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Fun singletrack with some technical sections, leading to a beautiful streamside along Oak Creek.


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Map Key

3.4

Miles

5.5

KM

Singletrack

4,296' 1,309 m

High

3,976' 1,212 m

Low

84' 26 m

Up

400' 122 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

Starting at Slim Shady, this trail heads west, past the popular Cathedral Rock hiking trail, to a beautiful lunch spot on Oak Creek, then connects to the Baldwin Loop.

Templeton is more difficult than Slim Shady - it's still worth doing for intermediate riders but they'll find themselves walking a bit. The first section from Slim Shady is fairly mellow, with only a few very short rocky areas, but mostly just twisty red dirt cruising. The trail turns to 100% red rock as you contour around and cross the Cathedral Rock Trail.

Cathedral Rock Trail is hikers-only, and gets people up from the nearby trailhead up to the top of Cathedral Rock. Pay attention and be courteous here - it's an incredibly popular area for hikers, notably less experienced hikers. You'll likely get a few questions or comments from incredulous people asking if you've really ridden your bicycle to this spot! Although it's busy, there is some fun playing that can be done on all the red rock around this area.

The descent from Catherdral Rock area is the trickiest part of the trail, though most of it is rideable without terrible consequences if you fall. You'll follow several switchbacks and ride or walk over a sustained rocky section before reaching the bottom. Here, you'll be rewarded with a much more lush area along Oak Creek. There are plenty of spots for a dip if you're hot, then a rocky technical section to the end where Baldwin Loop starts.

Contacts

Shared By:

The Kraken

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 53 votes

#210

Overall
  4.2 from 53 votes
5 Star
36%
4 Star
47%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#13

in Arizona

#210

Overall
47 Views Last Month
7,875 Since May 1, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
41%
25%
33%
0%

Photos

Gorgeous view of the valley.
Aug 12, 2015 near Village…, AZ
Best Intermediate Sedona Trails (Templeton, Slim Shady, Easy Breeze) in 4K
Mar 10, 2022 near Village…, AZ
It doesn't get much better than riding at sunset in Sedona.
Aug 12, 2015 near West Se…, AZ
Susan rides the nice slickrock benches on the Cathedral Rock Loop
Apr 26, 2013 near West Se…, AZ
riding along the base of cathedral
May 2, 2013 near Village…, AZ
Staircase and 1st switch back on main technical section of Templeton!
Jan 13, 2018 near West Se…, AZ
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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 10 days ago
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