Plan your visit

Plan Your Sedona Vortex Visit

Navigate the four primary vortex sites efficiently. Learn about the Red Rock Pass, the Thursday to Sunday shuttle, and trail difficulty levels.

Sedona Vortex Sites

Sedona, AZ

GPS 34.8585, -111.7827

Open directions

Getting there

Getting to the trailheads requires planning.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Driving personal or rental cars to trailhead parking lots; arrive very early (before 8 AM) as spots fill rapidly.	10-20 mins from central Sedona	Red Rock Pass ($5/day) or $3 at Airport Mesa	Parking is highly limited; roadside parking is strictly regulated.
Bus: Sedona Shuttle runs from park-and-ride lots to popular trailheads (e.g., Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, Mescal).	15-30 mins	Free	Operates Thursday through Sunday and on major holidays when trailhead parking lots are closed to private vehicles.
Tour: Open-air 4x4 Jeep tours pick up from Sedona hotels or meet at designated plazas in Uptown.	2-3 hours duration	$105 - $165+ per person	Includes a professional guide who explains the metaphysical energy, geology, and history.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

Visit between March and May or September and November. Summer months bring dangerous heat to unshaded trails. Arrive at parking lots before 8 AM year-round.

What to bring

Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful interagency pass
Sturdy hiking boots with grippy traction for slickrock scrambling
Plenty of drinking water (hydration bladder or multiple large bottles)
Sun protection: wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
Layers (temperatures drop quickly after sunset or in the early morning)
Small bills or exact change ($3) for Airport Mesa parking kiosk
Trail map or downloaded GPS map (cell service is spotty)
A small backpack to keep hands free while scrambling rocks
Camera or smartphone for 360-degree red rock views

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The Sedona Shuttle runs four days a week.

Use it Thursday to Sunday when trailheads close to private vehicles.

How the day runs

Maximize your time on the red rocks.

Experience two contrasting vortex sites in one morning.

7:00
Airport Mesa
Park at the $3 scenic overlook lot and hike the 0.7-mile Sedona View Trail.
9:30
Cathedral Rock
Take the Sedona Shuttle to the trailhead. Scramble the steep 1.1-mile roundtrip route.
11:30
Return to Sedona
Catch the shuttle back to the park-and-ride lot.

Navigating Sedona Trailheads

Parking at major sites like Boynton Canyon and Bell Rock is highly limited. Roadside parking is strictly regulated. Purchase a $5 daily Red Rock Pass to display in your vehicle. For more on fees, see Parking Pass Prices.

If you hike Cathedral Rock Thursday through Sunday, you must use the free Sedona Shuttle. Private vehicle access closes during these days. Check Cathedral Rock Shuttle for park-and-ride details.

Easiest way to do it

Group of people standing in a rock circle in front of a red rock formation

Sedona Vortex Jeep Experience: Energy Sites & Scenic Views

2 h 30 min 4.8 (1,907)

Bottled water
Professional guide
Transport by Jeep

From$150per person

Viator$150 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

Do you have to pay to hike in Sedona?

Yes, most Coconino National Forest trailheads require a Red Rock Pass. This costs $5 per day or $15 per week.

Can you drive to the Sedona vortexes?

You can drive to the trailheads, but parking fills up extremely fast. Cathedral Rock trailhead closes to private cars Thursday through Sunday.

What should I wear for a vortex hike?

Wear sturdy hiking boots with grippy traction for slickrock scrambling. Bring sun protection and layers, as temperatures drop quickly after sunset.