Sedona
Lena and I have made a ritual of watching the full moon rise over Cathedral Rock, a tradition now stretching across two years. We hike the trail up to the second ridge and wait as the sun fades and moon rises over the horizon. This year we were joined by Kapualani and watched as the moon peeked over the top of the mountains illuminated by the dark blue black of the sky. Sedona is known for being an electromagnetic site with seven well know vortexes; concentrated points of power, where natural and gravitational forces come together to create a sphere of heightened spiritual energy.
My first trip to Sedona was in November of 2019 when Sherene Vismaya and I held our Vortex Diary retreat. We stayed at Enchantment right in the center of Boyton Canyon. There we hiked the red rocks., meditated, and experienced the beauty and energy of the vortexes. The staff, many of whom lived and worked in this sacred space, shared stories of their own transformative experiences—how, with focused intention, they had set goals while hiking the trails, only to see those goals materialize within the year. They spoke of the vortexes not as mere sites of energy, but as gateways, paths through which desires, dreams, and even deep healing could manifest—if one was open to receiving them.
As we learned, the vortexes are places of immense healing, though not without their challenges. The energy here can be both liberating and unsettling, for healing requires that you confront what lies hidden in the depths. In order to move forward, you must first identify the blockages that bind you and face them. It is not an easy journey, but it is a necessary one if you are to embrace the full scope of the transformation that Sedona promises. Nights of restless sleep gave way to vivid, often strange dreams—visions that stirred deep within us, triggers that resurfaced, followed by moments of profound rest and release. In the quiet aftermath, we came to understand how potent human nature is, how deeply our thought forms and beliefs can shape our experiences, drawing out both our shadows and our light. If you plan to visit Sedona, whether for spiritual reasons or to connect with nature and experience the beauty I’ve compiled a list of places and experiences to guide you on your journey.
WHERE TO STAY
Enchantment Resort pictured above is centered in the heart of Boyton Canyon and connected to Mii Amo. It offers experiences as well as access to to the spa services at Mii Amo. Enchantment and Mii Amo have direct access to the Kachina and Warrior vortexes and trails from the resort. Exploring other vortexes in the area is about a 30 minute drive, have the hotel arrange a cab for you or book one of the available experiences. Enchantment or Mii Amo may be the right fit if you are looking for a place to relax, hike, enjoy spa experiences and have a meal at one of the restaurants, markets or juice bar.
L’Auberge de Sedona is a resort located along Oak Creek and offers spa treatments, metaphysical experiences, art and outdoor activities as well as unique dining along the creek.
Briar Patch Inn is located on Oak Creek. The retreat cabins offer a relaxing, picturesque getaway. There are spa treatments available on the retreat sight.
If you’d rather rent a cabin, home or room there’s a great selection of places on Airbnb. Lena and I have rented two bedroom houses with full kitchens allowing us to go at our own pace and live like locals.
You can find other resorts, cabins, bed and breakfasts, etc here.
*Adding an article here on Enchantment and Mii Amo. When we stayed we were told they sold art from local Indigenous artists, had an educational excursion for those who wanted to learn, and some of the menu items were from local Indigenous farmers. I came upon this article which implies the relationship between the resort and the people has not been the same since Apache elder Bob Bear, who was the director of Native American programming passed in 2014. While I enjoyed our stay in 2019 I can’t say I would stay there again knowing this information.
VORTEXES
Page Bryant, a Sedona psychic in the 70s and 80s is credited with the first use of the word "vortex" in 1980 referring to a place of energy. Some believe that the history of Sedona’s vortex history is purely commercial sprinkled with fictitious lore. Others believe it is sacred land once and still worked with by Indigenous tribes for sacred ceremonies. Whatever your beliefs may be, if enough people believe in something it gives it power and affects those around it. I personally believe the land is sacred and should be returned to local indigenous nations.
The red color of the rocks comes from iron that was trapped in seawater.
Bell Rock: Bell Rock is known as an electromagnetic vortex amplified by the quartz crystals underneath. This vortex helps you to balance the masculine and feminine within you, stabilize emotions and access new perspectives and self awareness. The strongest vortex energy here is where the juniper twists along the side of the formation and between Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. The Sinagua tribe originally inhabited the area around Sedona, where Bell Rock is located. Today, the Hopi, Navajo, Tonto Apaches, and Yavapai tribes are active in the area. In 1987 believers in the Harmonic Convergence in the thousands camped near Bell Rock to meditate on world peace and welcome space aliens.
Courthouse Butte: Known for its deep spiritual connection, Courthouse Butte is located East of Bell Rock and radiates energy straight from the earth upwards. It bridges our spiritual connection to the earth and elements as well as ourselves. The trail that runs between Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte is incredibly beautiful and powerful. I recommend it immensely. It is said to house powerful spirits who help ignite spiritual awakenings.
Cathedral Rock: Cathedral Rock has strong feminine energy and is one of the most potent vortexes in Sedona. When I spoke of locals telling their transformational tales many were at Cathedral Rock. It will tap into your intuitive side helping you to become open to receiving, and connecting with nurturing energy. I get vertigo with heights so was not able to do much of the harder trail that takes you up the sandstone butte. The easy trail will loop you around and bring you to an incredible area filled with twisted juniper. It’s said the strongest vortex energy is by the creek on the East side. Legends say that Red Rock Crossing, the intersection of Oak Creek and Cathedral Rock, was the birthplace of gods and mankind. Some legends say the first man and woman stood back to back there after an argument and so they stand in the center backs touching so they may always have their own point of view but also remain together. Only Chiefs and Medicine men were allowed to enter for ceremonies.
Boynton Canyon - Kachina and Warrior: Boynton Canyon is huge and contains vast amounts of energy. Certain harder to get to parts have quartz crystal formations. The more well known vortex is the Kachina and Warrior balancing both the masculine and feminine. This vortex can strengthen relationships and intimacy. You may also happen upon a flutist named Robert who plays at the top of the Warrior infusing the music with reiki energy. He used to give out hearts made from the rocks but no longer does so. The energy here is deep and it’s said that the Yavapai-Apache would fast and pray before entering. You can also find the subway formation in Boynton, although a bit difficult to find, there will often be people making their way to it or tour guides to help you find it. If you have a fear of heights there is climbing to reach the subway. This would pertain to those who may have injuries etc.
Chapel of the Holy Cross: Inspired and commissioned in 1956 by Marguerite Brunswig Staude a student of Frank Lloyd Wright meant to draw on and coexist with the energy of the vortex. In 1932 she was inspired to build such a church by the construction of the Empire State Building in Budapest with Lloyd Wright, Frank’s son, unfortunately WWII shut down the project. Richard Hein was chosen as project architect, and the design was executed by architect August K. Strotz, both from the firm of Anshen & Allen. The late Senator Barry Goldwater assisted Staude in obtaining a special-use permit. The construction supervisor was Fred Coukos, who built the chapel in 18 months at a cost of US$300,000. One of the most powerful vortexes in Sedona, it promote peace and healing and the energy can be felt as you approach the incredible structure. Inside a large sculpture of Christ crucified on the tree of life looks upon all those who enter. There is an indentation of feet on the ground. If you place yours on it and look up it creates an incredibly powerful experience of Jesus gazing upon you. This was not the original sculpture. Early in the building of the chapel a sculpture of Christ, long, thin almost melting into the cross, the work was done by sculptor Keith Monroe. Monroe was a friend of Staude’s and while she hated the art, she did not have the heart to tell him. From the time it was create Staude received hate mail about it. Sedona was not known for its large Catholic community, most went outside of town to the congregation there. And so for a while the chapel sat untouched or was used by theologians to discuss art and theory. The Christ’s was eventually removed and the chapel sat closed until the 80s. It was reopened as a tourist attraction and would remain that way until 2015 when Fr. Kleczewski arrived in 2015 in time for the Church’s Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. Fr Kleczewski commissioned local sculptor James Muir a devout christian to make the sculpture. As it was not part of his practice it took some persuasion but when Fr Kleczewski one day in conversation said “Look at that cross on my wall over there,” He had been a priest for 40 years and moved to Arizona when he was 15. “‘Is that a face of anguish or anger or horrible suffering? No. It’s a face of love. The reason we put the corpus on the cross is to remind us of this great act of love of both the Father offering his Son and the Son offering himself for us. That’s what it’s all about.” Muir understood the statement and accepted the job. You do not have to be religious to enter the church, however they do offer mass and confession for those who would like to attend. As you look upon the rocks surrounding the chapel you’ll notice an eagle carved out of the red rock. It is said that the Eagle c carved by Hopi guards the chapel, protecting it from evil spirits. I do not know if this is true and have not been able to find any information on it. The chapel is always a beautiful experiences and leaves you with a sense of peace, harmony and oneness. I recommend getting there when it opens as it has a constant stream of people throughout the day and you may have difficulty parking.
Airport Mesa: A smaller formation along the mesa, it offers beautiful views of the sunset. Masculine in energy it provides clarity and insight on decision making and allows you to take hold of your destiny. It gives you the confidence to place high value on your worth and work. The story going around is the vortex was atop of Airport Mesa but the constant stream of tourists disrupted operations as people would walk across the runway. The owners supposedly moved it and changing the location on maps. The idea of this is that once a place is pronounced sacred it becomes sacred. People claim to feel tingling in their feet when near the vortex or a pulsing in their body.
Schnebly Hill: High above the terrain lies Schnebly hill which contains both red rock and black lava rock. Here you can find cleansing energy to purify your body, mind, and spirit. The red color in the rock comes from iron that was trapped in seawater; the rocks are actually rusting. Two of the main layers you can see from town are Schnebly Hill Sandstone and Coconino Sandstone. Schnebly Hill Sandstone is comprised of mostly red rocks on the bottom half of the cliffs, the Coconino Sandstone is above it, and mostly yellow. The higher you go the less red you find because at this point the seas retreated and left dunes and deserts.
RESTAURANTS
Cress at Oak Creek: Part of L’Auberge it offers unique dining experiences by the creek with a French take and local ingredients. It was named in Food & Wine Global Tastemakers list on “The 15 Best Hotels for Food in the U.S.” Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options available.
Chocolate Tree: This is for the vegan and gluten free crowd. Organic and healthy dishes made with fresh ingredients. They have an outdoor dining area, fresh juices and raw chocolate. Written up in Vogue as a100 percent organic, grain-free, non-GMO restaurant
Casa Sedona Inn: Garden pateo with unique and regional food. Beautiful view of the red rocks while you eat. Vegetarian friendly with gluten free options.
Che Ah Chi: Modern American dining with dishes centered around Arizona ingredients from local farmers, ranchers and purveyors, paired with an award-winning wine list. Reservations for non guests of the resort can be made through calling or open table. May not always be available. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free friendly.
El Rincon: Since 1976 El Rincon brings you a blend of traditional Mexican food and native Navajo food available no where else in the world. Vegetarian friendly with gluten free options.
Mariposa: Latin inspired cuisine in a chic environment. The cuisine is Latin-inspired, primarily from Chef Dahl's interactions with Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay chefs. Art installations and beautiful views make this restaurant a favorite. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free friendly.
Coffee Pot Restaurant: Great omelettes and diner food. Fresh ingredients. Family-owned and operated for 30 years, the Coffee Pot Restaurant and Gift Shop is the taste of Sedona. Come enjoy a casual and colorful dining experience featuring an extensive variety of award-winning breakfast options, authentic Mexican cuisine, Colombian coffee and classic cocktails.
HEALING EXPERIENCES
Sound Bath with Priscilla at Sacred Rememberings: Priscilla has a gift. The sound bath was exactly what we need to relax, release, and heal. Lena and I booked the private session but there are group sessions available as well. She hand chooses the essential oil for each session. She also has an array of oils and crystals available for purchase all infused with the energy and vibration from each session.
Get Vortexed with Rosane Gibson: Rosane, originally from Brazil resides in Sedona and works as an author and coach. We experienced Boynton Canyon with her and the time was incredibly transformational. You can also purchase her book here.
Salt Room at Sedona Infinity Spa: Salt caves are rooted in Poland and have become popular in the US. Halotherapy (dry salt therapy) is where 99.99% Pure Grade Sodium Chloride (salt) is heated and then ground and crushed into very tiny microparticles. These dry aerosol microparticles of salt are then dispersed into the salt room, salt cave, or salt chamber during a typical session.
EXCURSIONS
Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park: Outdoor park for prayer and meditation. It has Buddhist stupas, an Indigenous medicine wheel, a wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and paths filled with prayer flags and wild quail. It is owned by Kunzang Palyul Choling, a Vajryanna Buddhist Temple in Poolesville MD. The park is small and can be walked within an hour.
Slide Rock: Located in Oak Creek Canyon Slide Rock is a 80 ft natural water slide and swimming hole. Algae on the rocks creates the slippy surface for the slide. Surrounding Slide Rock are three trails leading around red rock, forest and desert. Slide Rock State Park is a 43-acre historic apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. Frank L. Pendley, having arrived in the canyon in 1907, formally acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. Due to his pioneering innovation, he succeeded whereas others failed by establishing a unique irrigation system still in use by the park today. This allowed Pendley to plant his first apple orchard in 1912, beginning the pattern of agricultural development that has dominated the site since that time.
CRYSTALS
You may want to enhance your journey with some crystals. I’m very partial to palm stones as they travel well and feel great on carpal tunnel drawing hands.
Crystal Magic: Crystal Magic has every stone you are looking for from small palm stones to giant geodes they have it. Staff is knowledgeable and helpful. They also carry tarot cards, jewelry made by local artisans and bundles of local sage and sweet grass.
Mystical Bazaar: This shop feels like a little community. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable with a good selection of crystals. They even have ones geared towards Pokemon enthusiasts.
Sedona Crystal Vortex: Award winning crystal shop located Uptown. They have a good variety of crystals. They also offer aura photos and readings.
Crystals above except citrine stars were purchased at Crystal Magic. Above images was from a healing session Lena, Kapualani and I performed. Candles were from the Chapel gift shop.
INDIGENOUS SHOPS
The Humiovi: Licensed by the Hopi, this shop sells hand crafted jewelry and art.
Oak Creek Overlook Vista Native American Artisan Market - Jewelry, art, pottery
Hoel’s Indian Shop: This shop is not Indigenous owned but seems to have a long standing relationship with its artists.
One of my links didn’t link. Please check out my bestie Sherene Vismaya’s site for authentic movement, astrology, Jung and more. She’s got a number of different programs that are incredible. https://sherenevismaya.com/