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USA :: Sedona :: Transept To Cathedral |
GPS Track |
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View of Distant Cathedral Rock from Transept Trail |
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| Trip Summary | |||
Dec 02, 2023
Transept is one of newer Sedona Trails and as such still not as busy as other Cathedral Rock Area Trails. Very scenic and one of personal favourites. It is also designed for Mountain Biking, but due to overall nature of terrain suited only for very skilled riders. Variety of options exist: With 2 cars one could return on Hiline to Yavapai Vista, or even do a full loop around Cathedral Rock for a very long day. On my trip I decided to try to continue on Hiline briefly, then verge off-trail and scramble Cathedral Rock Saddle - widely considered Sedona strongest Energy Vortex. Social Media hiker Hordes usually approach Cathedral Rock from Back O Beyond Trail on North side, but South side described here still appears to be widely unknown thus offering hard-to-find solitude.
Transept Trailhead is at North Side Valley Verde Road, couple of km west from Oak Creek Village. Pullout parking is on the other side of the road; if busy it might be possible to find additional space at some of nearby residential streets. Initial moderately steep climb is followed to mostly level contour below Seven Warriors Mesa. This section is super scenic with one of best Panoramic views of Sedona Valley and it's many famous Red Rock landmarks. It will take ~1.5 hrs (5km) to signed Hiline Junction. Descend on Hiline towards Cathedral Rock for about 15min, then leave trail as it starts descending slickrock on the south side. (Waypoint "2 - Cathedral Route", GPS Track download Top of Page). Reasonably defined trail traverses Rock ledges till below 2 main Cathedral Buttes then scrambles broken terrain to the Saddle. Crux is 5-6m Chimney below the Top; low class 3 with very interesting volcanic rock protruding below - see Gallery. This saddle is very wild place; I can't vouch I actually felt the Vortex, but certainly the Awe of reaching such a spectacular spot.
I returned the same way, but trash down west side appeared possible. This would bring you down to lower parts of Baldwin Trail from where return can be made via Hiline back to Transept or Templeton to Yavapai Vista (2 cars). Highly recommended moderate outing and Sedona at its finest! |
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Gallery |
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 Transept Trailhead
Transept Trailhead at north side of Verde Valley Road. Parking area is on the other side |
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 Warrior Tower
Tower like Rock Feature, one of Seven Warriors |
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 Transept Trail
Contouring at base of Seven Warriors. This section is longer than expected as trail crosses several shallow canyons |
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 Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock Telephoto, still on Transept Trail. Hiline Trail zig-zags midground rock slopes to Baldwin Trail junction. Capitol Butte behind right |
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 Hiline Junction
Hiline Trail junction, about 1.5 hrs of steady pace from Verde Valley Road |
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 Hiline Trail
Hiline Trail gradually descends towards Cathedral Rock with Distinct Rock Spire between 2 main Buttes |
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 Cathedral Approach
Leaving Hiline Trail and approaching Cathedral Spires on system of Slickrock ledges |
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 Munds Panorama
View back towards distant Munds Wilderness from just below Cathedral Spires. Seven Warriors Mesa center right, Courthouse Butte to its left |
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 Vortex Scramble
Brief Scramble to Saddle separating two main Cathedral Spires |
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 Bazalt Chimney
Crux just below the top: 5-6m moderate angle class 3 chimney with interesting volcanic rock |
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 Cathedral Vortex
Cathedral Saddle, considered Sedona strongest Energy Vortex |
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 West Side
Looking down west side gully from Cathedral Saddle. It is possible scramble down this way and intersect lower part of Baldwin Trail |
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 Cathedral Spire
Cathedral Rock Spire directly above the Saddle separating 2 main Buttes; very wild place! |
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Looking down at Crux Chimney before scrambling down - easier from what this photo might suggest |
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 Cathedral Sunset
Crimson Sunset Sky on Return near Hiline/Transept Junction |
Abstract
| Overall Difficulty | D3/4 | Some rocky and narrow sections on Transept Trail. Low class 3 scramble to Cathedral Saddle | |||
| Scenery | Seven Warriors Mesa and Cathedral Rock. Distant Panoramic views across entire Sedona / Oak Creek Valley. Unique Rock Formations at Cathedral Rock Energy Vortex Saddle | ||||
| Trail/Marking | Excellent | Well defined Transept / Hiline trails with marked junction and trail maps. Off-trail Cathedral scramble extension | |||
| Suggested Time | 5 hrs | Return time including Cathedral Scramble Extension. 3-4hrs if turning back at Hiline plateau | |||
| Elevation | Start: 1270m Max: 1445m Total: +190m -70m | Round Trip: 15km | |||
| Gear | Light hikers or Full Boots | ||||
| Water | No reliable source. Carry 1.5-2L, depending on season | ||||
| Dog Friendly | Yes | Beware of Mountain Bikers and Rattlesnakes in summer months | |||
Transept To Cathedral GAIA Map
Transept To Cathedral Elevation Profile