Legendary Sedona hiking trail is temporarily closing this spring. Here's what we know

Cathedral Rock, the iconic red-rock formation overlooking Oak Creek in Sedona, is one of the city's biggest attractions. Tens of thousands of people hike the challenging Cathedral Rock Trail each year.

But Sedona visitors who want to hike Cathedral Rock this spring will have to plan around a four-day-a-week trail closure.

The Red Rock Ranger District of Coconino National Forest, which manages trails in the Sedona area, recently announced it will temporarily close the Cathedral Rock Trail and nearby areas for maintenance.

The Forest Service told The Arizona Republic that the closure is necessary to protect the public from rockslides that could occur as the work is being done.

Here's why the Cathedral Rock Trail is being closed temporarily.

Why is Cathedral Rock closed?

Cathedral Rock Trail is being closed to make way for maintenance work that includes rigging and cutting rocks to build a retaining wall and new steps on the trail. The work involves using wire rope slings to move rocks safely and much of it takes place on steep slopes, said Brady Smith, public affairs officer for Coconino National Forest.

The closure is necessary because the work could trigger a potentially dangerous rockslide, he said.

When is Cathedral Rock Trail closed?

The Cathedral Rock Trail and nearby areas, including the junction where the Cathedral Rock and Templeton trails meet, will be closed from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays through April 13.

The trail will be open Sundays through Tuesdays while maintenance is in progress, Smith said.

When will Cathedral Rock open?

Cathedral Rock Trail is expected to reopen daily starting April 14. It could reopen sooner depending on how the work progresses, Smith said.

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Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona is closed. What hikers need to know