See Vortexes

Some of my favorite places to see in Sedona are the mystical, spritual places called vortexes (vortex-singular). A vortex is said to be a place where electromagnetic energy is very strong and is flowing in a spiral. Some say that they are portals for energy. Many vortexes have been validated as having a higher than normal electromagnetic field, but it is likely that vortexes are mostly spiritual rather than tangible. Everything in the world is made of energy, we can't deny it exists, but our interpretation and experience is also based on our own perception. Whether you consider the energy around and inside of you as tangible or merely abstract, you will be hard-pressed to deny that these beautiful sites are full of some sort of energy.

Not only are they beautiful and awe-inspiring, but the vortexes can be reached in a variety of ways. Some you can drive very close to and some require a nice, light hike. Others start out as a simple hike and offer some challenging climbing as you progress. Some are rather dry, some have primitive dwellings and paintings, some are lush and green. No matter which one you choose, you will have an experience of a lifetime!

These are the four major ones, but there are more!

Vortex Map

Airport Mesa Vortex

This was a failry simple climb. It starts off with a nice little trail and then the incline steepens a bit more. Once you reach the top it is flat . Walk all around the top to see incredible views in all directions. We found some little rock piles called "cairns" up here, but there is no way to know who built them (it might be some one who hiked the trail the day before). From various areas you can access little outcroppings and sit on your own personal "ledge" above the canyon. I shot some great pictures of a twisted tree growing out of the side of the mountain and a rock outcropping that looked like a face. Unfortunately, I think they were lost when my Mac died. One of the coolest things to watch from the mesa is the birds flying across the canyon below you. The drafts coming off of the cliffs make it seem like they are floating in a still position or rising straight up without moving forward.

Catherdral Rock--Red Rock Crossing

One of my favorites, beautiful and full of life!

One of the most beautiful and elaborate adventures in Sedona. It lies in the south-west corner of the intersection of the 179 and 89A highways. Cathedral Rock has two very different approaches. One from each highway.

The approach from the east starts out as a little hike and becomes increasingly challenging. One part of the journey is over a smooth hump of rock and farther on you almost have to climb through a crack. Further up you will find yourself perched on little outcroppings and walking sideways across a steep slope that surrounds a small canyon that becomes a waterfall at certain times of the year.

From the west side you enter through Red Rock Crossing Park and see a whole different kind of landscape. This approach is farther from the rock and is home to a lovely little river filled with rocks and tiny rapids. It empties into a quieter area that is actually a bit marshy around the edges. As you approach the rock you will travel a little woody trail and climb over river rocks. You feel like you are in the mountains and not the desert! Don't miss it!

Boynton Canyon

My other favorite!

This is a great hike! Much of it is fairly flat and takes you through the lush trees in the canyon and along the side of steep cliffs. There are ancient dwellings and caves high on the side of the cliffs that seem impossilbe to reach.

The entrance to the trailhead is right next to the entrance to the incredible Enchantment Resort. Resort guests need only walk across the parking lot to hike. Is there real energy in Boynton Canyon? Check out the room rates at the Enchantment Resort, the vortex's power seems to be having a positive effect on the success of the resort!

Bell Rock

This regal rock stands alone south of Sedona proper on the east side of Hwy 179. Most of the rock is fairly easy climbing and offers a nice hiking trail that allows you a good walk with only moderate effort. Be careful, this trail is also used by bicyclists.

Bell Rock is a favorite setting for wedding ceremonies.

Harmonic Convergence
In 1987 millions of people gathered at spiritual sites all around the world to chant, pray, meditate and dance to celebrate love and unity for the next earth cycle as predicted on the ancient Mayan calendar. The event was said to encompass the astrological traditions of European and Asian origin as well. Participants believed that there was to be a new cycle of energy beginning for the world that came on the heels of nine cycles of "hell" as told by the Mayans. Sedona was one of those sacred spots.

This event was the birth of the "New Age." I am not sure if we really did get rid of the last cycle of "hell"; after all, some pretty ugly things have happened since. But you can't deny the power of people coming together with a believe in peace and unity. If nothing else, many people stopped to think for the day.

A little "spiritual" site about vortexes.

A more scientific article about vortexes.

Another "new age" site with good descriptions of all the vortexes.