Unique red rock, massive buttes and pink jeeps rolling through the quaint downtown are some of the attractions that make Sedona a popular destination for vacationers.
On top of amusing tourists with the above charms, Sedona is also known to leave visitors feeling rejuvenated and inspired. Many attribute the feelings of positive energy to the famous vortexes, areas of enhanced energy, located in Sedona.
A common misconception is that there are four specific spots in Sedona where these vortexes exist, when the entire city of Sedona itself is actually a vortex. As a vortex, Sedona has a high level of negatively charged ions in its atmosphere. According to locals, this high level of negatively charged ions affects people differently, but most commonly, it causes people to feel energized and content.
This past week, my family and I flew into Phoenix, Arizona to begin our 1,500 mile road trip out west. My dad woke us all up at 4 a.m. for the five-hour flight, and, after landing, we drove two hours through the Arizona desert to reach Sedona. Excited to try out our new hiking gear, we set out to walk up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. A short and easy hike, but steep and under the blazing sun, nonetheless, left us all a little tired, especially after our long travel day.
So, when my dad suggested we head to Cathedral Rock, a much longer and more challenging hike/climb, I wasn't exactly eager to put my hiking boots back on.
We began our hike up Cathedral Rock late in the afternoon--the perfect time, as the sun was shaded by a few clouds and a cool breeze filled the trail. Absolutely no one except my family and I were on the trail, making the trek slightly more intimidating but also more peaceful.
Cathedral Rock is known to have an especially high level of negatively charged ions, according to locals, and many visitors claim to have a spiritual experience when climbing it. Although I can't say I had a spiritual experience during the hike, the accomplishment of climbing to the top of the rock formation filled me with a burst of energy. Maybe it was a mix of the adrenaline pumping through my veins as I climbed the last steps, the breathtaking view of the vast desert land decorated with red buttes and the refreshing air, but the hike was truly revitalizing.
Sedona's natural beauty immediately sparks self reflection and feelings of serenity. Its astonishing scenery encourages you to take a break from the constant hustle and bustle of everyday life and search for a new sense of inner peace.