Did you know there are SEVEN Sedona vortex sites?! Yes, seven! There’s something in the air in Sedona. Whether it’s the Sedona Vortex energy engulfing the town, or the stunning views that just put life into perspective, something is there.
Having spent over a month in Sedona, we personally visited every single vortex site — some of them multiple times. This guide gives you GPS coordinates, parking details, honest difficulty ratings, and our first-hand take on what each vortex is actually like.
The seven Sedona Vortex sites are believed to bring energy and healing to those visiting them.
| Vortex | Energy | Distance | Difficulty | Parking fee | Dog friendly | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Rock | Upflow | 0.2–1.5+ mi | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Vortex energy, scrambling |
| Cathedral Rock | Inflow | 2.3 mi | Hard | Yes | No (rock scramble) | Epic hike, sunset views |
| Chapel of the Holy Cross | Spiritual | None | Easy | No | No | No hiking, accessibility |
| Airport Mesa | Upflow | 0.2 mi | Easy | No | Yes | Sunrise, sunset, beginners |
| Boynton Canyon (Kachina Woman) | Inflow | 1.2 mi out & back | Easy | Yes | Yes | Solitude, canyon views |
| Red Rock Crossing | Inflow | 3 mi out & back | Easy | Yes | Yes | Swimming hole, scenery |
| Damfino / Schnebly Hill | Inflow | 1.5 mi out & back | Moderate | Yes | Yes | Total solitude, sunset |
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What is a Sedona Vortex?
A Sedona Vortex is a place in Sedona that is believed to have a flow of energy either into the earth or out of the earth.
A vortex isn’t necessarily a geo-tagged point, but rather a general location. And lucky for those seeking vortex energy, Sedona has seven specific vortex sites.
Some people even believe that you can feel the Sedona vortex energy all over Sedona.
We’re not here to say whether the vortex energy is real or not. However, we will, without a doubt, say that a feeling of gratitude, a better sense of self and direction, and a clear reflection on life are all things that the Creation surrounding Sedona brings.
If you’d like to learn more about Vortexes in Sedona and have a guided experience with feeling the vortex energy, we recommend taking a guided vortex jeep tour, you can check current prices here.
Sedona Vortex FAQs
Which Sedona vortex is easiest to get to?
The Chapel of the Holy Cross Vortex is the only vortex where there is absolutely zero hiking involved. You simply drive up to the chapel and park.
Which Sedona vortex is the easiest hike?
The easiest Sedona vortex hike is to the Airport Mesa Vortex. This hike is only .2 miles from the parking lot, and while it’s uphill, it’s a gradual incline.
Are the Sedona vortexes real?
I think the Sedona vortex sites are what you make them. While not everyone feels the energy or believes in the energy, to me it’s like Santa. Believe in the magic of Santa and the feeling of Santa is real. Believe in the power of a vortex, and I reckon you’ll feel the vortex too.
Which Sedona vortex site should I visit?
For Solitude: Damfino Vortex; For Vortex Energy: Bell Rock Vortex; For Sunset Views: Boynton Canyon Vortex; For Sunrise Views: Airport Mesa Vortex; For An Epic Hike: Cathedral Rock Vortex
Which Sedona vortex is the strongest?
The strength of the power and energy from each of Sedona’s Vortex sites is ever-changing. With that said, both Bell Rock Vortex and Cathedral Rock Vortex are believed to be super powerful.
Parking at the Sedona vortex sites
At the paid-for parking places, you can purchase a Red Rock Pass. The Red Rock Passes can be purchased as a day pass or for a week, and once purchased, are good for any location requiring a Red Rock Pass. Alternatively, a national park pass can be used as a parking pass at all of the paid-for parking locations.
Ready to experience the energy that Sedona brings? Check here for the best prices on flights to Sedona.
We recommend flying into Phoenix, renting a car, or renting an RV, and driving the 1.5 hours to Sedona.
7 Vortex Hikes in Sedona
- Bell Rock Vortex
- Cathedral Rock Vortex
- Chapel of the Holy Cross Sedona Vortex
- Airport Mesa Vortex
- Boynton Canyon Vortex
- Red Rock Crossing Vortex
- Damfino Vortex
Sedona Vortex Map
1. Bell Rock Vortex
Create Your Own Vortex Hike in Sedona
Location | 34.80037, -111.7662
Trailhead Parking | Courthouse Vista
Parking Pass Needed | yes
Hiking Distance | .2 miles – 1.5+ miles
Energy | upflow + lots of space for a secluded experience
Bell Rock Vortex is a popular vortex to visit. It’s also a very popular hike. But don’t let that discourage you!
Hiking at Bell Rock is so fun. It’s a scramble of a climb to however high you’re comfortable with.
There are loads of different places to find private space to connect with nature and the vortex energy of Bell Rock Vortex.
Starting at the Bell Rock Trailhead in the Courthouse Butte Parking Lot, you’ll find a flat trail leading to the base of Bell Rock. Once you get on Bell Rock, create your own path to your own space to enjoy the views!
We strongly suggest wearing grippy trail shoes like these here. They’re fantastic for climbing up and down the slick rock!
Honestly, we found ourselves hiking the Bell Rock Vortex multiple times. When friends came to visit, we took them there. When we wanted an easy hike for a picnic dinner.. Bell Rock Vortex was the answer. This hike is fun and shouldn’t be missed!
2. Cathedral Rock Vortex
Epic Vortex Hike in Sedona
Location | 34.81775, -111.7925
Trailhead Parking | Cathedral Rock Trailhead
Parking Pass Needed | yes
Hiking Distance | 2.3 miles
Energy | inward flow and very powerful
Fair warning here, the “hike” to Cathedral Rock isn’t really a hike at all. It’s an intense rock scramble.
With that said, it’s super fun and unlike any other hike we’ve done in the past. We truly felt like kids again scrambling our way to the top.
The vortex here is pinned in one location on the map, but from what we heard it’s in a different location, towards the second saddle. However, as with all Sedona vortex sites, you’ll feel the energy where you personally find it.
Reaching the second saddle here, you’ll simply go to the left at the “end of trail” sign, and then stay to the right of the big rock.
It’s worth noting, the view for the actual sunset is better at the first saddle, and this place can be super busy.
Be sure to check the new shuttle times here. The main parking area is closed during the high seasons and Thursday-Sunday in the off-season.
3. Chapel of the Holy Cross Sedona Vortex
A No Hike Sedona Vortex
Location | 34.832, -111.76675
Trailhead Parking | Chapel of the Holy Cross
Parking Pass Needed | no
Hiking Distance | none
Energy | highly spiritual energy
To be completely honest, we didn’t feel any energy and couldn’t find the space to just relax and take it in at the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
READ MORE | Our Guide To The Chapel Of The Holy Cross
I believe this was due to the number of people there each time we visited. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a major tourist attraction, and as such, there are swarms of people and cars at any given time.
The chapel is lovely, and the views from the chapel are great too. But you can’t actually go on the vortex rocks, and with the way the road wraps around the chapel, there’s no sense of peace and quiet here.
4. Airport Mesa Vortex
Easy Vortex Hike in Sedona
Location | 34.855773, -111.779207
Trailhead Parking | Airport Loop Trail Parking
Parking Pass Needed | no
Hiking Distance | .2 miles
Energy | upflow
Airport Mesa Vortex is hands down the easiest vortex hike in Sedona, Arizona. The trail is only .2 miles, and has an easy uphill walk.
The Airport Mesa Vortex is a great Sedona sunset location!
The parking lot only has 10 spots to park, so certainly pack your patience when trying to enjoy this Sedona Vortex hike.
READ MORE | Your Guide to Airport Mesa Vortex | including alternative parking options
We repeatedly found ourselves at the Airport Mesa Vortex because there are so many other hikes to do on Airport Mesa, and the views and ease of these trails are great.
5. Boynton Canyon Vortex
A.K.A. Kachina Woman Vortex
Location | 34.91179, -111.84819
Trailhead Parking | Boynton Canyon Trailhead
Parking Pass Needed | yes
Hiking Distance | 1.2 miles out and back
Energy | inflow
Nestled into Boynton Canyon, you’ll find the Boynton Canyon Vortex. This area is a very popular spot in Sedona, however, the vortex isn’t visited often.
In fact, the first few times we hiked the Boynton Canyon trail, we completely missed the vortex here! There are some incredible cave hikes in Boynton Canyon that we were dead set on, but glad we popped back on the trail for this vortex experience.
From the Boynton Canyon Trailhead, hike along the Boynton Canyon Trail into the canyon. Before you pass by the resort on the left, there will be a sign on the right labeled Vista. (see image below)
This trail leads you to the Boynton Canyon Vortex, also known as, the Kachina Woman Vortex.
READ MORE | A Complete Guide to the Kachina Woman Vortex Site
6. Red Rock Crossing Vortex
Vortex Hike in Sedona with Swimming Hole
Location | 34.82347, -111.79676
Trailhead Parking | Baldwin Trailhead Parking
Parking Pass Needed | yes
Hiking Distance | 3 miles out and back
Energy | inflow
The Red Rock Crossing Vortex is a fairly easily accessible vortex hike in Sedona. There are a handful of trails to get to the vortex, the closest being the Baldwin Trail.
When we visited this Sedona vortex, we came from the Secret Slick Rock (our favorite sunset location) parking area across the creek.
However, as you can see in the image above, when Oak Creek is full, you cannot really cross the creek safely.
Hiking the loop from Secret Slick Rock Trailhead, down through Crescent Moon and Buddha Beach is a great, easy vortex hike in Sedona if the weather is hot! And Buddha Beach is a great place to take a dip – the water is typically much clearer than the muddy after a rain storm water above.
READ MORE | Red Rock Crossing Vortex + Sunset Location | 3 parking areas, geo-tagged locations, and hike details
7. Damfino Vortex / Schnebly Hill Vortex
A Sedona Vortex in Total Solitude
Location | 34.86489, -111.74196
Trailhead Parking | Munds Wagon Trailhead
Parking Pass Needed | yes
Hiking Distance | 1.5 miles out and back
Energy | inflow
Looking for a vortex with complete solitude? The Damfino Vortex hike in Sedona is for you!
We visited Damfino Vortex on our way up to Merry Go Round Rock for sunset, and thought it too would make a great place for a sunset in Sedona!
Damfino Vortex is located off Schnebly Hill Road, closer to the beginning. In fact, we believe Damfino is the same vortex as Schnebly Hill Vortex.
It’s tucked away up a small social trail, off the actual road instead of the Munds Wagon Trail.
To get to the trail leading to Damfino Vortex, you can hike up the Munds Wagon Trail, but at the wash at 34.865497, -111.741316 you need to take the trail up across the road and to the trail in the image below.
The Damfino Vortex would be a great place to catch sunset if you’re looking for an epic sunset location in Sedona!
Sedona Vortex Sites In Our Experience
Hiking to all of Sedona’s vortex sites was a fun adventure. While we certainly didn’t feel any special energy at the vortex sites, we believe the beauty in the Creation of Sedona brings an energy that is truly something else!
One of our favorite vortex hikes in Sedona was hiking up Bell Rock. It’s a challenging task, and super fun because the only limit is yourself.
With that said, we found ourselves at the Airport Mesa Vortex multiple times because of the fantastic sunset views from there.
I fully believe you and those around you create the experience you will have at any of these Sedona Vortex sites.
While you can visit all these vortex sites on your own, taking a vortex tour in Sedona teaches you more about this history of the vortex sites and guides you through finding the energy at each. Book your tour here.
Gear for Hiking These Vortex Hikes in Sedona
These are hands down the best hiking shoes in Sedona. In fact, we did an entire post on them and what else to pack for hiking in Sedona here.
Grab the complete packing for Sedona checklist with links to all our gear here.
For all of our hikes, we used our Garmin watches to track our distance and Jay’s even tracks elevation. They both have features for contacting help if you fall or need it. So we love them!
Lastly, we used our maps.me app all the time! You can pin locations on it, and it has a lot of the trails (even the social ones) on it — making it the best trail app for Sedona!
More On Sedona!
Sedona Guides | All Our Sedona Guides in One Place
Camping in Sedona | 12 FREE Dispersed Camping Near Sedona Locations
Keyhole Cave | A Complete Guide to This Sedona Cave (with a map)
Sedona Itinerary | One Day Sedona Itinerary From Sunrise to Sunset
Red Rock Crossing | A Complete Guide to Finding this Famous Spot
Airport Mesa | Your Guide to Hikes on Airport Mesa
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