The Sedona Experience: Vortexes & Spiritual Tours

A quintessential Sedona experience not to be missed when visiting Red Rock country is an excursion to the various Sedona Vortexes. Visitors from around the world of various faiths and spiritual backgrounds flock to this beautiful and mystical destination to discover these natural wonders and their unique energy. Sedona is also home to a large New Age community that promotes a variety of alternative healing and spiritual practices. Aside from the natural vortexes or “energy centers”, Sedona is known for its psychics, tarot card readings, and other energy healing practices and retreats.

What is a Vortex?

Sedona vortexes are natural geomagnetic points that create a swirling energy center radiating from the earth’s surface. It is a place in nature where the earth is exceptionally alive with energy. People report feeling inspired by these beneficial spiritual energy sources, which are also said to facilitate balance, prayer, healing, and intuitiveness.

Vortexes are said to strengthen either the feminine side, the masculine side, or sometimes a balance of the two. The feminine side strengthens characteristics like kindness, compassion, and patience. The masculine side strengthens traits including reasoning, decisiveness, and self-confidence. A good balance will strengthen honesty, openness, intimacy and commitment.

The Four Main Sedona Vortexes:

Cathedral Rock | Red Rock Crossing Vortex

The Cathedral Rock/Red Rock Crossing Vortex provides a stunning hike whether you are vortex-hunting or not. Enjoy beautiful vistas of the Red Rocks while you meander along a cool creek. As you walk East along the creek, the energy will get stronger until the spires of Cathedral Rock are hidden behind the cliffs on the other side of the creek. The strongest energy is said to be felt where the creek is closest to Cathedral Rock. The energy at this vortex strengthens the feminine side.

The Feminine Side can be viewed as being on a scale that has goodness at the high end, and the opposite, which is badness or evil, at the low end. In contrast to the masculine side, which strengthens the ability to stand up for your own rights, the feminine side strengthens the ability to allow others their rights and not interfere with those rights. The energy at this vortex strengthens the things you normally think of as feminine, such as kindness, compassion, patience, and the ability to let others need you and depend on you. And it strengthens the ability to anticipate the impact of your actions before you act, which is what considerateness is all about. – via LoveSedona.com

Insider Tip: While you’re taking in the sights and energy of Cathedral Rock, be sure and check out Buddha Beach – a calm, picturesque area of the creek dotted with rock cairns. It’s the perfect spot to sit and marvel at the beauty and dip your toes in the water.

Getting There

The easiest access to this vortex is to drive 4.3 miles west on 89A from the junction of Hwys 89A and 179, turn left on Upper Red Rock Loop Rd. for 1.8 miles and finally turn left on Chavez Ranch Rd. Follow the pavement just under 1 mile and turn left into Crescent Moon Park (there is a fee required to enter). Drive as far into the park as possible, then park and walk to the creek.

You can also access this vortex from Village of Oak Creek by driving along Verde Valley School Road to the end, and then walking along the other side of Oak Creek.

Airport Mesa Vortex

Aside from the strong energy here, the Airport Vortex boasts stunning views of almost all of Sedona. Be sure and bring a camera to capture the sweeping vistas and twisted trees. This vortex is said to strengthen the masculine side.

The Masculine Side can be seen as being on a scale that has strength at the high end and weakness at the low end. People who have a strong masculine side are self-confident. They have the internal strength to take charge of their own lives, and to claim their rights in life. This make them good at standing up to people who try to take away their rights by force, intimidation or manipulation. Having a strong masculine side means being good at taking risks when appropriate, being decisive when necessary, and being able to focus or concentrate in order to get things done. It also means being good at figuring out how to get out of life what is desired; figuring out how to operate responsibly, and how to reason without distorting reality. Conversely, people who have a weak masculine side often doubt their abilities, and many things intimidate them. – via LoveSedona.com

Insider Tip: Go later in the evening and take in the gorgeous sunset and the twinkling city lights. Pack along a picnic for a memorable “dinner with a view”.

Getting There

The Airport Vortex can be accessed from Airport Road. From the junction of Hwys 179 and 89A, go just over 1 mile west on 89A and turn left on Airport Rd. Go 1/2 mile up Airport Rd. to the parking area on the left. Walk up the trail to the saddle between the hills, where the Juniper trees are very twisted (you may also want to walk up to the top of the small hill on the left).

Boynton Canyon Vortex

This relatively easy hike is perfect for a hot day as the trail is mostly shaded and flat. To get to the true vortex strong point, follow the Vista trail up the hill until you arrive at a 30-foot knoll of red rock. The energy is strongest around this knoll.  Notice the very twisted Juniper trees all around this trail. Along this hike, there is also a popular detour to what is known as the Subway Cave, popular for all Sedona sightseers for the picture-perfect Instagram photo.  The energy at this vortex strengthens the masculine/feminine or yin/yang balance.

The Balance between the masculine and feminine side is almost as important as growth itself. Even a less evolved person, if he is balanced, at least treats others the same way he treats himself. And that is what balance is all about. If the masculine side strongly outweighs the feminine, you are too strong for the amount of goodness you have, and you tend to do harm to others because you can be pushy and take unfair advantage of others. On the other hand, if the feminine side greatly outweighs the masculine, you have more goodness than strength, and you tend to let others push you around and take advantage of you. Emotions are a good indication of this balance. If you feel anger more easily than fear, your masculine side is stronger, and if the opposite is true, your feminine side is stronger. Having a good masculine/feminine balance also helps relationships by strengthening the things that make relationships work well, such as intimacy, commitment, honesty and openness. – via LoveSedona.com

Getting There

From the junction of Hwys. 179 and 89A, drive 3.2 miles west on 89A and turn right on Dry Creek Rd.  Follow the signs for Boynton Canyon (this takes you along Dry Creek Road 2.9 miles to a “T” intersection where you turn left, then another 1.7 miles to another “T” where you turn right, then 0.1 mile to a parking area on the right).  If you end up at the entrance to Enchantment Resort, turn around and go back 0.3 mile to the parking area. From the parking area, enter Boynton Canyon Trail.

Bell Rock Vortex

The Bell Rock vortex is one of the strongest, you may even be able to feel its energy as soon as you step out of the car. A good indication of the strong energy is the twisted juniper trees that surround the trail. Bell rock is easily seen and identified, and you are sure to have clear red rock views through the path.

The energy at this vortex is very powerful and strengthens all three parts: the masculine side, the feminine side, and the balance. Which may leave you with a wide range of emotions and feelings connected to either the Masculine, Feminine, or a balance as you go along. via – LoveSedona.com

Getting There

Bell Rock is located on Hwy 179, just north of the Village of Oak Creek (5 miles south of the junction of Hwy 89A and 179). The parking and trailhead are very easily located with plenty of signage.