How To Visit Sedona Energy Vortexes On Your Own (+Vortex Map)
Planning to visit Sedona’s energy vortexes on your own? This is the article for you.
I initially learned about Sedona’s energy vortexes on a vortex tour. The idea of Sedona’s energy vortexes originated in the 1980s, and was popularized when the psychic Page Bryant published “The Sedona Vortex Experience” in 1987. These energy vortexes are sites thought to have an increased level of energy, projecting or entering the earth.
I’ve visited the four main vortexes (Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Bell Rock), along with a few lesser known sites. Whether or not you believe in the vortex energy, these sites are located at some of the most spectacular vistas in town!
Here is a complete guide to visiting up to 7 Sedona energy vortexes on your own. For your convenience, we’ve attached a vortex location map at the end of this article.
Airport Mesa
Airport Mesa is the most easily accessible vortex, with a small parking lot right by the vortex. It’s just a short walk up the vortex and lookout point, where you’ll have a beautiful panoramic view of the red mountains and downtown Sedona.
If you’re visiting at sunset, the parking lot by the vortex is very limited. Instead, you can park at the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout ($3/day, no Red Rock Pass accepted).
From here, you’ll hike the “Airport View Trail”, a 1.1 mile round trip trail, down and back to the vortex.
This trail runs parallel to the road, and you’ll have an excellent view of West Sedona, and iconic mountains like Coffeepot Rock and Chimney Rock throughout.
Once you reach the lookout point, this is considered an “upflow” vortex, where the energy’s thought to be projecting out of the earth. This is also one of the most popular places to watch the sunset in Sedona.
I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before sunset so you can hike to the vortex before the sun goes down.
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is considered the most powerful Sedona vortex, and my favorite hike in town. It’s a short 1.2 mile round trip hike to the top of the mountain, with a small portion that requires a bit of scrambling up the rocks.
I saw families of all ages do this hike, and the views make it well worth it. The summit of the mountain is at an elevation of 4,967′ feet, and it has unbeatable views of the red rocks throughout the hike.
To get to the vortex at Cathedral Rock, you’ll take a left at the “end of trail”, and follow a short rocky trail until you reach a large pillar.
This is where the vortex is thought to be, and is a good place to snap a picture before heading down the mountain.
Like Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock is considered an “upflow” vortex, where the energy’s thought to be electric and uplifting.
I hiked Devil’s Bridge, and found the view to be even more spectacular at Cathedral Rock. If you only have time for one vortex hike, I’d highly recommend this one.
Just make sure to wear shoes with good grip and shorts, as there’s a portion midway up the mountain where you’ll have to climb up the rocks.
To get to Cathedral Rock, you’ll either park at the lot on Back O Beyond Road (Mon-Wed), or take the free Sedona shuttle (Thurs-Sun). For the Sedona shuttle, you’ll park at North SR 179 Park & Ride, and it’ll take you to the trailhead. It’s free to park here, and the shuttle departs every 30 minutes to the trailhead.
Boynton Canyon (Kachina Woman Vortex)
Boynton Canyon is a short and easy vortex hike, with gorgeous views of the pine forests and mountains. To get to the vortex, you’ll hike the Boynton Canyon Trail for around a half mile, until you reach the turn right onto the “Vista trail”.
The Vista trail is a short (1.1 mile round trip) trail, with a small set of stairs at the end that dead ends at the vortex. You’ll know you’ve reached the vortex at the “end of trail” sign, when you see two prominent rock formations.
The tall rock spire on the right is named the “Kachina Woman” by the Hopi Tribe, so it’s often referred to as the “Kachina Woman Vortex). This area is considered a balanced energy vortex, with both an upflow and downflow of energy.
On the left, there’s a small butte that you can climb onto named the “Warrior Butte”.
From here, you’ll have an amazing view of the pine forests surrounding the mountains of West Sedona.
Once I arrived at this vortex, it was super peaceful, and there were no crowds, unlike many of the other vortexes. If you’re looking for a short and scenic hike, this is an excellent option.
To get here, you’ll park at the Boynton Canyon trailhead for $5/day, or a Daily Red Rock Pass.
Just make sure to download the offline maps if visiting, as there’s no service near this trail.
Bell Rock
Bell Rock is the iconic bell–shaped mountain that’s considered another “upflow” vortex. The Bell Rock Trail is just a short 0.8 mile round trip trail that ends midway up the mountain, with lovely views of the surrounding mountains.
The general area around the mountain is thought to be a vortex site, while others believe the vortex is at the top. To get to the top of Bell Rock, it’s a steep climb on an unclear path, so it’s not ideal for beginners. If you want to climb to the top of the mountain, Cathedral Rock is a much safer alternative.
To get to Bell Rock, you’ll park at either Courthouse Vista or the Bell Rock Pathway lot (Yavapai Vista). Courthouse Vista is the official parking lot for the Bell Rock trail, and is right next to the trailhead. If you park at the “Bell Rock Pathway Lot (Yavapai Vista), you’ll have to hike around a mile north until you reach the Bell Rock trailhead. Both of these lots are $5/day, or covered with a Daily Red Rock Pass.
There’s a variety of trails around Bell Rock, so it can be easy to follow the wrong trailhead. The trail for the Bell Rock vortex is the “Bell Rock Trail”, whereas the “Bell Rock Pathway” is a long loop trail that circles around Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
Other Sedona Vortex Sites
Beyond the main vortexes, I learned that there’s up to around 15 vortexes in Sedona by going on a vortex tour. Here are a few lesser known vortex sites that you can drive to.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a beautiful Roman Catholic church built directly in the red rocks, that people believe is another vortex site. There’s a free parking lot at the entrance, and it’s a short walk uphill to the chapel.
On the second floor, you’ll have a nice view of the mountains, and there’s a large gift shop on the first floor selling candles, and a variety of souvenirs.
Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a serene little park at the base of Thunder Mountain with flags, Buddha statues, and a medicine wheel. Many people consider the medicine wheel here to be Sedona’s newest energy vortex.
This park is incredibly quiet and peaceful, so it’s the perfect place to meditate. There’s free parking, and it’s just a short 5 minute walk out to the park.
Rachel’s Knoll
Rachel’s Knoll is a lesser known vortex site, and scenic lookout named after Rachel Petty Lunt. Rachel first discovered the site, and went on to buy it, and later dedicate it to humanity, so people all around the world could enjoy the views.
This lookout has beautiful panoramic views of the Seven Canyons golf course and mountains, and it’s a popular stop for jeep tours. To get here, you’ll have to pay a fee of $3 at the gated entrance for the Seven Canyons Golf Club.
Sedona Vortex Map
Sedona Vortex FAQS
What is a Sedona vortex?
A Sedona vortex is a site thought to have an increased level of energy entering or exiting the earth. Many people visit these sites to meditate, experience a spiritual transformation, or simply enjoy red rock views.
The vortexes are described as having an “upflow”, or “downflow” of energy, with the most well-known sites being Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Bell Rock.
What’s the history behind Sedona’s vortexes?
The idea of Sedona’s energy vortexes originated around the 1980’s as a New Age spiritual belief. It then became popularized when the author and psychic Page Bryant published “The Sedona Vortex Experience” book in 1987.
Now, energy vortexes lure many people to Sedona each year seeking a spiritual transformation or peaceful retreat.
Are Sedona vortexes real?
There’s no science to back up the theories behind Sedona’s energy vortexes. However, Sedona is surrounded by beautiful desert scenery, and is incredibly peaceful regardless of where you visit.
What is the best vortex hike?
Out of all the vortexes I visited, Cathedral Rock was by far the most memorable vortex hike. It’s a relatively steep climb, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning red rock views at the top of the mountain.
What’s the easiest vortex to get to?
The most accessible vortex is the Airport Mesa vortex, which has a small lot right by the vortex. However, this small lot is often filled, especially during sunset. You’ll likely have to take the “Airport View” trail, a rocky 1.4 mile roundtrip trail from the large airport parking lot, to the vortex and back.
In this case, the Boynton Canyon vortex is actually the easiest vortex to get to. The Boynton Canyon Vista Trail is a mostly flat trail (1.1 miles roundtrip), with a short set of stairs leading up to the Kachina Woman vortex.
Can you drive to Sedona vortexes?
Yes, you can drive to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, and Rachel’s Knoll. Additionally, the Airport Mesa vortex is right by the parking lot if you can secure a space at the small parking lot.
How do you visit Sedona vortexes without a car?
If you don’t have a car, you can either go on a vortex tour, or take the Verde shuttle from West Sedona/Uptown to visit a Sedona vortex. The Verde shuttle costs $1 per ride, and it stops at the North SR 179 Park & Ride Lot, where you can take the Sedona shuttle (Thurs–Sun) to the Cathedral Rock trailhead.
Are any of the vortexes wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Airport Mesa and Chapel of the Holy Cross have wheelchair accessible paths. Additionally, Bell Rock has a variety of flat, wheelchair accessible paths, but the trail leading up the mountain is not wheelchair accessible.
Are Sedona vortexes dog-friendly?
Yes, all of the vortexes on this list are dog–friendly, as long as they’re kept on a leash. Keep in mind that Cathedral Rock is a relatively steep hike, with a portion that requires climbing up the rock, so it may not be suitable for all breeds.
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