A Guide to the Sedona Vortexes

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Person standing on the red rocks of Sedona Arizona

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Sedona, Arizona has been called “America’s New-Age Capital.” People often talk about Sedona’s energy, healing powers and vortexes, but are these energetic centers legit? Whether they are or not, we’ll explain all the details you need to know about Sedona’s fabled energy vortexes. 

The History of Sedona Vortexes

Some of the Sedona vortexes, as well as other places known by spiritual teachers around the world to hold energetic power, were or still are sacred sites of native populations. Although not specifically referred to as vortexes, these sites were sacred to Native Americans in the area and were used to perform rituals and ceremonies.  

In 1980, a psychic named Page Bryant said a spiritual being named Albion told her about the vortexes in an audio recording called “The Earth Changes Survival Handbook.” Seven years later, 10,000 people came together in Sedona for a spiritual gathering, welcoming a time of transition noted on the Mayan Calendar. After that event, the Verde Valley would never be the same. 

From those original claims by Bryant, the myths have grown. From the theory that aliens have installed a giant crystal under the Sedona red rocks to the idea that the formations are spaceships and transdimensional portals, the stories are colorful and push past cultural norms. 

As these meditative sites grew in popularity, so did the spiritual community of Sedona, with people moving from across the nation to be near these energy centers. Sedona is now a destination for spiritual tourism, with various retreats, tours and meditation experiences to provide a pathway to spiritual enlightenment for thousands annually. 

What Makes these Vortexes Special?

New-age spiritualists believe vortexes align with points on an energy grid that encircles the 

Earth. Other vortexes around the world include the pyramids of  Egypt, Stone Henge and Machu Picchu. However, the mainstream scientific community does not accept the idea of an energy grid and that these sites hold unique energies. 

However, plenty of people believe that these energy centers exist, and many have experienced positive effects from spending time in these areas. They mention feelings of tingles, clarity and of leaving recharged and rejuvenated.

Four main areas hold the title of specific Sedona vortex sites: Boynton Canyon, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. They vary in altitude and are thought to be diverse in the energy they hold. Some say the vortexes with higher elevations have “masculine” spiraling spiritual energy that moves upward from the Earth. In contrast, those lower to the ground or in caves have “feminine” energy spiraling downward.

The Cathedral Rock Vortex

Native Americans consider Cathedral Rock to be the birthplace of humankind. Sitting roughly 300 feet tall, it is one of Sedona’s most famous landmarks and tourist destinations. A hike on the Cathedral Rock trail offers bucket list-worthy beauty, and the specific location of the vortex is said to be at the Junction of Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek. 

The Boynton Canyon Vortex 

The two-and-half-mile-long Boynton Canyon is still a spiritual center for Yavapai-Apache people today, who know it as Che Ah Chi. This is where the Yavapai-Apache people believe the First Woman restored the land to their people with the assistance of the sun and rain gods.  

Even though new-age spiritualists connect the local Native American culture and the idea of these energetic vortexes, they are separate ideas. Native American religions and mythologies date back thousands of years and the idea of vortexes in Sedona originate in the 1980s. 

This vortex is said to be the most powerful of the four vortexes, with both masculine and feminine energies flowing through the Earth in this area. Even if you aren’t looking for a vortex energy experience, a hike on the Boynton Canyon Trail is beautiful, peaceful and serene. 

The Airport Mesa Vortex

The Airport Mesa Vortex is one of the closest to town, so it’s visited frequently. It’s considered a masculine vortex with energy swirling out of the Earth. This masculine energy provides a higher perspective and a connection with creation. It’s also a beautiful place to watch the sunset. 

The Airport Vortex trailhead is just over a mile outside Sedona and a half-mile from Airport Road. The hike provides a shorter loop that takes you directly to the vortex site at a smaller mesa in the red rock formation. During the walk, you may see small aircraft taking off and landing near you, which can add to your experience. 

The Bell Rock Vortex

Bell Rock, named for its shape, is a masculine vortex site that’s supposed to be perfect for higher thinking and problem-solving energy. Spiritual visitors say there’s no need to climb the rock to feel its energetic powers. Thousands of years of rising and lowering water levels in the area left sandstone deposits over time, creating this red rock wonder. The environmental changes over millennia that created these red rock formations are enough to make one reflect. 

Are the Sedona Vortexes Real?

Are the Sedona Vortexes legitimate scientific phenomena? Scientists say no. There is no evidence that Sedona or any sites pinpointed as vortexes of swirling energy entering or exiting the Earth are real. No measurable magnetic or electric energetic field is found in these areas. Does that stop people from visiting these sites and having transformative experiences? Not at all. 

MIT Honors Graduate and Sedona vortex expert Pete A. Sanders identifies these vortexes more as meditative sites. The beautiful red rock sites with higher elevations help individuals in meditation to embrace a viewpoint that is wider and encompasses more of the universe. In contrast, lower-elevation places like canyons and caves encourage introspection. Being in beautiful natural spaces may be the true secret to the power of these vortex sites. 

Visiting Vortexes While Supporting Survivors

Imagine experiencing the energy of the vortexes while putting positive energy into the world by helping others. The owners of the Sanctuary at Sacred Mesa, Robyn Benincasa and Jeff Akens, are the founders of the Project Athena Foundation which helps Survivors of Medical or Traumatic setbacks complete an adventurous dream as part of their amazing comeback story. 

Project Athena Foundation (helping Survivors live an adventurous dream!) hosted its inaugural 50-mile, two-day Sedona Vortex Ultra Hike which lead participants through four of the Sedona Vortexes! This extreme hike was held in May 2023, with supporters hiking right alongside Survivors to make a life-affirming transition from Survivor to Athlete. The Sedona Vortex Hike will be hosted annually. For more information on participating as a Survivor or Fundraiser for Project Athena, go to www.projectathena.org.

Learn more about Project Athena, the annual Sedona Vortex Hike and how you can make a big impact in the lives of others.

The Best Place to Stay for Your Sedona Vortex Visit

If you feel the energy for yourself, try one of the many vortex tours in the Sedona area. While planning your trip to spiritual enlightenment, choose a luxury vacation rental in Sedona that allows you to deepen your connection with this beautiful area. The Sanctuary at Sacred Mesa in Sedona, Arizona, provides a 6-bedroom home with an 8-person hot tub and a stunning observation deck with breathtaking 180 degree views of the world famous Red Rocks.

This luxury vacation rental also boasts an infinity edge pool, a 1,500 square foot recreational area, a 9-hole putting green and a 3,000-square-foot outdoor deck. If you’re interested in visiting Sedona and exploring the vortexes, we recommend choosing luxury for your vacation. Book your stay at The Sanctuary of Sacred Mesa today.