How To Get To Cathedral Rock Vortex (2024)
Are you planning to hike to the Cathedral Rock vortex? If so, this article’s for you.
Cathedral Rock is by far my favorite Sedona hike, from the amazing views of the surrounding mountains, to the interesting rock pillars at the top. It’s considered the most powerful Sedona vortex, and I recently discovered how to get to the secret pillar where the vortex is thought to be!
This article will cover step by step directions on how to get to Cathedral Rock’s vortex, where to park, and the best time to visit. For your convenience, I’ve attached a map with parking and the vortex location pinned at the end of the article.
How To Get To Cathedral Rock Vortex
To get to the Cathedral Rock vortex, you’ll park by the trailhead at Back O’ Beyond Road if visiting Mon-Wed. Parking is $5/day, or covered with a daily Red Rock Pass which you can purchase online beforehand.
If visiting Thurs-Sun, you’ll park at the N SR-179 Park and Ride parking lot instead, and take the Sedona shuttle to the trailhead. It’s completely free to use the Sedona shuttle, and park at this lot (no Red Rock Pass needed).
At the trailhead, there’s a small pit toilet, and a short dirt trail before you start ascending up the mountain.
The hike is short (1.1 miles roundtrip), but it’s a great leg workout since you’ll be climbing up the mountain the entire time.
Around midway up the mountain, there’s a small portion where you’ll need to scramble up the rocks.
Keep in mind this is the most difficult (and steepest) part of the hike, so don’t let it discourage you from reaching the top! I’ve hiked this trail twice now, and have seen people of all ages do it.
Once you reach the top of the mountain, you’ll have ascended 4,967′ feet! Here you’ll see the “end of trail” sign, and it’s where most people stop to take pictures.
How To Get To The Vortex
- Climb to the top of the mountain where you see the “end of trail” sign
- Walk to the upper left of the “end of trail” sign, then take a left
- Walk (less than 100ft) until you see the large pillar on the left
- Climb up the steep rocky trail to get in front of the pillar
Now, to get to the vortex, you’ll turn left at the “end of trail” sign, and follow the path on the upper left. This path is not as well-defined, and is a bit rocky, so make sure to watch your steps and have your hands free for this portion.
After turning left, you’ll make another left and you’ll see the huge pillar.
There’s another steep rocky portion you’ll climb up to get to this pillar. It’s sandy and slippery so just take your time, and keep your hands free for this portion as well.
At the top, you’ll be right in front of the large pillar! This is where the Cathedral Rock vortex is thought to be, and it’s an amazing place to take a photo standing in front of.
Cathedral Rock is considered the most powerful Sedona energy vortex, and is classified as an “upflow” vortex, where people claim that energy is projecting out of the earth.
These upflow vortexes are said to leave you feeling uplifted and energized. Whether or not you believe in Sedona’s energy vortexes, this hike will definitely leave you feeling uplifted, after completing such an intense workout!
After seeing the pillar, you can return in the same way you came from. Thankfully, the hike back down the mountain is a breeze compared to climbing on the way up!
Tips For Hiking Cathedral Rock’s Vortex
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip (you have to scramble up to get to the hidden pillar)
- Bring a backpack/water bottle sling so you can keep your hands free while climbing
- Take your time and be patient if other people are in front of you
- Hike during the weekdays to avoid crowds
Cathedral Rock Vortex Map
Prefer watching? Check out our video guide below!
Best Time To Hike Cathedral Rock
The best time to hike Cathedral Rock is on a weekday to avoid crowds. The middle portion of the hike is steep and narrow, so you’ll likely have to wait for people to climb ahead of you if visiting on a busy day.
Additionally, this is an amazing afternoon hike for watching the sunset. Not only will there be less crowds, but it’s cooler, and you’ll have a spectacular sunset view of the sun setting over the horizon.
Cathedral Rock Vortex Hike FAQs
What is a Sedona vortex?
Sedona’s vortexes are sites thought to have increased levels of energy entering or projecting out of the earth. These sites originated in the early 1980s when New Age spiritualists began identifying these vortexes, and they’re thought to have meditative or healing properties.
Although there’s no science to back up these claims, many people visit them because they’re located at some of the most beautiful viewpoints in town.
The four most well-known vortexes are Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Boynton Canyon. You can hike to all of them on your own, or go on an energy vortex tour to learn about their fascinating history.
Where do you park for Cathedral Rock?
Parking for Cathedral Rock depends on which day you visit, as the trailhead’s parking lot is closed when the Sedona shuttle is operating.
If you’re visiting Mon-Wed, you can park right at the trailhead off of Back O Beyond Rd.
If you’re visiting Thurs-Sun, you can park at the N SR-179 Park and Ride lot, and take the free Sedona shuttle to the trailhead.
Parking at the main trailhead requires a Daily Red Rock Pass ($5/day), whereas parking at the shuttle lot is completely free.
Where is the Cathedral Rock vortex located?
The Cathedral Rock vortex is located in front of a hidden pillar at the top of the mountain. To get to the secret pillar, you’ll turn left at the “end of trail” sign, and follow the path to the upper left.
Then you’ll take a left, and walk until you see the tall pillar on the left. You can then climb up a steep rocky portion to get right in front of the pillar.
How difficult is the Cathedral Rock vortex hike?
The Cathedral Rock hike is short, but slightly challenging because you’ll be ascending the entire way up.
The steepest portion of the hike is midway up the mountain, where you’ll have to scramble up a section of rocks. This portion of the hike only lasts a minute, and I’ve seen people of all ages do it.
Overall the hike is slightly challenging, but very doable for beginners. Once you reach the top of the mountain, the views make it incredibly worth it.
How long does the Cathedral Rock hike take?
The Cathedral Rock hike can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half depending on your speed. It only took me around an hour each time, stopping to take many pictures along the way.
What should you wear hiking Cathedral Rock?
I recommend wearing flexible clothing and comfortable shoes with good grip, as you’ll be climbing up the mountain for a portion of the hike.
Additionally, I recommend wearing a backpack or water bottle sling if you don’t have pockets, so you can keep your hands free while hiking.
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