On a recent Route 66 tour, I had the pleasure of guiding a group across Arizona on one of my favorite classic American road trips starting in Albuquerque, ending in Las Vegas Neveda, and following historic Route 66 and I-40 through the heart of the Southwest.

One of our planned side trips brought us to Sedona, Arizona, where we usually join a local city tour to visit several of the area’s most popular scenic stops. But this time, two women on the tour asked a question that changed our afternoon plans entirely:

“Is there any way we could visit a vortex?”

Visiting a vortex isn’t typically part of our standard Sedona itinerary, but after a little thought (and a lot of curiosity), I decided to cancel the scheduled city tour, rework the plan, and take the group on the city tour myself and include a vortex adventure. Sometimes the best travel moments happen when you stay flexible.

Why Sedona Feels Different

Sedona is one of those places that stops you in your tracks. Towering red rock buttes, sculpted monoliths, and pine-filled canyons surround the town in every direction. It’s visually stunning and culturally fascinating.

The community itself is an eclectic blend of longtime locals, outdoor enthusiasts, artists, and spiritual seekers. There’s a relaxed, slightly hippie vibe here, and many visitors come believing Sedona offers spiritual healing tied to the area’s unique energy. Native American tribes have long considered Sedona a sacred place, adding to its deep cultural and spiritual significance.

So… What Is a Vortex?

Before heading out, I did a little research. According to the Sedona tourism website:

“Vortexes are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. These are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy. Many people feel inspired, recharged, or uplifted after visiting a vortex.”

Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, the idea alone is intriguing, and the landscapes don’t hurt either.

Choosing Boynton Pass

Of Sedona’s four best-known vortex sites, I chose Boynton Pass, located near the Enchantment Resort in Boynton Canyon, just north of town. It’s one of the more accessible vortexes, with the energy area located a little over half a mile from the Boynton Canyon parking lot, which would be an easy and scenic walk for our group.

In my research, I learned that Boynton Canyon is unique because it’s formed by two rock features that together create a single vortex. One is the prominent red sandstone spire known as Kachina Woman, rising to the east. The other is a lower, unnamed knoll to the west.

This vortex is said to represent balanced energy, a harmony between masculine and feminine forces, often compared to yin and yang. It’s believed to be an ideal place for grounding, personal balance, and strengthening relationships.

Now, I’ll admit—I’m a bit of a skeptic by nature. But this description had the ladies on my tour absolutely buzzing with excitement. And honestly, who couldn’t use a little more balance and energy while traveling?

Whether the energy was spiritual, emotional, or simply the result of fresh air and jaw-dropping scenery, the detour turned into one of the most memorable moments of the tour. It was a great reminder that sometimes the unplanned stops end up being the ones people talk about long after the road trip is over. FYI, visiting this vortex has now become a scheduled stop when visiting Sedona.

That’s road trippin’, and guiding, in the West.

Getting there: From 89A in Sedona take Dry Creek Road, which will become Boynton Pass Rd.  Stay on Boynton Pass Rd until it ends. Turn Right onto Boynton Canyon Rd and the parking area and trail head are about one-tenth of a mile on the right.  If you get to the gate of enchantment Resort, you’ve gone too far.

What to bring: Bring water on hot days. otherwise not much is needed since this is a short hike. At most take a daypack for water, snacks, sunscreen, and camera.

When to go: Year-round but Fall and Spring have the most favorable weather.