The Pyramid is a Cairns Icon and one of the most famous hikes in Far North Queensland. Fun fact, this beauty, standing at 922 metres above sea level, is THE highest standing natural pyramid in the world!! If that doesn't convince you to add it to the list then we don't know what will. We believe that anybody who calls Cairns home should attempt this hike at least once!
Distance: Just over 6km return
Duration: 3 to 6 hours
Difficulty: 7.5/10
Work/reward ratio: 8/10
Last visited: August 2021
Trail Notes
Walsh's Pyramid is located around 45 minutes South of Cairns, just past Gordonvale. Google Maps will get you to the start of the trail easily. Otherwise, drive past Gordonvale and just past the turn off to Goldsborough Valley along the highway is another right-hand turn (which also has a sign signalling that it is the turn-off for the Pyramid).
Almost immediately after you turn off the highway, there is a carpark on the left where the trail head starts. There is also a sign that signals the start of the trail head from the carpark.
This hike is not that well sheltered, it is a dry-bush vibe.
Straight up, this is a difficult hike. Whilst it is not particularly long, it is steep and relentlessly so. That being said, whilst a base level of hike fitness is recommended, we know so many people who have done this hike at their own pace and totally conquered it. In saying that, be smart about it. There have been people die attempting this climb. Bringing plenty of water, know your limits and don't start out in the middle of a hot summer day. This hike is best undertaken in the cooler, drier months between May- September.
The track is well-worn, although there are a couple of opportunities to fall into error. The track is marked by red arrows so keep your eye out.
One of the great parts of this hike is that there are plenty of opportunities to catch views out across the cane fields extending to Cairns city on the way up.
Helpfully there are markers at the 1km, 2 km and 3 km points. There is also a painted rock which signals when you have reached half-way. Helpful insight, the rock is half way in elevation not in distance, the rock is actually closer to the 2km mark in distance. Disclaimer: the first time you see this painted 1/2 way sign your soul will die a little on the inside. Take a moment to gather yourself and then keep pushing! You can do it!
When you get to the 3km marker you are almost at the top. Just before you reach "the top" there is an epic side track to the right onto an amazing rock. If you miss it on the way up, make sure you check it out on the way down. It is a little tricky to spot if you haven't been before. It is easier to spot on the way back down.
When you reach the top there is another flat rock. You can continue past this rock for views south which we recommend. The trail at the top is pretty well worn so you should be able to navigate you way around the top easily.
A failed sunrise attempt: In September 2020 we attempted to hike the Pyramid for sunrise with another one of our friends from the gym. We tossed and turned over the 2% chance of rain predicted and decided, stuff it, the weather couldn't be that cruel to us if we got up at 3:30am, surely? Wrong! About half way up our dark climb we started to feel spits of rain. Too committed to admit defeat we convinced ourselves that the rain would clear before sunrise but unfortunately luck was not on our side and it poured rain! We got zero view and a messed up sleep schedule for our efforts. This climb scarred us from any further trips up the Pyramid until our latest hike nearly 12 months later when we decided to forgive one of our favourite mountains! Not sure either of us are all that keen to attempt it for sunrise again, but for now the Pyramid can consider itself forgiven.
When a 2% chance of rain turns into zero visibility for sunrise!
All in all, The Pyramid is a classic and just has to be done. If you are really keen, there is an annual race where super crazy fit people actually run up the mountain (and back down). For now, we will stick to walking it though!
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