Every time I get a little down, one of my go-to trips is to Sedona. Especially now that I live in Phoenix, Sedona is a quick 2-hour drive from the city. The last few times I went to Sedona, I did the Devil’s Bridge hike (which can totally be done in a day), but decided to try something else this time.
Even knowing that the Sedona area has 4 easily accessible vortices, I’d never visited one before.
What is a Vortex?
A vortex (“vortices”) are places on earth where concentrated energy is either entering into the earth or projecting out of the earth’s plane. When at a vortex, people report a variety of feelings, ranging from either nothing at all to a slight tingling on exposed skin or even a vibration emanating from the ground.
Sedona is a popular spot for spiritual tourism since, as I mentioned, it’s known for having multiple vortices. There are 4 well-known vortices in the area, although there are more than just the 4 if you do your research and look a little more. Each vortex is said it have its own energy. At each of these sights, you can find things like twisted junipers, which is said to result from the spiraling energy in the area.
Some are known for upward energy, while others are known for downward energy. Upflow, electric or masculine meditation sites are generally mountains and mesa tops, like Bell Rock. These sites enhance meditation and prayer by giving a view of the surrounding area. Psychologically, this view gives people perspective and makes personal problems seem smaller and feel more manageable. An inflow site helps visitors go inward and enhance introspection and contemplation. These sites help people heal past emotional pain and gain insight into their life and
purpose.
Bell Rock is one of the most popular vortices in the area and a well-known meditation site. It’s an upflow area said to facilitate a balance between the masculine and feminine side, or yin+yang balance. This upward type of energy is best for serenity and solving problems from a higher spiritual perspective.
How do I get there?
There are two parking areas near Bell Rock. There is the parking lot for the Bell Rock Pathway Trail and the lot for the Bell Rock Loop Trail.
The Bell Rock Pathway Trail starts at the Bell Rock Vista Trailhead and is about a 3-3.5 mile hike. The Loop trail starts at the Courthouse Vista parking lot and is about 1-1.5 miles. I parked at the Courthouse Vista lot for the shorter loop. Parking at both lots costs $5 and the ticket machine takes card only, no cash.
From there, you can follow the trail either around the formation or to the top.
Do I need to go to the top?
Nope. If you’re going for the Vortex energy, it can be felt all around the rock formation. Just find a place to stop that feels right to you. I found a spot along the side of the trail where I could sit and meditate in peace.
However, if you want to go to the top, it can be done.
What do I need to bring?
Although it’s not a long hike, there is not a lot of shade and the rocks can be a bit slippery in some spots. Make sure to bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and shoes with good traction.
