Sedona is in the heart of a major energy vortex that swirls around the region. Within Sedona, there are areas where the vortex is truly dense, spiraling energy in and out. Those seeking enlightenment go in search of these vortexes for spirtual healing and rejuvenation. Sedona has 4 main energy vortexes: Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon.
I’ll preface this by saying, no, you cannot hike and see all 4 vortexes in 1 day, you need at least 2 days. Pat and I ended up hiking 3 of the 4. We drove by Airport Mesa, so I guess that counts as 4, but it was too crowded for us so we turned away. Airport Mesa is the easiest of the 4 vortexes to visit since it doesn’t require a hike. We felt like the crowd ruined the vibe. However, there are many more vortexes beyond the 4 main vortex sites, including lesser known spots like Shaman’s Cave, which I will get into below.
Quick Note: Where to Stay in Sedona?
I would suggest you stay within walking distance of the main village of Sedona so that you’re an arms length from restaurants and shops all while still getting a beautiful red rock view. You can find anything from 8-bedroom properties with stunning views of the red rocks and hot tubs to simpler more affordable 2 bedrooms in the heart of town with a hot tub to unwind after those long hikes.
Before we proceed, what is a vortex?
The Native Americans referred to them as “power places” for a reason. It’s a funnel shape created by the motion of spiraling energy coming from the earth into the universe. People with strong spiritual or supernatural bent seek them out. They say they can actually feel the power and energy of the vortexes. The average tourist though? Probably won’t feel that same power. But that’s the primary reasons so many mystics and psychics are attracted to Sedona. Many say their supernatural abilities are heightened at the vortexes. It’s like putting gas in their spiritual tanks.
Each vortex in Sedona Arizona has a different type of energy. Cathedral Rock is a feminine energy, or upflow vortex, that allows for self-reflection. It’s the only feminine vortex in Sedona. Airport Mesa empowers masculine energy, increasing self-confidence and internal strength to take charge of one’s own life. Boynton Canyon Vortex is for those seeking balanced masculine and feminine energy. Bell Rock is where the strengthening of all three parts combines: the masculine, feminine and balance.
The list goes on. When you walk around Sedona, you may come across juniper trees that spiral upward. Some say this is proof of strong vortexes in the area, but simple science would tell you that juniper trees spiral in more places than just Sedona, and it’s due to the result of wind pushing on them. The trunk continuously twists very slowly and are a great indication of the trees age.
I would say most hikes in Sedona are very easy. There are a few challenging parts and I will outline below in a blue call-out notification when they are challenging. I’ve rated the hikes on a scale from 1 – 5:
6 Iconic & Secret Sedona Vortex Hikes For All Levels
1. Sedona Vortex: Shaman’s Cave/Hole in the Rock, Robbers Roost Trail
How to Reach Shaman’s Cave, Robbers Roost Trail, Sedona
Difficulty Level: 2
Why This Rating? It’s less than 1-mile and involves very little elevation. Yes, you end up walking briefly around the canyon, but you’re never too close to the edge where you feel you might fall.
The road to Shaman’s Cave is not easy. We took an ATV ride into the deep Arizona desert surrounded by its red mountain rims in search of Shaman’s Cave. Shaman’s Cave or Robbers Roost Trail is located in the heart of the Coconino National Forest. If you decide to ATV it is essential that you bring a bandana or a mask. If you don’t have one, you end up painting your insides red and inhaling and coughing out red dust for days to come. Shaman’s Cave is not widely known to tourists, and even if it is, it is very hard and far to get to so many don’t make the trip out here. This makes it a true Sedona secret. The main attraction is the picture-window view of Secret Mountain, Bear Mountain and the Sedona area from within the cave.
2. Sedona Hike & Vortex: Cathedral Rock
My Experience Hiking Cathedral Rock Trail Vortex in Sedona
Difficulty Level: 4
Why This Rating? It’s a short hike, but has a big elevation change. Mid-way through the hike you are required to go through a rock scramble, which is difficult and not for the faint of heart. If you want to take it one step further and see the needle or Pillar – it’s another tough rock scramble. Very steep terrain if you look to hike the circumference of Cathedral Rock.
If you can only visit one vortex in Sedona, it should be Cathedral Rock. Many things make Cathedral Rock trail a special hike. Yes, it’s the only upflow vortex in Sedona and the most powerful vortex in Sedona, but I think I’m the only person whose captured it’s “mass-iveness” from this unique angle…Yes, that’s a cathedral pun. Cathedral Rock trail is famous for a few reasons. One: It’s a stunning sandstone monument. Two: It’s one of the 4 vortexes, or a “power place,” in Sedona. And three, and something I am 100% certain nobody else knows that I recently uncovered: It’s shadows create the shape of a Cathedral on the ground, hence why I think it got its name Cathedral Rock.
3. Sedona Hike: Secret Slick Rock
Difficulty Level: 1
Why This Rating? It’s a super short “walk,” not hike.
Ok, well aside from actually hiking Cathedral Rock, where is the best spot to take a picture in front of Cathedral Rock and what is the best time of day to do so? Head on over to Secret Slick Rock at sunset for some of the most epic views of Cathedral Rock. The spot is called Slick Rock because there are times when there are puddles of water on the rock that reflect the beautiful Cathedral Rock. When we visited, there was no water, but god – it had to be one of my favorite overlooks of the whole trip. Pictured above is our local guide, Shakti Sita, her husband Dan, Patrick and myself on Secret Slick Rock.
The beauty is that it’s super easy to get here. It’s a 0.7-mile out-and-back trail. When here, take off your shoes and try and ground yourself in the rock while meditating. Try and block out any other people who may be on the rock experimenting with other things, Sedona is known for being a bit of a hippie spot for mystics and for escapists – let’s call them that 🙂
4. Sedona Hike and Vortex: Boynton Canyon Trail to Subway Cave and Kachina Woman Vortex
Difficulty Level: 1 to get to the vortex and to “hike/walk” to Subway Cave, but a 5 to actually get inside Subway Cave
Why This Rating? The hike is only 7-miles round-trip, but it is all flat terrain. The most difficult part is actually getting into Subway Cave, which is super dangerous
Hike Boynton Canyon Trail Vortex to Subway Cave
Trying to narrow down which hikes to focus on in Sedona? I can help. Skip Boynton Canyon Trail to Subway Cave. Here’s why. Boynton Canyon vortex has combination energy – both masculine and feminine energy – which is perfect for those seeking to balancing energy within oneself and with relationships. Now Subway Cave is not the vortex, but a spot along the Boynton Canyon Trail. The vortex is Kachina Woman, located close to the parking lot. In fact, the vortex is just 1 mile from the parking lot round-trip. Subway cave on the other hand is 7-miles round-trip. But don’t worry – they’re all flat, so it’s the easiest 7-miles ever.
I found that hiking into Subway Cave was dangerous and not something I recommend people do. Additionally, the spot is flooded with people, making it feel like you’re in line to take a picture with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland…really removes all the luster of the place.
5. Sedona Hike and Vortex: Jordan Road Trail Head
Difficulty Level: 1
Why This Rating? It’s a super short “walk,” not hike and all flat terrain.
It was our last night with Shakti before she headed out to LA for a retreat, so she took us to a special spot this evening. One that may not be on the top 10 list of many, but it should be purely for the views. It’s only 2-miles round-trip, but pure of energy. When you walk around Sedona, you may come across juniper trees that spiral upward. On Jordan Road Trail, you’ll come across a lot of juniper trees. Some say this is proof of strong vortexes in the area, but simple science would tell you that juniper trees spiral in more places than just Sedona, and it’s due to the result of wind pushing on them. The trunk continuously twists very slowly and are a great indication of the trees age.
Not too far in on the right hand side you come across an opening. This is where we sat and enjoyed our last meditative Kundalini session with Shakti. I kept my eyes open to watch as the sun hit the red rocks and the shadow of the night slowly, but surely, crept over the rock inch by inch, second by second. It was quiet, away from the crowds, away from the fuss and scene. That was probably one of the most meditative states of my trip in full honesty. I felt at peace at Jordan Road Trail, probably because no one was here.
6. Sedona Hike and Vortex: Bell Rock
Difficulty Level: 2
Why This Rating? It’s a short hike with not a lot of elevation gain, but it is rocky so balancing is a bit hard.
We pulled into the Bell Rock parking lot and went for a short sunrise hike. There was no one on the trail with us. Pat and I were wrapped in a soft blanket of peace and calm. Sunlight played on the gold, orange and red rock formations. Joy and enlightenment infused Pat and I like morning dew melding into a rose. We spiraled around and around Bell Rock in an attempt to make it as a high up as possible. After wandering for half an hour, we were in a mild euphoric state. We decided to take a break where we were, take in the 360 view, and turn around to grab some breakfast.
I wouldn’t recommend anyone try and make it to the top of Bell Rock, it requires some serious rock climbing skills and once you’re up there, it’s basically impossible to get down. There have been several hikers that have had to come get taken by helicopters because they can’t get back down!
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