How To Find The 8 Sedona Vortexes (2024)

Sedona’s vortexes are believed to emit electromagnetic earth energy and many people report feeling physical, mental and emotional connections. The 4 main vortex sites are considered to be Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon and Cathedral Rock.

In this guide, we show you where to find the Sedona vortexes and what to expect at each site.

Our Sedona Vortex Experience

We explored Sedona for eight amazing days in December 2021. During this time, we visited all 8 Sedona vortex sites listed in this guide throughout several days. Some of these sites are easy to reach, while others are a bit more challenging. Read moreabout us.

We have included a Sedona vortex map below so you can see if any of the hikes you plan to do correlate with the vortexes in the area. If you timed it right, you could visit several of Sedona’s vortexes in the same day, but you won’t have a lot of time at each site.

What Is A Sedona Energy Vortex?

A vortex is an invisible spot on earth with a vibrating center of energy. These vortexes can be found all around the world and many people believe these sites help promote healing or self-exploration.

After visiting a vortex site, people report feeling inspired, uplifted and recharged due to this dynamic energy. The energy of a vortex site is directly related to the strength and concentration of energy it emits.

Sedona vortexes produce either upward flowing or downward flowing energy. It’s no surprise, the most powerful sites in Sedona produce a combination of both upward and downward energies.

One of the most notable characteristics of the vortexes in Sedona are the Juniper trees. According to many, these trees are the only physical evidence we have of powerful vortex sites.

The energy found at the Sedona vortexes is strong enough to severely twist the branches and trunks of these trees. However, if you look closely, Juniper trees often lay beside perfectly straight trees.

How Many Vortexes Are In Sedona?

According to some believers, Sedona sits on one big vortex. And some would go as far to say Sedona has hundreds of individual vortex sites spread throughout the entire region.

Depending on who you ask, energy vortex fields can be felt up to a half-mile away. For this reason, Sedona is regarded as a sacred and powerful place.

There are four main vortex sites in addition to four lesser known vortex sites in Sedona. However, there are several other sites in and around Sedona that are also associated with energy. In this guide, we will focus on the eight Sedona vortex sites.

Sedona Vortex Locations

The four main vortex sites in Sedona are Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon. But there are also four lesser known vortex sites including Chapel Of The Holy Cross, Red Rock Crossing, Schnebly Hill and West Fork.

Many of Sedona’s vortex sites are located directly next to some of the best scenic spots in the region and it’s common to see people practicing meditation or yoga at these locations. Visiting all of the Sedona vortexes is on many people’s wishlist of best things to do in Sedona, AZ.

Five of the eight of these vortex sites are located south of Sedona while the remaining three are independently scattered to the north, east and west.

Here is our interactive map of the 8 Sedona vortex sites or you can access it via this link here.

You can get to all the vortexes sites in Sedona with a combination of driving and hiking. Some of the vortexes on this list will require hiking while others can be easily reached with minimal walking.

When we visited Sedona in December, we prioritized visiting the vortex sites because we also wanted to hike all the trails.

However, if you are short on time or you would prefer someone else to do the driving, a Sedona vortex tour would be a great option. We will discuss tour options later in this guide.

For each Sedona vortex site we have also discussed parking information because there are different pass requirements depending which vortex you plan to visit.

With further ado, here are the 8 best vortex sites to visit in Sedona:

1. Airport Mesa Vortex

Airport Mesa is the most well known vortex in Sedona. It’s the most accessible vortex because it features a very short hike and can be visited with a car.

The Airport mesa vortex is an upflowing vortex with a masculine energy. This site features a 360-degree view of Sedona making it the perfect spot to visit for sunrise or sunset.

The masculine energy found at Airport Mesa can help you realign your self worth. This energy strengthens the internal spirit and encourages visitors to take charge of their own life by fostering confidence.

We visited the Airport Mesa Sedona vortex at sunset and highly recommend this time of day if you can make it work. Use our guide below plan your trip to Airport Mesa.

Parking pass required: No parking pass required if you park in the small lot along Airport Rd (about 10 cars) or $3.00 to park at Sedona Airport Vista Overlook

Further Reading: Complete guide to hiking Airport Mesa at sunset

2. Bell Rock Vortex

Bell Rock is one of the most recognizable formations in Sedona because it looks like a large standing bell. This vortex site is also easily accessible because you can reach it with a short hike.

Similar to Airport Mesa, the energy found at Bell Rock is upward flowing so the energy is very intense with many reporting strong vibrations originating from the north side.

Many visitors to the Bell Rock vortex site are inspired to find serenity or enhance their spirit from within. This energy increases self awareness by balancing the mind, body and soul through reflection.

We hiked to Bell Rock in the middle of the afternoon on a cold day in December and we had the trail to ourselves. Use our guide below to plan a hike to Bell Rock.

Parking Pass Required: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful

Further Reading: Complete guide to hiking Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte

3. Cathedral Rock Vortex

The most powerful vortex site in Sedona is Cathedral Rock. But in order to experience this vortex at its strongest, you will have to hike up to the Saddle of Cathedral Rock.

This the only major vortex site with downward flowing energy. The feminine energy helps both mind and body for a complete cleansing effect making it an extremely popular mediation spot.

Since Cathedral Rock is the strongest vortex in Sedona, many visitors report the ability to reconnect to the energy of the earth as well as others around them after mediation here.

This energy will positively affect your ability to communicate and connect to your feminine side. To feel the strongest energy, you will need to hike to the top saddles between the spire.

We hiked to Cathedral Rock for sunrise and it was an extremely memorable morning. This is also one of the most popular vortex hikes in Sedona so use our guide below to plan your trip.

Parking Pass Required: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful

Further Reading: Complete guide to hiking Cathedral Rock trail

4. Boynton Canyon Vortex

The Boynton Canyon vortex sites is also known as the Kachina Woman vortex. This site emits a combination of energy and is one of the most sacred locations on this list.

Boynton Canyon has been an extremely sacred place for the native Yavapai-Apache culture. In ancient times, they would not enter this area without first purifying themselves by fasting or meditating.

Many people report feeling grounded, uplifted and recharged. The energy here is balanced between both masculine and feminine which mimics a yin and yang effect.

Similar to Cathedral Rock, the energy at this vortex strengthens all three parts of the spiritual being. This can benefit relationships by building intimacy, openness and honesty.

If you visit this site, you may see colorful prayer ties which are left as an offering. You can access the Boynton Canyon vortex from the Boynton Canyon Trail by following the signs for Vista Trail.

At the end of the trail, you will see the Kachina woman (feminine vortex) and the knoll (masculine vortex) where the energy is the strongest. Use our guide below to help find this unique vortex in Sedona.

Parking Pass Required: Red Rock Pass OR America the Beautiful

Further Reading: How to find the Subway Cave along Boynton Canyon Trail

5. Chapel Of The Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross might just be the most interesting building in all of Sedona. It was originally inspired by Marguerite Brunswig Staude’s first visit to the Empire State Building. The large chapel is built directly into the red rocks and looms over Sedona.

During your visit, look for an eagle carved into the rock perched high above the chapel. This eagle is protects the chapel from evil.

Many people report a feeling of inspiration and joy which aims to make a deep connection to the spirit. The energy of this vortex also emits love, harmony and oneness to unify all that visit.

You can drive to this Sedona healing vortex with no hiking required.

Parking Pass Required: None, but parking is extremely limited

6. Red Rock Crossing

The Red Rock Crossing vortex site should not be confused with the Cathedral Rock vortex. It’s also known as Crescent Moon Ranch so visiting this vortex can be a little tricky.

We think Red Rock Crossing is a stunning photography spot in Sedona because it features Cathedral Rock in the distance. This is a downward flowing vortex site which helps to promote healing.

At this beautiful location, Oak Creek seems to flow right out of Cathedral Rock with the right perspective. When water levels are high, this is also a popular swimming or fishing spot.

Red Rock Crossing is a great place for families to escape the Sedona crowds. But this area is not included in the Red Rock pass system so you will have to pay an extra fee.

Parking Pass Required: None, but $11 vehicle fee required (includes West Fork Trail)

7. Schnebly Hill (Oak Creek Canyon Overlook)

The Schnebly Hill vortex is good for those who want to explore off the beaten path. But in order to reach this site, you will need an off road vehicle. Filled with combination energy, this vortex cleans, purifies, balances and alights the spirit. It’s a great place for those who want to let go of old negative patterns.

A trip to the top of the Schnebly Hill vortex might just be one of your best adventures in Sedona. You will be rewarded with amazing views overlooking the city of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. You can only access Schnebly Hill vortex with a 4×4 vehicle. We rented a jeep and drove to the top so you can use our guide below to learn more.

Parking Pass Required: None, but 4×4 vehicle required on Schnebly Road

Further Reading: The 9 best jeep trails to drive in Sedona

8. West Fork Trail

The West Fork Trail vortex is about 10 miles north of Sedona along the West Fork Trail. This trail features 13 river crossings and a subway tunnel climax. However, one of the best parts about this vortex site is that you will experience fewer crowds compared to other hiking trails in Sedona.

This area has combination energy and many report a strong energy with both upflow and inward experiences. We hiked West Fork Trail on our way into Sedona. This trail is about 7.0 miles in length and it features a tunnel found at the end of the trail similar to the Subway in Zion.

Parking Pass Required: None, but $11 vehicle fee required (includes Red Rock Crossing)

Further Reading: How to hike West Fork near Sedona

Best Vortex Tours In Sedona

Vortex tours in Sedona are very popular. This is a great way to learn about the history from a local guide while not having to worry about knowing where to go or parking.

Check out some of Sedona’s top rated vortex tours below:

• Sedona Vortex Tour by Jeep – Visit several vortex sites in Sedona by jeep
• Four-Hour Sedona Vortex Tour – Enhance your spiritual journey with a half-day vortex hike and outdoor meditation
• Best Vortex and Chakra Tour of Sedona – Experience Amitabha Stupa Peace Park and a chakra reading
• Vortex Yoga Hiking: Half-Day in Sedona – Stop by Sedona’s vortex sites along with a yoga practice and chocolate meditation

More Sedona Tours: We have rounded up the top rated Sedona Tours to help you find the best options available for your visit to northern Arizona.

If you only want to visit a few vortex sites in Sedona, below you will find our recommendations:

• Best vortex hikes: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon
• Vortexes you can access with a car: Airport Mesa, Chapel of the Holy Cross
• Most popular vortexes: Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa
• Our favorite vortexes: Bell Rock, Airport Mesa

Common Energy Fields

There are three common energy sources in Sedona including upward flowing, downward flowing and a combination of the two.

An upward flowing vortex site produces masculine or electric energy. This type of energy helps you reflect on a higher perspective or acquire an out of the box mindset.

Many visitors report being able to find an answer to a problem, being one with the universe and strong views of faith after visiting an upward site. Popular vortex sites in Sedona with upward flowing energy include Airport Mesa and Bell Rock.

Physical attributes of upflow sites include stress reduction and lower blood pressure because they are found at high elevations such as mountains and mesa tops.

A downward flowing vortex site produces feminine or magnetic energy. This is inward energy and helps one to look within through prayer or meditation.

At inward sites, you can release old hurts and then nurture new growths. Many people visit inward sites to help heal scars from the past to help so they can move forward with the future. Popular vortex sites in Sedona with downward flowing energy are Red Rock Crossing and West Fork.

The most powerful vortex sites often combine upward and downward flowing energies. Combination energy sites lead to a practice of more advanced spiritual, mind and body skills.

Popular vortex sites in Sedona with combination energy are Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon.

Best Time To Visit

Spring and fallwould be the best time to visit the Sedona vortexes when temperatures are cool. Arizona summer days are extremely hot ranging anywhere from95°F to 110°F. Very heavy rains are common late June to early August during the early afternoon. It’s important to drink plenty of water and hydrate properly, especially in the summer months.

The vortexes near Sedona we mentioned areopen year round. We visitedSedona in Decemberand the weather was perfect for hiking at about60°F.Visiting in the off season also means fewer crowds.

Winter days in Arizona tend to have an average temp of around 60°F with lows commonly in the teens. Snowfall is rare but is possible. Be sure to check the weather forecast when you visit and plan appropriately.

Here are a few important things to consider for visiting the Sedona Arizona vortexes:

• Arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds and the heat
• Be patient as these vortex sites can be very busy
• Respect the land and leave no trace
• Don’t forget the water and sunscreen
• Have a back up plan if you can’t find parking

Hiking Tip: Always practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace so others can enjoy the same environments.

In Conclusion

The vortexes in Sedona have been luring tourists for decades. There is no denying this region in red rock country has a magnetic atmosphere that sets it apart from other popular travel destinations. For years, this vortex energy has made Sedona a hot spot for healing, meditation and positive thinking.

Everyone has different experiences and many people report a tingling sensation on exposed skin. Some people mention vibrations coming from the ground once they’ve entered the vortex. Others feel a palpable sensation across the back of the neck and across the shoulder blades.

Once you enter a vortex, keep breathing and try to notice differences in how you feel. Furthermore, vortexes effect sensitive people the most. Some people deeply believe in the vortex energy and others think it’s complete BS.

But there is no denying Sedona is an incredible place of natural beauty that many cultures have appreciated throughout the centuries. We felt completely at peace when we visited Sedona and even extended our stay because we loved it. After visiting 40 countries, we have never extended a stay anywhere so clearly something had a hold of us in Sedona.

However, there has been no measured magnetism or energy at these vortex sites. But many studies have correlated being outdoors with immune-boosting and mood-altering benefits.

So maybe the answer is simple and the Sedona spiritual vortexes are just a positive way our bodies respond to the breathtaking beauty of red rock country. But no matter what you believe, there is no arguing that Sedona is a special place.

If your Sedona itinerary allows, we recommend visiting two or three of the Sedona vortexes sites in one day so you don’t have to rush around.

More Sedona Hikes

• Bell Rock Trail
• Devils Bridge Trail
• West Fork Trail
• Boynton Canyon Trail (Subway Cave)
• Birthing Cave Trail
• Soldier Pass Cave Trail
• Airport Mesa Vortex Trail
• How to drive Schnebly Hill

More From Sedona

• 20 hikes you must do in Sedona
• 15 epic spots to see a Sedona sunrise or sunset
• 5 amazing places to see Sedona ruins
• How to find the hidden caves in Sedona
• 20 best things to do in Sedona, AZ
• Where to stay in Sedona
• 9 best jeep trails in Sedona
• A perfect 1-7 day Sedona itinerary

Want more Arizona content? Head over to our Arizona Travel Guides to explore the best of Grand Canyon, Sedona and beyond.

We hope our detailed guide to the best Sedona vortexes helps with planning your visit to Arizona!

Please let us know if you have any questions about the vortexes in Sedona, Arizona or specific vortex hikes in the comments below.

Happy Healing,

Mark and Kristen

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