Sedona hiking tour with local guide: Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek

Walk the trails the Ancestral Puebloans walked, with a guide who explains what shaped the rocks.

A two-hour guided hike through Red Rock State Park near Sedona, led by a local guide trained in philosophy and geology, covering Cathedral Rock, the Smoke and Kisva trails, and Oak Creek. The guide adjusts the route to match your fitness level, from easy to moderate or challenging. Trekking poles, water, snacks and park entry are included. Minimum age is 16.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sedona's natural and cultural sites

• Visit Red Rock State Park locations
• Hike around Cathedral Rock and landmarks
• Walk Smoke Trail and Kisva Trail
• Enjoy Oak Creek wildlife and sounds
• Learn about Native American cultures
• Visit House of Apache Fires

The experience

Red Rock State Park sits just outside Sedona, and this tour threads through its most significant spots. Your guide takes you to Cathedral Rock first, where you'll see Thunder Mountain, the Three Sisters, Napoleon's Tomb, Eagle's Nest and the Seven Warriors: each one a geological formation the guide explains as you stand in front of it. The route then moves to the Smoke Trail and Kisva Trail, paths walked by Ancestral Puebloans a thousand years ago. "Kisva" is a Hopi word for shady water, and the trail lives up to it: it stays cool year-round, a rare thing in the desert.

The guide is a Sedona local trained in philosophy and the deeper meaning of the place, not just its names. Along the way you'll see ancient petroglyphs, learn how the Ancestral Puebloans irrigated their fields to sustain a civilization in this landscape, and hear about their descendants: the Yavapai, Apache, Hopi and Navajo peoples who live in the region today. You'll also visit the House of Apache Fires, a cliff-side home built by Sedona residents Helen and Jack Frye, with views down to Oak Creek. The tour ends with a walk to one of the few public access points on Oak Creek itself, where you can listen to the water and watch for wildlife.

Trekking poles, bottled water and snacks come with the tour. The guide adjusts the difficulty based on what your group can do: the same trails work for easy, moderate or challenging hikes depending on pace and distance. The tour runs two hours and accommodates all fitness levels. It's wheelchair accessible and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• A two-hour guided hike with a local educator.
• admission to Red Rock State Park.
• trekking poles, bottled water and snacks.
• access to Oak Creek at one of its few public points.
• views of Cathedral Rock, Thunder Mountain, the Three Sisters, Napoleon's Tomb, Eagle's Nest and the Seven Warriors.
• the Smoke Trail and Kisva Trail, paths walked by Ancestral Puebloans.
• ancient petroglyphs.
• and instruction on geology, Native American history and ecology.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 13:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (16 to 90 years) · Under 16: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Sedona Philosophy

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and teaches philosophy and geology as you walk, so the commentary works for anyone who wants to understand the place, not just see it. The route adjusts to your pace (easy, moderate or challenging), so you pick the speed that fits your fitness level on the day.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between the Smoke Trail and the Kisva Trail on this hike?

The Kisva Trail is the one that stays cool year-round and was walked by Ancestral Puebloans. "Kisva" is a Hopi word meaning shady water. The Smoke Trail is also part of the route and connects to the same ancient pathways through Red Rock State Park.

Can I see petroglyphs on this hike?

Yes, you'll see ancient petroglyphs along the Kisva Trail, which follows paths the Ancestral Puebloans used. The guide explains their significance as part of the cultural history of the area.

Does the guide explain how Cathedral Rock and the other rock formations got their shapes?

The guide teaches the geological history of each formation (Cathedral Rock, Thunder Mountain, the Three Sisters, Napoleon's Tomb, Eagle's Nest and the Seven Warriors) explaining how they formed over time.

Is there water to drink on the trail?

Bottled water is provided as part of the tour. You'll also have a chance to walk to Oak Creek, one of the few public access points, where you can listen to the flowing water.

What do I need to bring on this hike?

Trekking poles and water are included. The operator recommends bringing a personal backpack to carry sunblock and personal items, and suggests wearing clothing layers and windbreaks in case of weather changes.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit?

The guide adjusts the route to match your fitness level, so the same trails work for easy, moderate or challenging hikes depending on pace and distance. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.