Cathedral Rock, Mountain formation in Sedona, United States.
Cathedral Rock is a natural sandstone formation in the red rock landscape near Sedona, Arizona. The formation consists of multiple peaks connected by saddle points that create the distinctive silhouette visible from many viewpoints.
Cathedral Rock appeared on some early maps as "Court House Rock", while Courthouse Butte was labelled "Church House Rock"; the swap has caused confusion ever since. The formation itself is carved from the Permian Schnebly Hill Formation, redbed sandstone laid down as coastal sand dunes beside the ancient Pedregosa Sea.
The red sandstone formation draws photographers and artists who want to capture the natural beauty of Arizona's landscape. Many people visit to document the shifting colors and shapes as light changes throughout the day.
The trail to the summit begins at the Back O Beyond trailhead and follows marked paths through the red rocks. The route involves scrambling over rock and requires sturdy footwear and careful footing throughout.
Ripple marks are visible along the lower Cathedral Rock trail, preserved in the Schnebly Hill sandstone that formed from coastal sand dunes near the ancient Pedregosa Sea. A black basalt dike cuts through the rock in the first saddle, a dark band against the red stone.
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