But it really wasn’t until the early 1980s that New Age believers began to call the area home.

Around that time, a few people declared that Sedona is one of the planet’s "power points" – a place where a powerful energy emanates from the earth.

According to believers, this energy is often concentrated into areas called vortexes.

Just what is a vortex?

Believers say that a vortex is where a swirling form of subtle, indefinable energy pours out of the earth.

This energy is reputed to facilitate mind and body healing, meditation and prayer.

There are two forms of vortexes:

• Upflow Vortex: a site where energy pours out of the earth. Sometimes referred to as "male" energy. This type of vortex is often found on mountain or mesa tops and is said to be energizing.
• Inflow Vortex: energy flows into the earth at this type of vortex. These are "female" vortexes and are associated with canyons or depressions. These sites encourage compassion, introspection and healing.

Some Sedona energy vortexes are considered to be a combination of both upflow and inflow energies.

Bell Rock is considered to be an upflow, or male, vortex

Just how many Sedona energy vortex sites are there?

It depends upon whom you talk to.

Some say there are more than 20 vortex sites around the Sedona area.

Others believe that there are more, or fewer.

It’s pretty much agreed, however, that the four main Sedona energy vortex sites are:

• Airport Mesa
• Bell Rock
• Boynton Canyon
• Cathedral Rock.

We have to admit that we haven’t felt any unique energy at these sites.

Airport Mesa is a popular spot for meditation and quiet reflection

But that doesn't mean that we aren't drawn to them.

We recommend visiting all the four major Sedona energy vortex sites because these are some of the most scenic spots in all of Sedona.

Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic or undecided, we think that you’ll find the beauty of these sites to be magical.

And that, in a sense, is a healing power after all.

All of the major energy vortexes are easily accessed from Sedona’s main roads.

Because they are so accessible, these areas can be busy and crowded.

If you’re seeking a quiet experience at any of the Sedona energy vortex sites, we recommend going at dawn or at least during the early part of the week. Weekends can be quite busy.

The viewing area at the top of Airport Mesa has great views overlooking west Sedona

It’s the location of the Sedona airport, which is a small air field where only single engine planes are allowed to land.

Airport Mesa is a broad plateau that is also home to a number of residences and the Sky Ranch Lodge.

The Airport Mesa site is an upflow or masculine vortex with uplifting energy.

To reach this Sedona energy vortex, some believe you should park at the Forest Service dirt pullout about ½-mile up the mesa.

Then head east up the short trail.

Others say you should drive all the way up to the top of the mesa to experience this Sedona energy vortex.

Either way, be sure to take time to enjoy the views.

From up here, you can look out onto all of central and western Sedona.

Location: central Sedona

Directions: From the junction of Highways 89A and 179, take Highway 89A west for 1.1 mile, then turn south onto Airport Mesa Road. Go about ½ mile up the road to the small parking lot on the left. Walk east up the trail to the saddle between the two hills.

Alternatively, drive all the way to the top of the road, following the signs to "Sunrise Service" and the Masonic Lodge Memorial Cross. There is a large parking lot on top of the mesa.

Pinyon pine and juniper surround the base of Bell Rock

You can’t miss Bell Rock as you drive along Highway 179.

Its distinctive form is clearly visible on the east side of the road just north of the Village of Oak Creek.

Bell Rock is said to be an upflow (or male) vortex with uplifting energy.

There is no official spot or trail to take to reach its energy, which is said to be strong all around the rock.

There is, however, an official Forest Service trail called the Bell Rock Pathway.

This easy, mostly flat path skirts around the western edge of Bell Rock.

There are unofficial routes up the rock to its many clefts and furrows.

Don't take them and avoid becoming another local search and rescue team statistic.

The summit of this Sedona energy vortex site is difficult and dangerous to reach and best left to the hawks and the ravens.

Location: south Sedona, near the Village of Oak Creek

Directions: The Bell Rock Pathway can be accessed from a few dirt pullouts along Highway 179.

For the northern end of the trail: from the junction of Highway 179 and 89A, take Highway 179 south about 3.6 miles to the paved turnout and trailhead parking at milepost 309.8 on the east side of the highway.

For the southern trailhead: take Highway 179 south, from the Highway 89A junction, for 6.5 miles to the Bell Rock/Courthouse Butte Loop trailhead parking area.

Boynton Canyon is in the magnificent Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness area.

Boynton Canyon's most famous eroded rock spire is called Kachina Woman, after a Yavapai-Apache origin story

This Sedona energy vortex is reputed to have both upflow (male) and inflow (female) energy.

Its power is said to be both soothing and uplifting.

There seems to some debate about where the energy is strongest here.

Some people take the ¼-mile Vista Trail and climb up to the Kachina Woman – an eroded hoodoo at the top of the canyon’s wall.

Others believe that the 30-foot knoll to the side of Kachina Woman is where the energy is strongest.

To take one of the most scenic Sedona hikes, try the moderate, 5-mile roundtrip trail into Boynton Canyon.

If you're interested in hiking the entire trail, read our Boynton Canyon Trail hiking guide before you go.

Note: Depending on your hiking skill and physical ability, part of this trail could be considered strenuous and requires hiking over rocky terrain and slick rock.

Location: west Sedona

Directions: Take Highway 89A west, from its junction with Highway 179, for 3.2 miles. Then turn north (right) onto Dry Creek Road (aka Forest Service Road 152C) for 2.9 miles. Then turn left on Boynton Pass Road and drive to the trailhead parking lot on the right side of the road. There are signs clearly marking the way.

Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular Sedona energy votexes

It’s the image you see on countless calendars, postcards and travel brochures.

Cathedral Rock is said to be an inflow or feminine vortex with a soothing energy that’s said to be good for relief from a high stress job.

Many make the trip to Crescent Moon Ranch - a day use picnic area managed by the U.S. Forest Service - to see the butte from its most famous vantage point at Red Rock Crossing.

Here, the famous rock towers above the banks of Oak Creek.

This Sedona energy vortex supposedly is the strongest where the rock is closest to the creek.

However, hikers can access the rock directly from the Cathedral Rock Trail.

This route is a moderate to strenuous uphill hike that is a short but steep climb up the back of the rock.

The trail covers 760 feet in just 0.7 of a mile.

At the end of the climb, there’s a crescent-shaped saddle between the cathedral’s sheer vertical towers.

From here, hikers have great views of the green-laced ribbon of Oak Creek below.

Location: central Sedona in Crescent Moon

Directions:
To Red Rock Crossing-Crescent Moon Ranch: drive west for 4.3 miles on Highway 89A from Highway 179 to Upper Red Rock Loop Road. Turn left and drive 2 miles to Chavez Ranch Road. Then follow the signs about 0.8 mile to the Red Rock Crossing-Crescent Moon Ranch Park (day use only).

To the Cathedral Rock Trail: Take Highway 179 south for 3.4 miles from Highway 89A to Back-O-Beyond Road. Turn west here and drive 0.7 mile to the trailhead.

Access Fee:
Red Rock Crossing-Crescent Moon Ranch: $7 per vehicle (up to 5 people)
Walk-ins: $1 per person
Note: A Forest Service Red Rock Pass will not cover the entrance fee to Red Rock Crossing.

The daily fee is $5.00. A weekly pass costs $10.

Passes can be purchased from the kiosk at the trailhead (cash or credit card only) or from one of the many Sedona visitor centers around the area.

You must display the Pass in your windshield. Cars in trailhead lots without a Pass will be issued a citation.

For more information: Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District Phone Number: (928) 282-4119

Notes on Trail Safety:

• Always wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.
• Always be aware of your footing on trails.
• Always carry plenty of water no matter the season.
• Always wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Watch for lightning during the summer monsoon thunderstorm season.
• Summer hikes are best done in the morning to avoid the midday heat.

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