Into the Sedona Vortex

In lieu of a grand escape to another tropical part of the world, it was time to revisit the Arizona desert with a fresh set of thirty-two year old eyes. This time I headed into the hiker’s paradise: the ethereal vortex of energy that is, Sedona. How to begin to write about a year that is still yet to come? The first couple of pages led me here…

It came around fast, it always does. The imploding excitement for another trip that celebrates your very existence. I’m a firm believer and avid practitioner of vibrantly celebrating yourself on your birthday. A birthday trip does so much good for the soul. It’s the one thing I will gift myself every year.

An 8 1/2 hour drive from Los Angeles you will find yourself immersed in the red rock community equipped with more healers and readers than places to eat. Sedona is a spiritual gem and the ideal destination for a trip of self reflection and much needed fun.

Being a hikers dream destination, there are hundreds of trails to get lost on around the Sedona area. Bell Rock is a great starter hike ideal for amazing scenery and good rock climbing fun. You can choose the easy trail that stays ground level and loops around the big rock formation, or you can go off roading and keep climbing up until your screams echo throughout the valley floor. We spent over an hour climbing the whole rock and taking in amazing views. Pay at the parking lot and your pass is good for any surrounding park in the Coconino National Forest.

You must be prepared for crowds at all of the popular trails. The best time to go is early in the morning or closer to sunset. You tend to absorb the scenery differently when you are able to explore without having to avoid crowds. Finding a quiet spot to meditate or write in the sun is ideal in these types of majestic places.

The city is encompassed in an energy vortex with specific points on the map that are said to be more energetically charged than others. These places, such as the Airport Mesa Vortex, are special places to commune in the energy of the land. Take a walk through these points and open your heart to nature’s medicine.


The highlight of the trip was the ethereal Cathedral Rock. This monument and trail is a grandiose beauty awaiting those who are not faint of heart. The trail isn’t very long, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in steepness. This trail is not for you if you are scared of heights.

The trek up is pure rock climbing, literally hanging off the side of the formations and crawling your way up with each step. Follow the designated rock piles all the way up so you don’t stray from the path. It took us a little over an hour to make it to the very top of the trail and even then there are multiple options to continue your adventure if you veer off to the sides. Once you hit the top there is a magical spot that you have to keep climbing up to on the left. Keep trekking for a breathtaking view of Bell Rock and the expansive valley floor. This peak would be incredible on a full moon if you can plan your trip around that. The park remains open after sunset, just make sure to bring a headlamp for the trek down.

Sitting on top of red peaks at sunset you start to feel how vast this planet is. Places that remind you of this are important. Our existence gets put into perspective and realizing how intertwined we are with the landscape is overwhelming. The valley floor stretches wide and each rock formation stands tall and proud amongst the desert floor.

These vibrant hues of earth cascade over the scenery and envelop everything you can see in magic. The contrast of dry earth against the vast sky is evidence that this city has an aura of calming sensation. Here you are baptized in red earth and greeted by the cacti dancing in every direction. In between hikes be sure to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross which is an architectural masterpiece and a cathedral built directly into the red rocks. It is a truly astonishing place worth a visit whether you are religious or not.


After your day in nature, the city of Sedona offers a lot of options to keep the adventure going. Grab a bite to eat at one of the amazing Mexican restaurants such as Tlamalitza, a family owned place with great vegan options. Mole is a good option for a date, offering delicious blood orange margaritas and enchiladas.

In the middle of town you will come across the Center for the New Age. It is the emporium of wonders. You will find any crystal you could think of in there as well as tarot, oracle, and Angel cards, books, and more. This is a great place to get many types of readings including birth chart reports.

I gifted myself a chakra energy report. The verdict? Travel helps to align my chakras, which is something I am calling in more of.

The vortex remains open and vibrant, waiting for you.

Until the next desert hike, Sedona.