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If you’ve researched any of the hiking trails in Sedona, AZ, it’s likely that you’ve heard about some of them containing vortex sites. In this blog post, I’m going to cover what a vortex site is, the different types of energy you can experience, and 4 trails you can hike if you want to experience vortex energy for yourself.
Sedona is known for being a city that encompasses spiritual wellbeing and taking care of your body and mind. What better way to do that then to sit, hike, and meditate on a vortex? Lace up your hiking boots, babe…we are gonna be SO healthy, SO zen, and have ALLLL the peace in the world. If your goal is to visit Sedona and be a wellness girlie, keep scrolling to discover the 4 hiking trails with high-energy vortex sites.
What is a Vortex Site?
A vortex is a place that contains intense energy vibrations within the earth. They are found at spiritual/sacred sites all over the world. Standing in an area with these vibrations is said to bring peace, spiritual healing, and mental clarity. People have said they somehow feel powerful and strong, yet calm and zen, all at the same time.
A vortex site isn’t one specific place; rather, it usually encompasses a large area of space. That is to say, you don’t have to stand in one exact location to feel the effects of a vortex site. In fact, many people say that the entire city of Sedona is one big vortex…and I can’t even argue. Every time I come here, I feel…different. I feel lighter, happier, and more at peace.
What is the Difference Between Masculine and Feminine Energy at a Vortex Site?
Often times, you will hear the energy referred to as either “masculine” or “feminine.” The biggest difference between masculine and feminine energy is the direction it is going.
- Masculine energy flows UPWARD into the air and surrounding environment. It is associated with self-confidence, assertiveness, and personal strength.
- Feminine energy spirals DOWN into the earth. It is associated with emotional strength, compassion, and self-care.
Do Most People Feel Energy at a Vortex Site?
Whether or not someone feels anything at a vortex site is entirely dependent on the individual. I have had some people tell me that they feel a radical change in energy, and I have had other people tell me that they didn’t feel anything.
Personally, I think a lot of it depends on the level of mindfulness you are able to experience. I have done yoga off and on for many years, so I have had practice with knowing how to breathe, being “in the moment,” and trying to eliminate distractions to focus on my inner self. Because of this, I have been able to feel positive energy at all 4 of these vortex sites, although some have been more intense for me than others.
How to Increase Your Chances of Experiencing Positive Vortex Energy
Once you get to the area where the vortex is, take a moment to be alone with your own thoughts. Sit down, close your eyes, and take deep breaths. Open your eyes and notice everything around you. The colors of the rocks, the sounds of other hikers, the way the air smells. Pay attention to even the most minuscule things, and get in the habit of noticing.
Close your eyes again and practice gratitude. Be thankful for this moment, for your life, your job, your friends/family/pets…whatever it is that makes you happy. From a spiritual perspective, gratitude is one of the most important things we can express. Don’t forget to breathe and stay mindful. Pay attention to how you feel in this moment.
I do this every single time I visit a vortex site in Sedona. I love the act of being in the moment in such a powerfully spiritual place. It does wonders for my mental clarity and emotional wellbeing. I have found that I am more easily able to romanticize my life if I put these things into practice.
4 Hiking Trails in Sedona with Vortex Sites
1. Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is more of a climb than a hike. If you’re afraid of heights, we are putting that fear to rest TODAY, babe! **snaps fingers**
If you want the views AND the energy, you want Cathedral Rock. This was the first hike I ever did in Sedona and is one of the many, many reasons I fell in love and kept coming back here.
The vortex at Cathedral Rock has feminine energy.
Where is the Vortex Site on Cathedral Rock?
From what I’ve read, no one is 100% positive where the exact vortex spot is on Cathedral Rock, but a few sites have said you have to go all the way to end of the hike to experience it. Once you reach the end of Cathedral Rock trail, you will come to an “End of Trail” sign. The vortex is supposedly to the left of this sign, at the junction of Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek. (Side note: how would you know you were at the junction of these 2 places when you’re so high up??…)
When I hiked this trail with 2 of my friends, we made it to the end of the trail, and I DID feel awfully elated and happy. Maybe it’s vortex energy, maybe it’s Maybelline? Or, maybe I was just really happy that I finished this bomb hike with this bomb view in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Regardless, channel your bad b*tch energy and climb to the top…and then tell me what YOU think in the comments!
(the vortex is to the left of the sign)
2. Bell Rock
Bell Rock is another hike that’s more of a climb than a hike. If you are truly afraid of heights, this one may be your best bet. You don’t go up quite as high as you would if you wanted to make it to the end of the trail on Cathedral Rock.
Climbing Bell Rock is also a shorter hike, making it a good one to do if you don’t have much time but want to squeeze in oneee more hike before you call it a day. But as you probably guessed, it’s popular for all the reasons I stated above, including the vortex site. This trail is cool to do around sunset, because it’s one of the most beautiful places to watch the stars come out.
The vortex at Bell Rock has masculine energy.
Where is the Vortex Site on Bell Rock?
The Bell Rock vortex is said to be a large area on the northern side of the rock. The easiest and most accessible way to get here is via the Courthouse Vista Parking Lot.
When you get here, you will see signs pointing to the trail that lead you up a (mostly gentle) slope until you reach the actual vertical part of the rock. You will likely see a lot of people gathered around here. When I hiked Bell Rock, there were people doing martial arts on the vortex! Peep the photo below…I like to call this one “earning my participation trophy…”
3. Boynton Canyon Trail
Boynton Canyon Trail is an actual hike as opposed to a climb. It is one of the longer trails in Sedona, and IMO, one of the most beautiful. In fact, Boynton Canyon is my favorite Sedona hike and the one I recommend to everybody.
The vortex on Boynton Canyon Trail may be the most unique in that it combines masculine and feminine energy. I have visited all 4 vortex sites listed here, and I have to admit, I felt the largest sense of energy at the Boynton Canyon vortex. You know what they say…“it’s a man’s world, but it wouldn’t be nothin’ without a woman or a girl.” In other words, the dual energies make this vortex site extra powerful.
- Related Post: Tips for Hiking the Boynton Canyon Trail in Sedona, AZ
- Related Post: How to Find the Boynton Canyon Subway Cave in Sedona, AZ
Where is the Vortex Site on Boynton Canyon Trail?
The path to get to the vortex site on Boynton Canyon is called the Boynton Vista trail. Once you’re at the start of the trail, simply go straight at the sign that says “Vista” instead of going left to hike Boynton Canyon.
Once you follow this trail for a bit, you will see a flat landing spot with a large rock formation. This is the Boynton Canyon vortex site. Many people say they are able to feel an intense pull of energy when they are here, and some say the higher they climb on the rock formation, the stronger the energy pull.
4. Airport Mesa
Airport Mesa is the most accessible vortex site in Sedona, and therefore, usually the most popular and most crowded. That’s not to say you shouldn’t experience it. Spiritual energy aside, Airport Mesa is one of the most beautiful places in Sedona to get stunning views of the red rocks.
- In my post, The Best Hikes in Sedona, AZ, I talk about hiking the Airport Loop Trail vs. hiking Airport Loop Trail: Gina’s Version. My version involves a sunset hike, and I’m biased, but it’s better. Just trust me. 😘
During my last trip to Sedona, I did yoga on the Airport Mesa vortex and would 10/10 recommend. Click the highlighted link to read about my experience!
The vortex at Airport Mesa has masculine energy.
Where is the Vortex Site on Airport Mesa?
If you are at the Airport Loop trailhead, you will see signs pointing to the right to start the trail. Go up the rocky “steps” (pictured), and then head to the left. The vortex is said to be around this rock and the surrounding area behind it. When I did yoga on the vortex, we passed this rock and went a little further back on the trail, but many people consider this entire area of the airport to be the vortex site.
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