When planning our Sedona trip, we had a long list of hikes we wanted to do. Some big, some shorter, and some we knew we might need to play by ear once we were actually there with our 10-year-old.

What we ended up doing on one of our favorite days was two very different hikes that worked really well together. Cathedral Rock in the morning, followed by the Birthing Cave later in the day.

Both delivered incredible views, and both taught us something about pacing Sedona hikes as a family.

Quick Trail Summary

Here are the key stats at a glance for the hikes we covered:

Trail	Distance	Estimated Time	Difficulty	Best For
Cathedral Rock (to halfway)	~1.2 mi *	~1–1.5 hrs	Moderate / Scramble	Views w/out full summit
Birthing Cave	~2 mi	~1–2 hrs	Easy/Moderate	Unique cave + photos

* We turned back halfway — full trail is 1.4 mi RT. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

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Morning Hike: Cathedral Rock

We started our day at Cathedral Rock, one of the most iconic hikes in the area.

This hike gets right to business. It is short, but it gains elevation quickly. The trail involves a mix of steady climbing and light scrambling, and as you get higher, the views just keep opening up behind you.

We made it about halfway, maybe a bit more, before deciding to turn back.

The final section looked noticeably tougher, with more vertical climbing, and while we probably could have pushed it, it felt like a good moment to listen to our instincts. The views from where we stopped were already incredible, and no one felt disappointed about not going all the way to the top.

Honestly, it was still a win.

🧠 Practical Tips for Cathedral Rock

• Start early to beat the crowds and heat. Parking fills fast in the morning.
• Wear sturdy shoes — the trail gets slick and rocky, with some scrambling.
• Bring plenty of water — there’s almost no shade, especially midday.
• Red Rock Pass or shuttle may be required at the Cathedral Rock trailhead.
• If hiking with kids, consider turning back at the saddle for great views without a full summit.

How Cathedral Rock felt for us

• Short but intense
• Steep in sections
• Amazing views even if you do not summit
• A good “know when to turn around” hike with kids

This was a great way to kick off the day while everyone had energy.

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Afternoon Hike: Birthing Cave via Long Canyon

After Cathedral Rock, we headed over to hike to the Birthing Cave, using the Long Canyon Trailhead.

This hike had a completely different feel.

The trail is mostly flat and relaxed at the start, making it a nice contrast to Cathedral Rock. The real work comes at the very end, where you scramble up into the cave itself.

Once inside the cave, you are rewarded with a framed view of Sedona’s red rocks that makes you stop and just take it in. For us, that moment when we climbed up and looked out was one of the highlights of the entire trip.

Our son loved this hike. It felt adventurous without being overwhelming, and the cave gave the hike a clear and exciting destination.

🧠 Practical Tips for Birthing Cave

• The final approach into the cave requires a short rock scramble — hold hands with younger kids if needed.
• Use GPS/AllTrails to find the spur into the cave, as it’s not heavily signed.
• Bring water and snacks — this makes a great midday stop after a longer hike.
• The cave area is photogenic — consider your camera settings before arrival so you’re ready to shoot.

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Parking and Finding the Trailhead (Important)

This is the part that tripped us up a bit, so it is worth explaining clearly.

We initially drove too far and ended up near Seven Canyons Golf Club, which is a sign you have gone past where you want to be. Once we realized that, we turned around and paid closer attention.

Parking for the Long Canyon Trailhead is not one large, obvious parking lot right at the start. Instead, there are several roadside pull-off parking areas along the road.

This is where we parked, and it actually worked out better.

Parking locations we recommend

Birthing Cave via Long Canyon Trailhead
Google Maps Plus Code:
W54G+M8 Sedona, Arizona

This spot put us closer to the trail and made the hike shorter than parking in the larger lot farther away. It felt informal but fine, and there were other cars parked nearby as well.

Cathedral Rock Parking (primary area)
Search in Google Maps for:
Cathedral Rock Trailhead, Sedona, AZ

Parking here can fill up quickly, which is why going earlier in the morning helps.

Parking takeaways

• If you reach Seven Canyons Golf Club, you have gone too far for Birthing Cave
• Look for roadside pull-off parking near Long Canyon Trailhead
• Parking closer along the road can shorten the Birthing Cave hike
• Expect a little trial and error the first time

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Comparing the Two Hikes

Doing these two hikes in one day worked surprisingly well.

Cathedral Rock

• Steeper and more physically demanding
• Great early in the day
• Worth doing even if you turn back early

Birthing Cave

• More relaxed overall
• Short scramble at the end
• Huge payoff with less effort
• Very kid-friendly

If you are traveling with family, this combination gives you a taste of Sedona’s intensity and its accessibility in the same day.

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🧠 Know Before You Go

Here are the key things to keep in mind before you head out on these Sedona hikes:

Essentials to Bring

• Water — at least 1 liter per person (more if it’s warm)
• Sturdy shoes — good traction for rock and uneven ground
• Sun protection — hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
• Snacks — quick energy for kids and adults on the trail
• Phone with offline map — cell service can be limited

Logistics & Trail Tips

• Many trailheads in Sedona require a Red Rock Pass or parking permit, so make sure you have it visible in your vehicle.
• Go early in the morning on popular trails like Cathedral Rock to avoid crowds and heat.
• Trails like Cathedral Rock include some rocky scrambling — take it slow and help kids where needed.
• For Birthing Cave, the final approach involves a short rock scramble into the cave — be prepared for a bit of hands‑on climbing.

Parking & Crowds

• Sedona parking lots fill quickly on weekends and holidays; arriving earlier improves your chances of a spot.
• If lots are full, consider one of the shuttle options where available.

These tips will help make your hike safer and more enjoyable, whether you’re going with family or on your own.

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🥾 Other Family‑Friendly Hikes in Sedona

If you’re looking for more options during your trip, here are a few extra hikes that are scenic, relatively easy to moderate, and great for families:

Bell Rock Pathway

• Distance: ~1–1.5 miles round‑trip (short loop or mini climb options)
• Why it’s great: Classic red‑rock views with easy access from the Courthouse Vista parking area. A nice choice for a shorter outing or sunset walk.

Fay Canyon Trail

• Distance: ~2.2–2.4 miles round‑trip
• Why it’s great: Shaded trail through a canyon with a gentle profile and optional rock scramble at the end for views. Fantastic for kids and a quieter alternative.

Airport Mesa Viewpoint / Loop

• Distance: 0.5 mile (viewpoint) up to ~3.3 miles (full loop)
• Why it’s great: Easy to access close to town, great vistas in every direction, and a known vortex site — ideal for sunset.

West Fork Trail (Oak Creek Canyon)

• Distance: Up to ~6.5 miles round‑trip (but you can turn around early)
• Why it’s great: Lush forest, creek crossings, and a completely different vibe from the red rock trails. Best earlier or later in the day.

These hikes offer a range of experiences for different energy levels and timing, and pair well with Cathedral Rock and Birthing Cave if you’re planning more activities during your stay.

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Final Thoughts

We did not summit Cathedral Rock, and we did not feel like we missed out.

We did make it to the Birthing Cave, and it ended up being one of our favorite moments in Sedona.

That is kind of the theme of traveling as a family. You adjust, you listen to the group, and you still walk away with experiences that stick with you.

If you are planning a Sedona trip and want hikes that work well with kids without sacrificing the wow factor, this two-hike combo is a great place to start.

Where to Stay

We stayed at Hyatt Vacation Club at Piñon Pointe during our time in Sedona and absolutely loved it. The location couldn’t have been better — just a short walk from Uptown Sedona’s shops, restaurants, and easy access to trailheads and scenic drives. The villas are spacious with fully equipped kitchens, cozy living areas, and private patios or balconies that offered great views of the red rocks and glowing sunsets. The outdoor pool, hot tubs, tennis court, and fire pit made for perfect downtime after hiking, and having space to relax together made our stay feel comfortable and convenient. There are a lot of great lodging options in Sedona, but this place worked really well for us and we’d happily stay here again.

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