Can I Hike To Cathedral Rock From Buddha Beach?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Cathedral Rock

via the Baldwin Trailhead

It starts from the Baldwin Trailhead. The trail is 3.7 miles round trip, and it takes about 1.5 hours to get to the top of Cathedral Rock. This route will have wonderful views of the west side of Cathedral Rock as you start your hike.

How difficult is Cathedral Rock hike?

Try this 1.2-mile out-and-back trail near Sedona, Arizona.

Generally considered a challenging route

, it takes an average of 53 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Where do you park to hike Cathedral Rock in Sedona?

Parking at

Back O Beyond Road

The Cathedral Rock Trailhead is located on Back O Beyond Road. There are two lots here which sit side by side. Between these two lots, there is enough room to accommodate roughly 45 cars. We did this hike in early April 2021.

How long does it take to hike Cathedral Rock Trail?

If you hike st a steady pace, it takes

40-60 minutes to go up and a little less to descend

. So, depending on how long you stay at the saddle, allow at least two hours. over a year ago. There is a parking lot at the base which you have to pay….about $5 if I recall.

Where can I see Cathedral Rock?

The best way is to go to

Crescent Moon Ranch (West Sedona)

. They charge a $10 admission but it gives you access to the trail to Oak Creek. Many beautiful creek access points and prayer rock collection sites. Another way is to access it via Baldwin Trail.

How early should I get to Cathedral Rock?

Hike

Around Sunset or Early Morning

Not only will doing the Cathedral Rock hike for sunset give you some great light, but you’ll beat the crowds!

Is Cathedral Rock a vortex?

Cathedral Rock is

predominantly an Upflow Vortex

(especially the 1st half of the trail). Great for soaring and feeling inspired for greater oneness and serenity. The flat area 1/2 way up also has wonderful views of Sedona and the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

How long is Devil’s Bridge hike?

The Devil’s Bridge Trail is fairly short (about 1.8 miles roundtrip), but you will probably end up walking a longer distance because of the rough roads and the available parking options. Expect to walk anywhere from

4 to 5.8 miles round-trip

and take about 2 to 3 hours to complete the hike.

What is the most popular hike in Sedona?

One of the most popular hikes in Sedona (for a good reason) is

Cathedral Rock Trail

. This 1.2-mile round trip is a bit steep in places but there are plenty of opportunities to stop and look around to enjoy the view. At the top, you’ll see red rock formations and such as Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock in the distance.

Do you have to pay to hike in Sedona?

Take a hike


There’s a belief that you have to pay to hike anywhere in Sedona but that’s not the case

. It’s true that Red Rock Passes are required to park at popular trailheads along State Route 179 and in Oak Creek Canyon. The passes raise money to improve and maintain trails.

How long is the Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona?

The Cathedral Rock Trail is only

0.7 miles

in length, climbing quite steeply up an open slickrock slope beneath the butte to a viewpoint at the base of the sheer cliffs at the center – on a saddle which links the peak to an adjacent flat-topped summit to the south.

Why is it called Cathedral Rock?

About Cathedral Rock:

Cathedral Rock is

a towering red sandstone formation with a cathedral-like shape

(hence its name), although the pious name is a far cry from it’s macabre past as a site of public hangings.

What is the most powerful vortex in Sedona?

Most people consider the

Boynton Canyon vortex

site to be the most powerful Sedona vortex overall. The Boynton Canyon mixes both masculine and feminine energies.

What is the easiest vortex to get to in Sedona?


Red Rock Crossing/Cathedral Rock Vortex

The easiest access to this vortex is to drive 4.3 miles west on 89A from the junction of Hwys 89A and 179, and turn left on Upper Red Rock Loop Rd.

Can dogs hike Cathedral Rock?

Cathedral Rock Trail

This popular

dog-friendly

hike in Sedona is a short 1.2 miles in length but has a steeper incline with an elevation gain of 744 feet. Make sure to keep your pup close as mountain bikers also frequent the trail.

Can you see Cathedral Rock from the road?


The best views of Cathedral Rock can be seen anywhere along Hwy 179, and even more so along Verde Valley School Road

. steep section near the top. The saddle rests in between two towering clusters of red rocks and is a perfect spot to catch a beautiful Sedona sunset.

How do you get to Cathedral Rock Vortex?

Getting to the Cathedral Rock trailhead in Sedona is fairly easy. It is

a 10-minute, 4.3-mile drive from Uptown Sedona

. As for parking, Cathedral Rock has one parking lot at the trailhead and one lot just around the bend in the road. Both will hold about two dozen vehicles each.

Where can I get Cathedral Rock photos?


Crescent Moon Picnic Area

is a great place to photograph Cathedral Rock. There is a path along Oak Creek or you can hike up the hill to the north. The trail to the top of the hill starts just north of the entrance to the park off of Red Rock Crossing Road.

Why is it called Chicken point Sedona?

Chicken Point

purportedly draws its name from some trail users who are too “chicken” to approach the precipitous far edge

. There are a couple of interesting sidelights along this trail. The first is only about a half-mile from the trailhead and allows trailside viewing of a bat cave!

Why is Sedona a vortex?

Sedona vortexes are

natural geomagnetic points that create a swirling energy center radiating from the earth’s surface

. Many people have reported feeling inspired by these beneficial spiritual energy sources, which are also said to facilitate balance, prayer, healing, and intuitiveness.

How high is Cathedral Rock?

4,967′

Where exactly is the Cathedral Rock vortex?

This vortex is

at the intersection of Oak Creek and Cathedral Rock, called Red Rock Crossing

. Those who believe in vortexes claim it has a feminine energy and that visitors should expect to leave feeling creative and rested.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.