Sedona is known for being both a sacred and powerful place, but with so much to do in the region, it can be hard to choose which attractions are worth seeing. When it comes to vortexes, which are swirling centers of energy known to promote healing and meditation, there is no shortage of options in the city of Sedona, but a few of these vortexes stand out from the crowd for various reasons, whether it be their breathtaking views or the feelings visitors report experiencing there.
So, whether you are visiting from near or far, read on to learn our top 4 picks for vortexes to add to your Sedona to-do list.
#1: Bell Rock
Easily identified by its bell shape, Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s most highly-visited vortexes, and for good reason. Due to the strenuous conditions of hiking to the top of Bell Rock, it is recommended to choose more accessible trails near Bell Rock to enjoy a safer, more manageable vortex experience.
Bell Rock Trail is one of the most popular trails near Bell Rock, popular among those who run, walk, and hike. Thanks to the minimal changes in altitude throughout the trail, Bell Rock Trail is suitable for most hikers looking to embrace the vortex experience. With jaw-dropping views of Sedona, it’s well worth adding this trail to your to-do list.
Alternatively, the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail is a slightly longer trail that offers a similar experience to Bell Rock Trail, with plenty of scenery and views to take in. As another popular trail, this trail sees many people hiking, walking, and running throughout the day, so do not expect to be alone while visiting. For this trail, visitors report the best experience at sunrise, not only to take in the full view, but also to avoid heavier foot traffic and the beating sun.
How Long is the Trip?
Bell Rock offers a number of trails that vary in length, allowing you to choose one that best suits your desired difficulty level. The Bell Rock Trail, which is a 2-mile loop trail, takes an average of 45 minutes to an hour to complete. On the other hand, due to the added length of the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail, which is a 3.6-mile loop trail, you should expect to be on the trail for around an hour and a half before completing the hike.
Why is Bell Rock Special?
As one of the most popular vortexes in Sedona, Bell Rock has a captivating history that draws in dozens of visitors every day. Bell Rock is said to radiate a soothing blend of masculine and feminine energy, and is known for fostering inner equilibrium and spiritual attunement, making it a common tourist attraction in the area. Plus, thanks to its bell shape, this vortex is unique and offers views that cannot be found elsewhere.
Getting There
Located off Route 179 between Oak Creek and Sedona, Bell Rock is easy to find. To visit this vortex, you may park in one of two parking lots (southern or northern), however, those wanting to shorten their journey should park in the northern lot to cut some distance off their hike. Once in the parking lot, clear signage will guide you along the trail to the top, making it easy to follow and stay on track.
#2: Airport Mesa
Known for being charged with positive energy, the Airport Mesa Vortex is another thrilling attraction in Sedona, offering jaw-dropping views and serving as an excellent meditation area. This vortex is believed to help unlock a higher spiritual perspective and feel a more personal connection. As its name suggests, Airport Mesa is tucked away on top of a mesa that overlooks the city, boasting camera-worthy views (although the camera never does it justice)!
Similar to Bell Rock which is said to radiate a mixture of masculine and feminine energy, Airport Mesa is believed to hold a comfortable blend of masculine and feminine energy that helps connect one's physical body with the Earth. This vortex is also known for being a powerful spot for manifestation, making it a must-visit for those looking to attract positive changes into their lives.
How Long is the Trip?
Airport Mesa is a very accessible Vortex, requiring only a short 5-minute walk from the parking lot for a total hike length of 0.2 miles. This makes it a great vortex to visit on a day where you have other attractions to check out, thanks to its convenient location and quick visit time. However, taking the time to fully appreciate the views and meditate at this vortex is highly recommended to make the most of your time in Sedona.
Why is Airport Mesa special?
The word “Airport” has some logic in the name “Airport Mesa”. At the top of the mesa, you will find Sedona’s airport, which means you can appreciate the beauty of the nearby nature, but also flights arriving and departing into an Arizona sunset. Besides this, the vortex is filled with positive energy where visitors can perform inner reflection.
Getting There
Finding the Airport Mesa vortex is easy, however, with only 10 available parking spots and parking tickets issued regularly to those who do not park within the designated lines, it is best visited during off-peak season, or early in the morning before many people get there. To visit, it is recommended to park in the Airport Look Trail, located on the left side of Airport Road. If this lot is full, it is possible to pay to park in other lots that the airport offers, however, this may require more walking to visit the vortex.
#3: Cathedral Rock
To fully appreciate the natural beauty of Sedona, Cathedral Rock vortex is a must-visit. With all-around breathtaking views filled with red rock formations, Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s many vortexes offering majestic beauty. Unlike other vortexes in Sedona, it is believed that Cathedral Rock is occupied primarily by feminine energies, encouraging emotional relief, embracing personal transformation and spiritual growth.
Cathedral Rock is filled with history relating to the area’s Indigenous peoples, who view Cathedral Rock’s towering spires and majestic cliffs as sacred. Similarly, the Indigenous community of Sedona consider the land where Cathedral Rock is situated to be a place of reverence and connection to nature.
How Long is the Trip?
As one of Sedona’s longer vortex hikes, requiring a 3.7 mile round-trip hike, many visitors report taking as much as 3 hours to complete this climb and return to the parking lot. While the length is a factor to its “advanced” difficulty rating, the rock scrambles are the main concern for novice hikers who may struggle to complete the hike with ease. The hike requires significant core strength to pull your body up steep areas, and may require sliding on your butt to go back down.
Why is Cathedral Rock special?
As mentioned above, Cathedral Rock has a lengthy historical background, and has long been a sacred region for Sedona’s Indigenous people. Viewed as a sacred land where people go to feel personal growth, the vortex site is known to be a place for personal spiritual advancement. Whether it’s the peaceful energy of the vortex or the awe-inspiring beauty of its red rock formations, Cathedral Rock is definitely special and worth visiting.
Getting There
Located directly off Highway 179, Cathedral Rock is easy to find. Once you have exited the highway, there is a parking lot designated for the Cathedral Rock Trail, from which clear signage will guide you along the trail, ensuring an easy arrival to the top (as far as directions go).
#4: Boynton Canyon
Last but not least, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Boynton Canyon. From this vortex, you’ll be able to appreciate the canyon’s vibrant colors, sculpted formations, and diverse flora, guaranteeing an enjoyable hike to the top, and an even more memorable time once you complete the hike.
Boynton Canyon is made up of towering red rocks and tranquil streams, which adds to the ambiance of the vortex which is known to be a site of balanced energy, meaning there is both masculine and feminine energies present. The canyon is also generally associated with magnetic energy, which allows for deeper meditation and connecting to the Earth.
How Long is the Trip?
Boynton Canyon has numerous trails varying in length, however, the most popular, Boynton Canyon Trail, is a 7.2-mile out-and-back trail, which is best suited for advanced hikers with the required endurance that are ready to hike for 2.5-4 hours. For newer adventurers, the 1.6-mile out-and-back Boynton Canyon Vista Trail may be preferable and offers a similar experience in under an hour.
Why is Boynton Canyon Special?
Boynton Canyon stands out for its unparalleled natural beauty, blending spectacular panoramic views with a deeply spiritual atmosphere. This vortex site is not just a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts but also a sanctuary for those seeking a moment of peace, reflection, and connection with nature. The canyon's unique blend of energies is believed to promote healing and balance, making it a popular destination for tourists who appreciate meditation and spiritual practices.
Getting There
The charm of Boynton Canyon is easily accessible by driving down Boynton Canyon Road, located close to the Boynton Pass Road intersection. Due to the popularity of these hiking trails, it may be necessary to use the overflow parking lots which are located directly on Boynton Pass Road, west of the Boynton Canyon Road intersection. It is recommended to visit during off-peak season as parking here is in heavy demand and is generally full by 7:30am.
Final Thoughts
From Bell Rock to Boynton Canyon, Sedona is full of captivating spiritual vortexes, where you can feel positive energy at any time of day. However, before visiting any of these vortexes, be sure to purchase your Red Rock Pass, which costs $5 per day or $15 for a week of access to numerous trails in the Sedona area. Parking without one of these passes will result in a fine or towing for more serious violations.
Parking aside, Sedona offers plenty of breathtaking views and healing energy at its numerous vortex sites. No matter which of these four vortexes you choose to visit, you are sure to leave with a smile on your face!
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