and ends at the Bell Rock Pathway about 1/4 mile south of the Little Horse trailhead parking area. Good views of the Chapel area rock formations and Courthouse Butte.
The Templeton Trail continues northwest and onto a shoulder of Cathedral Rock where it intersects the middle of the Cathedral Rock Trail at 2.4 miles. The Templeton Trail continues ahead over level ground and curves around the north end of Cathedral Rock where there are great views. It then descends steeply and follows beside the creek for a time. The trail ends at 3.5 miles at its intersection with the Baldwin Trail which comes in from the left through a fence line and continues ahead.
The Hike House Sedona Trail Rating System provides actual hiker feedback and ratings of each of the Sedona hiking trails. The cumulative trail ratings for the Templeton Trail submitted by fellow hikers is located above with the Trail Data. Your trail feedback and ratings are an important resource for fellow hikers and provide a personal account of your trail experience from which others may learn. So please hike Sedona, help others, and rate a trail today!
8/15/11
Background: My family (Dad, Mom, Brother – 13, and me – 19) decided that we wanted to go for a hike. We were looking for a trail that was fairly easy, but had great views. We went to The Hike House to ask about possible trails. The employees were friendly and helpful and directed us to the Templeton Trail.
The Trail Experience: The weather was about 90 degrees with mostly sunny skies. We hiked for about 35 minutes to the creek at the end of the trail and then 35 minutes back to the beginning. We loved this trail because it had different elevations and views at every turn. The creek at the end was also a very nice and shady place to take a small break to cool off. Overall, our trail experience was awesome!
Gear: We came prepared with snacks and lots of water in my Dad’s backpack. My parents and my brother all wore running sneakers, but I wore my Keen hiking shoes. My family said their running shoes worked fine and I was also happy with my hiking shoes.
After climbing up Cathedral Rock, we lunched and proceeded around Templeton trail. Great views, not too challenging, beautiful stream and shaded areas to cool off. These two trails combined where not too much to do in one day. We always carry alot of water and snacks. Pace is important too. Felt most secure in hiking shoes. Wonderful “second trip” for the day.
Bell Rock pathway was our starting point. We moved onto the Templeton trail and after going under the road, we moved South onto the “Shade” system of trails (Slim Shady, Made In The Shade, etc.) This is where the views are fantastic and the trail gets a bit more topographical and a little technical. Eventually the “Shades” gets you back to the VOC and the Bell Rock Pathway trailhead. Moderate length and not too difficult. Perfect hike to work up an appetite for a plate of Mexican and a Negra Modelo (with a squeeze of lime).
Really nice up, down, then up, down hike. Get the best of both worlds with the red rocks/sun and the Oak Creek stream/shade at the bottom. We do this one often. Great training hike for higher elevation hiking.
Mountain bike rating – great ride that you can hook up from a number of other trails on the Courthouse side of the hiking paths – even as an out and back or head around Baldwin back to Templeton and up Templeton or Slim Shady –
also great hiking all along there.
Easy trail to maneuver and not a lot of obstacles. Clear path markers and ample space for both hikers and bikers. Safe for all ages.