A Cathedral at Sunset #arizona #sedona #cathedralrock

It was with some reluctance that we drove away from the Grand Canyon to make our way back to Sedona. We had been lucky to beat the rainstorm, which we were not prepared for, and we were still determined to take in a Sedona sunset before we flew home. As it was, we chose the perfect spot.

Sunset near Cathedral Rock, Sedona, Arizona

After getting some tacos to-go, we drove to the famous Cathedral Rock formation in Sedona. It was a site we had passed often during our travels, and we did not want to miss seeing it close-up before we left for home.

Cathedral Rock is magnificent to behold at any time of day, but offers a special magic at sunset.

The climb up Cathedral rock is considered short, but difficult, and we soon discovered why. Had we been better prepared and more rested, we may have made it to the top of the trail, but after venturing up the lower portion of the rather slippery rocks, we decided it wasn’t worth the risk of injury.

It’s a steep and rather treacherous climb to the top of Cathedral, but many people attempt it.

We were not disappointed, though. The entire natural monument is stunning, from all sides and depths.

Cathedral Rock in Sedona is considered to reside on one of the famous vortexes. It is a wonder to behold and feels both majestic and sacred.

And, it is especially magnificent at sunset when the light illuminates the red rocks and brings depth to its shadows. Faces and forms appear and one gets the sense you are in the presence of ancestral spirits lingering in the stone, watching…

Cathedral Rock and its spirits in stone

Instead of climbing to the summit, we walked around the base of Cathedral walk, following the trail of the setting sun. It was magical.

It was a long day filled with wonders that far surpassed the imagination, as well as many moments of deep gratitude for this beautiful and wondrous Earth we reside upon.

The path back to the parking lot, surrounded by wonders

32 thoughts on “A Cathedral at Sunset #arizona #sedona #cathedralrock

  1. Wow. What a magical place. I can believe it is a vortex. Maybe it’s like Aboriginal sacred sites here in Australia – it’s best not to climb them. In fact people are no longer allowed to climb Uluru at all.

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    1. I agree. I would prefer people didn’t climb them. We were all more comfortable walking around the base, and in fact, that was probably too much tampering. We did a trail the next morning that was more removed from it, and you could see the guardians in the rocks watching over it. The town of Sedona is now very busy and build up amid these sacred monuments and it does not feel right.

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  2. I don’t recall ever hearing about Cathedral Rock before and greatly appreciate your beautiful photos and insightful descriptions, including the spiritual effect this place had on you.

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