Sedona’s Red Rocks and Vortex Energy
Sedona is a city in Arizona, famous for its red rock formations and stunning natural scenery. In particular, it is well-known as a place where powerful energy called Vortex converges. Vortex is a special spot sought after not only by those looking for meditation, yoga, and spiritual healing but also by athletes who come to recharge their energy and find inner peace. During this Thanksgiving holiday, we also visited Sedona for a 3-night, 4-day trip, and we were able to fully enjoy the unique atmosphere while hiking.
Devil’s Bridge
The first hiking course we chose was Devil’s Bridge. As the name suggests, this is a massive arch-shaped bridge made of red sandstone, offering not only a thrilling view when looking down but also a spectacular sight of the sprawling red rock landscape. In particular, taking photos while standing on the arch is popular, making it a must-visit spot for many. Due to its popularity, parking can be difficult, and it takes a long time to take photos once you arrive, so we started our hike at 5:30 AM. The trail began at Mescal Trailhead, and when we arrived, there were only two cars in the parking lot. The weather was extremely cold, hovering between 32 and 35 degrees Fahrenheit, and as soon as we got out of the car, the cold air felt like it was freezing our faces.
It was a bit scary, but we walked diligently, relying on the countless stars in the night sky and the light from our flashlights. Fortunately, Devil’s Bridge is relatively easy in terms of difficulty, so walking in the dark wasn’t too challenging; however, the last part of the trail required some stamina as it involved climbing steep rock stairs. After about an hour of hiking, we arrived at Devil’s Bridge, where about five groups had already arrived before us. Thanks to starting early in the morning, there weren’t many people, allowing us to enjoy the bridge and take photos relatively peacefully.
The photo above shows Devil’s Bridge. When I first saw the bridge, it looked so dizzying that I wondered if I could actually walk on it, but once I got on the bridge, it was wide enough that it wasn’t as scary as I thought. To take photos, I had to shoot from the opposite side of the bridge, so I asked others in line to take pictures for me. We stood in line twice to take both group and individual photos, and at that time, there weren’t many people, so we didn’t have to wait long. However, by the time we were leaving, people started to flock in, and the line got longer, making me feel that it was definitely a good idea to go early.
It takes about 2 to 3 hours round trip to Devil’s Bridge, and it took us about an hour to go up. After taking photos on the bridge and resting for a bit, we spent about 3 and a half hours in total as we explored areas we couldn’t see in the dark while coming down.
Mescal Trailhead, Mescal Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336
Devil’s Bridge
Birthing Cave
After descending from Devil’s Bridge and taking a short break in the car, we set off for our next hiking destination, Birthing Cave. Birthing Cave starts at Long Canyon Trailhead and is about a 10-minute walk from Mescal Trailhead. We considered parking again at Long Canyon Trailhead, but since there were already many cars parked, we worried there might not be any space available, so we decided to walk instead. The path to Birthing Cave is mostly wide and flat sandy trails, and it is a short trail that takes about 1 to 2 hours round trip. This trail is beautiful and relatively easy, making it enjoyable for many people.
However, to enter the cave and see the view, you need to climb up the cave walls, which are very slippery and have little to hold onto, so you must be very careful. We brought hiking shoes and gloves, which were a great help. As we looked at the scenery unfolding before us inside the massive cave, the peace and tranquility felt within calmed our minds. By the way, there are several theories about why this cave is called Birthing Cave, one of which is that it was used by Native Americans for rituals related to childbirth or to assist in childbirth. This cave is relatively lesser-known, so there are not many people, allowing for a more profound experience of connecting with nature in a quiet and serene atmosphere, making it a great place to visit.
Birthing Cave
Bell Rock
Bell Rock is one of the most famous landmarks in Sedona, named ‘Bell Rock’ because its shape resembles a bell. Bell Rock is one of the places with strong vortex energy, and due to its unique shape and the beautiful natural scenery surrounding it, it is known as a popular hiking trail and photo spot for many visitors.
This place also attracts many visitors, so the parking lot is always full. We arrived late after visiting Devil’s Bridge and Birthing Cave, and there were indeed no parking spots available, but fortunately, after waiting a bit, we were able to find a spot. We started walking along the trail, but since we had already hiked for about 5 hours earlier, the initial gentle section was a bit tiring. Fortunately, the scenery was so beautiful that we could walk slowly, soothing our tired minds.
In fact, you can enjoy the view of Bell Rock to some extent as you climb, but the problem is that the scenery becomes even more stunning the higher you go. From the middle point, you have to climb like rock climbing, which turned out to be much harder than expected. The rocks were slippery and the slope steepened, requiring more attention, and it was quite a physically challenging section. Nevertheless, as we got closer to the summit, the landscape unfolded more beautifully, making the effort worthwhile. We climbed almost to the top, but decided not to go any further as it became too precarious. The beautiful view from the high Bell Rock was truly breathtaking. At that moment, all the fatigue and the tough process turned into a sense of accomplishment, and I could feel the greatness of nature with my whole body. It took about an hour to climb to Bell Rock, and after taking some photos and resting for a while, it took a total of about 3 hours to return.
Bell Rock Trailhead
Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout
The last stop on the first day was the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout, one of the most famous viewpoints in Sedona, offering a beautiful place to see the entire landscape of Sedona at a glance. From the lookout, you can beautifully appreciate Sedona’s iconic red rocks and canyons from a distance, especially enjoying stunning views during sunset or sunrise. This lookout has a spacious parking lot, making it easy to park, and the viewpoint is conveniently located right in front of the parking lot, allowing for easy access on foot. The parking fee is $3.
As we approached the lookout, the expansive and beautiful scenery of Sedona came into view, with the red rocks creating a natural spectacle that unfolded like a painting before our eyes, leaving us in awe. This place allows you to easily enjoy stunning views without hiking, making it a great spot to experience the charm of Sedona in a short amount of time, so it would be worth a visit.
Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout
Subway Cave
The next morning, I hurriedly prepared to go to Subway Cave, the hiking course I had been looking forward to the most during this trip. The original plan was to arrive at Boynton Canyon Trail by 6 AM and start hiking, but due to the colder weather than the previous day, I took a bit longer to pack my clothes. I arrived at the parking lot around 6:30, and although many cars were already parked, fortunately, there was still space available, so I could set off right away. Seeing so many people visiting this place early in the morning made me realize the popularity of Subway Cave.
The weather was much colder than the day before, but the freshness of the morning air quickly lifted my spirits. Moreover, the autumn leaves along the way were beautifully colored, creating a stunning landscape that blended with Sedona’s red rocks. The hike to Subway Cave took about an hour and a half; it wasn’t a difficult course, but the path was narrow, and it became crowded on the way back, requiring us to keep yielding to others as we moved.
To see Subway Cave at the end of the trail, you have to climb over the cliff shown in the first photo, which is the most challenging part of the entire course. The steepness of the cliff and the limited footholds can make it feel a bit like rock climbing. However, once you get past this section, you are rewarded with the breathtaking natural spectacle captured in the second and third photos. The unique tunnel shape seen from inside the cave and the view beyond make the effort of climbing worthwhile.
You can take photos from both sides of Subway Cave, but the path leading to the side where my brother was standing has fewer footholds and the rocks are slippery, so caution is needed. However, the photos taken from that side capture the cave’s unique structure and stunning background better, making it perfect for memorable shots. In fact, I was so scared that I only wanted to take pictures from the opposite side, but fortunately, a family offered to help by taking my photo. They kindly pointed out where to step and held my hand, which gave me the courage to cross over to my brother’s side. Thanks to them, I was able to take photos from a more beautiful angle, and I felt grateful for their kindness.
Seeing a few people who turned back because they lacked the confidence to climb the cliff made the sense of accomplishment from completing this hiking course even more significant. Moreover, we were really lucky as there were only two other teams when we arrived, allowing us some time to take photos. However, as we were about to leave, more people started to arrive, and the narrow space quickly became crowded. If you plan to visit this place, I definitely recommend getting there early in the morning.
Subway Cave
Cathedral Rock
After leaving Subway Cave and having a quick lunch, we headed to our final hiking course, Cathedral Rock. Cathedral Rock is also one of the popular hiking trails in Sedona, and reaching the summit offers a stunning panoramic view of Sedona. This trail is relatively short but has many steep sections, providing a challenging hike, and the view of the red rocks and surrounding nature from the top is truly overwhelming.
We took a shuttle to get to Cathedral Rock, as the parking lot for this trail is very small, and especially from Thursday to Sunday, personal vehicles are not allowed, so you must use the shuttle. The shuttle is free, and you can find more information about this service on the attached site. (Sedona Shuttle)
Although I wasn’t too worried since it was said to take about an hour to climb Cathedral Rock, I was a bit taken aback as it turned out to be much harder than I expected from the start. There were definitely many steep sections, making it physically challenging. However, looking back at the beautiful scenery while climbing helped me forget the difficulty and regain my strength.
And finally, when I arrived and shouted “END OF TRAIL,” suddenly a lady came up to me and said that this wasn’t the end, and that there was a really amazing place nearby that I should definitely check out. When I made a bit of a pained expression, she encouraged me with a smile, saying, “It’ll only take 4 more minutes.”
As I walked a bit further along the path, I encountered another section where I had to do some rock climbing. With the thought that “this must be the last one,” I gathered a bit more strength to climb, and when I finally got over the last section, all the fatigue and difficult feelings vanished, leaving me in awe of the stunning scenery.
The view was so overwhelming that it couldn’t be captured fully in photos. At that moment, I felt grateful for the lady’s advice and was glad I came here. If I hadn’t listened to her and missed this place, I would have felt really regretful. The scenery was so beautiful that it couldn’t be fully expressed in words, and it was a precious moment where I could fully feel the magnificent sight unfolding before my eyes.
Since it was the last hiking course, I felt a bit sad as I was about to head back, so I sat down for a moment to feel the vortex energy. Hoping that the unique energy of Sedona and the power of nature would be well transmitted to us, I took a brief rest and wrapped up this trip.
N SR-179 Park and Ride- Sedona Shuttle
This trip to Sedona was filled with moments of natural wonder, and the peace and healing I felt during it will remain in my memory for a long time. Each hiking trail offered a different charm, allowing me to enjoy various landscapes, making this journey a truly precious experience. I hope the energy of Sedona stays with me for a long time, and I encourage you to embark on a trip to experience the beauty of Sedona for yourself.
