Introduction
Using my Sedona Vortex Map and Trail Guides, you can visit the 4 main vortexes in one action-packed day!
About Red Rock Country
Nestled in the Coconino National Forest in Northern Arizona lies one of America’s most astonishing and powerful ancient landscapes. Sedona, Arizona is often referred to as “Red Rock Country” for its luminous array of red sandstone formations. It is also known as a spiritual mecca for the mysterious energy forces thought to be present in specific geographical locations throughout the region. Both Sedona’s physical and metaphysical attributes have attracted tourists, seekers, artists, gurus, and holistic practitioners from around the globe to this auspicious location.
The natural beauty of Sedona’s terrain is mind-boggling! With its brilliant red-orange colored rocks, electrifying green forests, and singed-tan high desert grounds, flanked by the dazzling waters of Oak Creek, Sedona is truly an artist’s masterpiece! Ironically, it’s what you cannot see that has put this town on the map!
Sedona became recognized worldwide in the early 1980s as being a haven for spirituality after a psychic named Page Bryant identified four of Sedona’s most accessible powerhouse energy sites that she referred to as “vortexes.” These include; Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon. There are said to be numerous vortexes located in Sedona, in fact, the entire area is said to be a vortex! However, these four still remain the most recognized and highly visited vortex sites in Red Rock Country.
Sedona Vortex Map
What is a Vortex?
Vortexes are believed to be swirling centers of super-charged energy that are favorable to prayer, meditation, self-reflection, healing, and inner guidance.
Many people feel inspired and blissful when spending time at the vortexes. I know I do! It is common to find people doing yoga, meditating, drumming, playing the flute, or partaking in other spiritual rituals the closer you get to the vortex site.
Each vortex is known to have a distinct energy. Mountains or mesas are said to have upflow energy (or electric, masculine) raising you to a higher perspective and oneness, while canyons, valleys, and caves are associated with inflow energy(or magnetic, feminine) allowing for a more inward and introspective experience.
If you enjoy hiking, all four of Sedona’s major vortexes encompass fabulous hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, depending on the topography. If you want to skip the major hike and just visit the vortex spot, all are easily accessible from the trailhead parking lot with about a mile or less walk. Red Rock Crossing Vortex is the only one reachable by wheelchair.
Finding parking spots at the vortexes can sometimes be challenging depending on the time of year so be sure to plan accordingly and maybe consider using one of the city’s free vortex shuttle busses (see map above for routes.) Also, if you are fortunate to get a parking spot at the vortex trailhead, be sure to have a Red Rock Parking Pass (available at The Visitor’s Center) or display your America the Beautiful Pass on the windshield if you have one.
Lets take a closer look at each of the 4 main vortexes in Sedona…
1. Airport Mesa
Airport Mesa Vortex is one of the most visited vortex sites because of its easy accessibility and close proximity to the center of town. This Vortex has a very popular hiking trail, which I highly recommend; however, many come just for the grandiose views, photo ops, and vortex energy only steps away from the trailhead parking lot! There are only a few parking spots located at the main trailhead along Airport road, but there are more just up the road (hill) at the airport lot and overlook (adding a few more steps and elevation to your day!)
Where is the Strongest Vortex Energy at Airport Mesa?
From the trailhead parking lot walk up the main path and follow to the right where the Loop Trail begins. Just a few steps on the path (after the curve) is all it takes to experience the strongest vortex energy at Airport Mesa!
What Type of Energy is Airport Mesa Known for?
Upflow, Electric, Masculine
Suggested Hike:
Airport Loop Trail: 3.3 mile loop trail. Moderate difficulty. Quite rocky, so watch your step! Panoramic views of Sedona and surrounding red rock formations. Very popular sunrise and sunset hike.
Sedona Vortex Map – Airport Mesa
2. Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is the most popular Vortex in Sedona. It’s my favorite! With its orangish-red spires towering over the sacred waters of Oak Creek, this dramatic landscape draws attention, worldwide, for its unparalleled beauty and its potent magnetic energy force.
If you just had time to visit ( or hike ) one vortex in Sedona, Cathedral Rock would be my suggestion. This invigorating hike has panoramic views on top of the red rock saddle between the spire formations. The electric vortex on top of Cathedral Rock left me feeling inspired and invincible after the climb! In comparison, hiking and relaxing along the lush, magical shores of Oak Creek at the base of Cathedral Rock, where the energy vortex is magnetic, made me feel more reflective and serene. Undoubtedly, Cathedral Rock has something to offer everyone! The energy is very powerful here, some say it is the strongest of all the vortexes in Sedona.
Where is the Strongest Vortex Energy at Cathedral Rock?
Red Rock Crossing. This is an area along ( and in ) Oak Creek that is closest to the red rock formations of Cathedral Rock. It can be accessed in several different ways, depending on what hiking trail you are on. One of the most picturesque routes is from Crescent Moon Picnic Site offering a short .3 mile walk to Red Rock Crossing on an easy paved trail along Oak Creek. There is a $12 day use fee (up to five passengers) to enter the park. Cash and check only.
What Type of Energy is Cathedral Rock Vortex Known for?
Combination:
Inflow, magnetic, feminine at Red Rock Crossing
Upflow, electric, masculine at the saddle in Cathedral Rock Formation
Suggested Hike:
You can’t go wrong with whichever hiking trail you choose for Cathedral Rock and Red Rock Crossing. They are all extraordinary ! My favorite hike to Cathedral Rock and Red Rock Crossing is from the Baldwin Trailhead. It’s about a 4 mile out and back hike with beautiful views of Oak Creek and the Red Rock Formations. It is a longer hike than the other paths, but we’ll worth it! There are some steep sections once on Cathedral Rock with rock scrambling involved so good hiking shoes or boots are recommended. Views from the top are out-of-this world!
Sedona Vortex Map – Cathedral Rock
3. Bell Rock
Bell Rock is Stunning and an energetic powerhouse! This popular meditation spot is located along Hwy 290 near the Village of Oak Creek. Driving into Sedona from the south…ie Phoenix, along the iconic Red Rock Scenic Byway (see video below) you will come upon Bell Rock just after “The Village,” as it’s called by locals. Bell Rock is shaped like a giant standing bell or a spaceship, protruding out from the red earth. This distinguished landmark along with its neighborly companion, Courthouse Butte (another Vortex) is a sight to behold…like you arrived on another planet!
Where is the Strongest Vortex Energy at Bell Rock?
North slope on Bell Rock
What Type of Energy is Bell Rock Vortex Known for?
Upflow, Electric, Masculine
Suggested Hike:
There are several clearly marked trails from either the north or south parking lots at Bell Rock. The north lot, called Courthouse Vista Parking Lot, is closest to Bell Rock where you can take the Bell Rock Access Trail (about .25 miles) to the Bell Rock Climb. We chose the south parking lot for a longer hike and astonishing views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte following the 3.6 mile out-and-back Bell Rock Pathway Trail. From there, we climbed up Bell Rock to where we felt comfortable about 3/4 from the top. It does get pretty technical and dangerous the higher up you go. Bell Rock is a perfect vortex to do a meditation or just sit and relax and soak up all of the good energy and striking views.
Sedona Vortex Map – Bell Rock
4. Boynton Canyon
Boynton Canyon is situated on the west side of Sedona in The Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. It is said to be the most powerful of all the vortexes because of its harmonious blending of both feminine and masculine energies. It is also the spiritual home of the Yavapai-Apache Nation and is considered the most sacred of the four vortexes.
Boynton Canyon is one of the most beautiful box canyons and mystical highlights in the area. It is very popular with hikers and spiritual seekers offering gorgeous scenery and bountiful good energy every step of the way!
Where is the Strongest Vortex Energy at Boynton Canyon?
Kachina Woman
From the Boynton Canyon Trailhead parking lot, take the Boynton Canyon trail for a short while until you hit the junction, then go right on the Vista Trail about .5 miles for a moderate climb to the end of the trail. You will see two dominant red rock structures protruding from the rocks, one a spire called Kachina Woman and the other a knoll. The vortex is said to be in between the two. Many people like to sit near the base of the knoll. It is a beautiful spot to take in the swirling blissful energy!
What Type of Energy is Boynton Canyon Known for?
Combination:
Inflow, magnetic, feminine
Upflow, electric, masculine
Suggested Hikes:
Boynton Vista Trail: Easy. Short hike off the Boynton Canyon Trail to the Kachina Woman vortex site.
Boynton Canyon Trail: Easy-Moderate. 6-mile out-and-back hike offering lush green scenery and stunning views of the canyon and desert landscape with a short climb at the end.
Subway Cave: Easy-Moderate. Steep climb and scrambling at the end. Drop offs. Secret trail (unmarked) off of Boynton Trail leading to the photogenic Subway cave and ancient Sinagua ruins. This is one of my favorite hikes in Sedona!
Sedona Vortex Map – Boynton Canyon
Final Thoughts on Visiting The Vortexes
Spending time in nature amongst Sedona’s radiating red rocks is one of my favorite things to do! When visiting the vortexes, please understand these public lands are considered sacred, especially to Native American cultures, so it is important to be respectful of others and of the environment while enjoying these treasures. I suggest keeping an open mind, being present in nature, and staying tuned into your inner guidance. Above all, have fun and enjoy your experiences at Sedona’s 4 Main Vortexes!
For More Information
Visit the Sedona Tourism Office.