Sedona More than just a hiker's paradise Written and photographed by Rita Cook

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If you've never been hiking in Sedona, Arizona then you're missing two great experiences instead of just one. First of all, the city is virtually made for hiking. Of course the surrounding red rocks and hills are where most of the hard-core hiking takes place, but a hiker could easily skip the car and just enjoy what the town has to offer on foot. And second, Sedona is a beautiful town renowned for its mystical powers throughout the world. This tiny town is considered one of the most powerful energy spots on this planet, loaded with vortices, both magnetic and electrical. But, more on that later.

I approached Sedona late one night arriving via Flagstaff. I had never been to Sedona before so I had no idea what to expect. The trip into town was a bit frightening as I wound around hairpin curves in the pitch black night, afraid to look over the side because the drop was just inches off the road and there were no guardrails. It would have stopped the most stalwart traveller. And not to mention, it was raining.

That over with, it took 30 minutes of winding and curving to get to town; I finally found my hotel and prayed for a sunny day. After all, I hadn't made this trip for nothing.

The first stop of particular interest to any outdoor enthusiast is Boynton Canyon. Boynton Canyon has long been known as one of the four major vortices in Sedona. This means that the canyon is considered to be one of the most sacred places in the red rock country. The local Yavapai Indians believe this too, and if you see them while you're hiking in the canyon don't bother them. I was told they don't hike the canyon, their presence means they are there working their "medicine." Many locals believe that out of respect, hikers should leave the canyon entirely when this happens.

After hiking for several hours through the canyon I was still not anywhere near the end. It's kind of strange to think of all the legends that go with this canyon and then to be completely and totally alone deep in the bowels of it. After several hours my hiking partner and I stopped to rest and I happened to look up in the distance seeing the opening of a huge cave on the side of the mountain. As my eyes adjusted I saw a small speck at the edge of the cave. It was a man and he was sitting at the edge of the cave in the lotus position, meditating. I looked around and could not figure out how he got up there. There seemed to be no way to that cave. That's the kind of thing that happens at Boynton Canyon.

The local Indians have a legend about the canyon too. They say there is a "mysterious presence" which cannot be described. There are also some pretty incredible Indian ruins in the canyon. However, many believe that these ruins are "haunted" and it is not advisable to camp in or near the ruins at night.

At the opening of Boynton Canyon you will find a huge red rock structure called Kachina Woman. Kachina Woman is considered to be an electrical vortex as opposed to many of the other red rocks which are magnetic vortices (see below for definition).

You will also notice on your hike through the canyon that there are many trails and they do all lead to somewhere, eventually. However, the better trails are usually marked with a small pile of stones. The thing I liked least about hiking in Boynton Canyon was the resort development which wound around the canyon with the trail as I was hiking. Finally, after an hour, there were no traces of the resort which is called "Enchantment."

VORTICES ARE ELECTROMAGNETIC

Electrical Vortex - This is a place where the earth releases electrical energy. The energy boost of these vortices works directly on your body and indirectly upon your mind opening up the Central Nervous System and allowing for new levels of awareness. Some of the electrical vortices in Sedona are Bell Rock and the Airport Vortex.

You can hike in Sedona year round. If you're a serious hiker it is never too cold or hot there. Midday summer temperatures can however, reach one hundred degrees so take water or venture out in the morning or late afternoon.

The other particularly scenic hiking area in Sedona is Oak Creek Canyon. Some believe a visit to Oak Creek Canyon is the most healing experience in the red rock country. And, in addition to hiking, there are some wonderful scenic areas to just sit and relax.

The rocks around Sedona such as Bell Rock, Airport Vortex, Capital Butte, Courthouse Butte, Cathedral Rock, and Schnebly Hill are also wonderful areas to hike. From the road Bell Rock seemed to be only a short distance from my car. As I started winding up the path I realized how deceived I had been. I walked and walked and finally reached the foot of Bell Rock. And, to my surprise there was a wedding ceremony taking place right among the rocks. I hiked about halfway up Bell Rock but after that decided I should stop. The rock is steep and I wasn't sure if I could make it to the top.

Next to Bell Rock is Courthouse Butte. From almost anywhere in Sedona you can see Courthouse Butte. The distinct thing about this rock is that it looks like the profile of a human face gazing toward the heavens.

Hiking in Sedona is a great experience and can be a mystical one too. There are many great little rock shops and restaurants to enjoy while you're there, and you can even find a healer to work out the muscles in your tired bones after a day of non-stop action.