As soon as you drive into Sedona, the energy shifts. The golden tones of the rock formations mixed with the acoustics of the land and the shadows of the sun create vibrations that radiate through the town.  It’s not surprising then that Sedona is full of spiritual healing centers. I found that each place I visited in Sedona had an immersive quality to it. 

People talk a lot about the energy vortexes that Sedona provides, so I signed up for a Vortex Yoga Hike to learn more about the phenomenon and engross myself in the sights and sounds of nature.  I was in Sedona during the off season (winter) so the tour group ended up only being 3 of us, which allowed us all to get individualized attention during the tour. While I didn’t personally feel the vortex energy, I enjoyed the natural sounds and views during our Yoga practice. 

More people talked about the vortex present between the Kachina Woman and Warrior Man formations in Boynton Canyon, so I added the Boynton Vista hike to my itinerary.  The hike was short and easy and provided stunning views along the way.  As I made my way to the vista point, I started to hear music.  Looking up, I saw a flutist sitting at the top of a nearby rock formation.  Sitting underneath him, taking in the views of the canyon and absorbing the sound and light reverberations throughout the space, I started to understand why Sedona is such a special place.

Another place people go for spiritual meditating is the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park. While this outdoor park was created by the KPC Buddhist organization, it is open to people of all faiths who seek to find a peaceful space for prayer and meditation.  It is custom to walk around the Stupa in a clockwise direction while meditating. The inside of the Stupa is filled with sacred objects and many leave offerings at the base of it.  Set against the backdrop of the Red Rocks, it is easy to appreciate the sacred beauty of the sculptures and the land.

The Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village creates an atmosphere of its own as well.  The center is designed to replicate a traditional Mexican village, so it feels like you’re being transported to another time and space. The stucco buildings, fountains and iron details all are art pieces in themselves. The shops consist mainly of local artists and clothing boutiques. Many of the artists work on site, so you can not only shop but also learn about the process behind the wares.  

I lucked out that walking distance from my lodging was the Sugarloaf Mountain trailhead. This area provides a vast array of trails with great views. From the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, there is a great view of Coffee Pot Rock. I enjoyed starting or ending my day with a quick hike around this area. I don’t think there’s a place in Sedona that doesn’t have stunning views. No matter where I went, the golden colors of the land energized me and kept me warm.

Google Maps of places mentioned in the post.