Sedona, Cathedral Rock Hiking Tour with a Private Guide
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Sedona, Cathedral Rock Hiking Tour with a Private Guide worth booking?
Sedona, Cathedral Rock Hiking Tour with a Private Guide is a 2.5-hour experience in Sedona, United States, from $182 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (12)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $182 per person
Our guides are Sedona locals and experts in philosophy. They help you explore the deeper meaning and significance of this special place. They will guide you through the breathtaking sights, identify flora and fauna, and
What you get
About this experience
Our guides are Sedona locals and experts in philosophy. They help you explore the deeper meaning and significance of this special place. They will guide you through the breathtaking sights, identify flora and fauna, and unravel the geological and human history of Sedona. This is a moderate to slightly challenging tour that can be adjusted depending on the abilities and preferences of our guests.
What's included
Included
- A 2.5 hour guided hike with a local, educator guide.
- Treking poles, bottled water, and snacks provided.
- Panoramic views of Sedona's iconic Red Rocks, including Cathedral Rock.
- Learn about the history, nature, and culture of this amazing place.
Not included
- Clothing layers, windbreaks, and rain coats during inclimate weather (recommended).
- Personal bag/backpack (recommended) to carry water, sunblock (recommended) and personal items.
- Gratuity
What you'll see and do
Cathedral Rock
Your guide will pick you up at your location and drive you to Cathedral Rock, a stunning and iconic rock feature of the Sedona landscape and the most popular vortex site of Sedona. During the daytime this area is only accessible by public shuttle and by permitted companies like ours.
15 minutes here
We will begin at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead where there is a bathroom available at the beginning and end of the tour.
Pass by without stopping
We will hike up Cathedral Rock Trail to a plateau at the base of Cathedral Rock. There are large rocky steps going up and there is approximately 100 feet of elevation gain in .2 miles.
15 minutes here
Templeton Trail
We will hike 1-2 miles on the mostly flat Templeton Trail along the base of Cathedral Rock. Enjoy spectacular views of Cathedral Rock and other Sedona red rock formations. There will be lots of stops for photographs and to learn about the geology, flora, fauna, and history of Sedona.
90 minutes here
There is an optional hike to visit Oak Creek. This is one of the few publicly available access points to the spring-fed waters of Oak Creek. This will require hiking downhill and back uphill again with approximately 100 feet elevation gain in .2 miles.
25 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Sedona Philosophy
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
6 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Sedona, Cathedral Rock Hiking Tour with a Private Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Extraordinary Sedona Experience
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Extraordinary Sedona Experience I could have easily walked this trail on my own, but I would have missed so much of what makes Sedona truly special. This philosophy hiking tour with Kent, transformed a beautiful walk into a meaningful and memorable experience. Kent was absolutely outstanding! His wealth of knowledge, experience, and deep understanding of Sedona brought the landscape to life through fascinating stories, history, philosophy, and local insights. He was articulate, informative, and incredibly knowledgeable, but what made the tour exceptional was his engaging personality. He was enthusiastic, entertaining, friendly, and genuinely passionate about sharing his love of Sedona. We connected instantly, and the conversation flowed naturally throughout the hike. I especially appreciated that he allowed me to set the pace, never rushed me, and gave me plenty of opportunities to stop, take photographs, and simply absorb the beauty of the surroundings. The experience felt personal, relaxed, and tailored to my interests. What I found most valuable was gaining a deeper appreciation for the unique energy, philosophy, and sense of healing that so many people associate with Sedona. Whether you are interested in the area’s history, spiritual traditions, natural beauty, or simply looking for a thoughtful and enriching experience, this tour offers something far beyond a typical hike. I left with a greater understanding of Sedona, wonderful memories, and a renewed appreciation for the connection between nature, philosophy, and personal well-being. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Sedona. It was one of the highlights of my trip.
Response from the operator: Thank you for this kind and thoughtful review of Sedona Philosophy. What you've described is just what we want our guests to experience: a walk through a stunning landscape and a meaningful conversation. Kent has a gift for meeting people where they are intellectually, emotionally, and physically. We're glad the pace felt right and that there was time to photograph, reflect, and enjoy your time. Your comment about leaving with "a greater understanding of Sedona and a renewed appreciation for the connection between nature, philosophy, and personal well-being" captures the heart of what Sedona Philosophy is meant to be. We're glad you enjoyed your time with Kent.
via Tripadvisor
Fabulous Morning in Sedona!
Our guide, Andrea, was wonderful - well versed on the history of the area and focused her conversation on our interests and curiosities. She clearly has a love and respect for this area and was a perfect match for us. We would highly recommend this tour.
via Viator
Highly Recommend!
Kent was an amazing guide. I learned so much and I recommend this tour to anyone who wants to view cathedral rock while obtaining the history on it and its surroundings. Thank you Kent!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time exploring the majesty of Cathedral Rock! Our goal is always to blend the breathtaking beauty of Sedona with deep, meaningful insights into its history and surroundings, so it’s wonderful to know that resonated with you. I will be sure to pass your kind words along to Kent—he is a vital part of our team and will be delighted to hear he made your trip so memorable. We hope to welcome you back to the trails again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Fun and Relaxing Hike
Great chance to spend some time in nature with a low impact hike and to reset. Andrea was wonderful.
via Viator
Great Experience
Matt was awesome as a tour guide. Lots of great information and very knowledgeable! He was very accommodating to our needs/wants out of the experience! We would highly recommend using him and his group! I would definitely do another tour with Matt.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the recommendation! We are so glad to hear that Matt provided such a knowledgeable and accommodating experience for your group. At Sedona Philosophy, we really pride ourselves on tailoring each outing to our guests' specific interests, so it’s wonderful to know Matt hit the mark for you. We look forward to seeing you on another tour in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $182 to $219
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Sedona, Cathedral Rock Hiking Tour with a Private Guide: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sedona.
How much does Sedona, Cathedral Rock Hiking Tour with a Private Guide cost?
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Prices start at $182 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sedona usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Sedona, Cathedral Rock Hiking Tour with a Private Guide take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sedona is not rushed.
Is Sedona, Cathedral Rock Hiking Tour with a Private Guide worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sedona, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Sedona, Cathedral Rock Hiking Tour with a Private Guide?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Sedona, Cathedral Rock Hiking Tour with a Private Guide suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Sedona, Cathedral Rock Hiking Tour with a Private Guide?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sedona can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sedona and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Sedona, Cathedral Rock Hiking Tour with a Private Guide start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sedona within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sedona?
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Sedona's activity market is dominated by off-road jeep tours, and the difference between operators comes down to which trails they are permitted to run. Beyond that: vortex and energy walks, hot air balloon lifts at dawn, stargazing sessions in one of the darkest skies in the country, and Grand Canyon day runs north. We rank on permit access and group size. On Outty we rank every Sedona experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small-Group Grand Canyon Complete Tour from Sedona or Flagstaff, Sedona’s ONLY Guided ATV Tour: Western Red Rock Backcountry, Sedona Off-Road Jeep Tour: Rugged Western Canyons & Wildlife. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sedona?
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March to May and September to November. Summer afternoons bring monsoon storms. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sedona?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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