Sedona Trails Offer Views and Vortexes
By Roger Naylor
Even if you’re not caught up in the New Age movement, plan on visiting at least one of Sedona’s famous vortexes while in town. Because here’s the wonderful secret: Vortexes are located at some of the most devastatingly scenic spots among the red rock formations.
What is a vortex?
Literally, a vortex is the funnel shape created by whirling fluid or winds.
Tornadoes, whirlpools, even water going down a drain are vortex examples.
Sedona vortexes (the proper grammatical form ‘vortices’ is rarely used) are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to spiritual healing, meditation and self-exploration.
Some claim the vortex energy in Sedona is similar to that found in Stonehenge in England, at the Great Pyramids in Egypt, at Machu Picchu in Peru and at other power spots around the globe. Those places have been recognized for years as being very special, emanating a palpable energy felt by many. Sedona is considered unique in the world, in that the concentration, variety and level of energy spots is unequalled.
New Age adherents believe there are four primary vortexes. They’re found at Boynton Canyon, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock and Airport Mesa. Perhaps you’ll be one of those who feel the energy flowing through them at these locations. Perhaps not. But the only way to find out is to lace up the hiking boots and make the journey.
You won’t be disappointed. Consider Airport Mesa. This broad shouldered slab of real estate rises 500 feet from the valley floor almost in the center of town. It is perfectly positioned and level enough at the top to provide a mile long landing strip for commercial and private aircraft. How many other towns can boast a mountain so accommodating?
You’ll find a small parking area about .5 miles up Airport Road on the left. From there, you’ll climb to a saddle between two hills. The vortex site covers this entire area ranging between the hilltops. This is also one of the most popular spots to savor one of Sedona’s magical sunsets. So if you want to have a little private vortex time, arrive early in the day.
After having your spiritual batteries recharged at the vortex, continue on the loop hiking trail that encircles Airport Mesa like a lasso of red dirt.
The easy trail lasts for 3.5 miles with very little elevation change. Best of all, it dishes up the most sweeping and far-reaching views of any of the dozens of hiking trails that crisscross Sedona. Every major formation is visible from one vantage point or another.
Take your time and soak it all in. Breathe the clean air and marvel at the heart-soaring vistas. That’s the kind of spiritual renewal even hardened skeptics can feel.
If you’d like to visit Sedona’s vortexes in the company of a guide, that can be easily arranged. To accommodate the many visitors looking to explore the area’s mystical side, the Sedona Metaphysical Spiritual Association was formed, as an affinity group to the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. Anyone on a journey of self-discovery, or just curious, can find where to shop for products, meet with a massage therapist or healer, receive a reading or schedule a vortex tour.
Sedona Metaphysical Spiritual Association, 928-300-7796 or sedonaspiritual.com
|
