There Is an Alternate Trail You Can Hike on the Saddle of Cathedral Rock and It Gives the Best Views of Sedona

Albeit the humid and barren conditions in the area, Sedona, Arizona is like a watering hole in terms of natural wonders of the world. There are many awe-inspiring landscapes and unique rock formations that are nothing short of picture-perfect. One of the, if not the most, prominent figures in Sedona is called the Cathedral Rock, and it draws its name from its distinct similarity to that structure. Being a popular natural landmark, many paths and routes have been laid out towards the spot, but out of all of those paths, one particular trail stands out the most. Hiline Trail offers a remarkable view of Sedona and you shouldn’t miss it for the world!

The Hiline Trail is A Beautiful Trail with Excellent Views

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Despite having a relatively low elevation gain at 370 meters and a 13.5-kilometer trail span, as well as receiving ratings that mark it as a hard trail to conquer, Hiline Trail is still worth visiting. It pays its patrons gratitude by giving them a view of the arid yet magnificent desert floor topography. Make no mistake as the trail is nowhere near smooth-sailing. Your field of vision would be occupied by rocky formations and cliffs on one side. If you look the other way, you will be treated to the wonderful collection of succulent cacti and other flower-bearing plants. It’s definitely a treat!

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One might say that Hiline Trail’s highlight lies in the breathtaking panoramic sights it allows hikers to see. The trail allows hikers to grasp the beauty of Cathedral Rock from a different perspective. Once you reach the saddles of Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock are also in the eyeshot. These mesmerizing sights would surely seize the hearts of photographers. Even if you have no device or camera with you, guarantee you will still get lost in the moment looking at the sheer beauty of the place.

Places like this make you appreciate all the wonders of the world. How can something be so utterly mesmerizing?

Get Ready to Take a Challenging Yet Diverse Experience at Hiline Trail

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There are many ways to trek the Hiline Trail. You can take it on with a partner or as a group. If you are feeling adventurous and want to put your wheels to the test, you can use also use a mountain bike to ride the plains. Some hikers climb the Hiline Trail alone to get some “me-time,” while others prefer exploring the terrain and conquering the climb with their furry friend. While this didn’t make the cut in our list of dog-friendly hikes to try in Arizona, you need to plan your trip here asap. Just make sure you have your fur baby on a leash.

Overall, the trail is packed with dry, rocky, and sporty riding. For that reason, you need to be mindful of the ability of your companions and yourself. Don’t come here if it’s your first-time hiking because you might have a hard time the whole day. With that said, you should also prepare sufficient supplies and maintain discipline in making decisions. This is not us being technical. You should be mindful of the steep and narrow cliffs where caution is best exercised.

An Alternate Trail Worth Trying!

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Cathedral Rock is a world-renowned site with numerous trails for you to explore.

Although the Hiline Trail seems like a detour, it offers a unique perspective that is worth the shot. It allows hikers to see the beautiful and aesthetic angles of Sedona while squeezing in a pretty intense workout. There’s something about the trail that radiates a captivating and absorbing aura. Everything is picture-perfect as far as the eye can see. In fact, the bikers who come here believe they can brave any sharp slope and white knuckle turn just by looking at the scenic sight. These adventurers will find it truly enjoyable.

Like many hiking routes in the area, Hiline Trail allows one to see Sedona as a work of art sculpted by nature.

What You Should Know

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• The trail is rated difficult, but some hikers say that it is not that “difficult” as long as you watch where you are stepping. You should also expect that some parts of the trail will be very narrow, and there are sudden steep drop-offs. It is probably best to keep a handle on your children and pets if you are bringing them along.
• There are some muddy sections in the Hiline Trail during the winter and summer monsoon. Be careful because it would be very slick to walk on
• The length of the hike can be unbearable for some so make sure you have at least 1/2 gallon of water per person. You can also bring trail food and some candy to recharge anytime along the way.
• If you are starting from the Yavapai Vista parking area, you should keep your eyes peeled for the unmarked side trail that branches off Hiline Trail. You can find it just as you come to the large Slickrock section on Cathedral Rock’s southside. This side trail is not listed on the forest service map so you will have to pay attention to your surroundings to spot it. Some say the trail winds around the east side of the rock so you’d end up in the saddle of Cathedral Rock. You can choose if you want to come here, but some parts of this trail are steep and hard to climb if you’re carrying a backpack. From the saddle, you may just continue down the other side and head to the Back O’ Beyond Parking area. You can also just go back the way you came and continue on with the Hiline Trail.

Hiline Trail Details

Trail Distance: 13.5 km
Elevation Gain: 370 m
Route Type: Out and back
Location: Sedona, Arizona

What do you think of this climb? Does this trail make you wish you were out hiking or biking? You should check out our article on the 10 best bike trails in Arizona. We also covered pretty amazing drone videos that will take you on an aerial tour of our state.