Mule ride to the bottom

More than two years ago, I signed up for the Phantom Ranch lottery, and finally, in October 2021, I won a spot. 

WoW! What is this place that is so popular you have to win the lottery to get in? 

Phantom Ranch is a campground at the bottom of the Grand Canyon on the banks of Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the Colorado River. The place is so popular with hikers that you must plan your trip years in advance.
When you accept your lottery and book your cabin, you must decide whether to hike down and up the canyon or ride the mules. 

We decided to ride the mules, thinking it would be easier than a full-day hike in each direction. 

In some ways, it is easier, but for the uninitiated, sitting on the mule for five hours has its challenges. I got to exercise some muscles I didn't even know I had. 

But it was worth it. It turns out that the canyon has canyons, which have creeks and lush gardens that lead into the Colorado River. 

You can't see all of that beauty from the Canyon Rim. Don't get me wrong, the views from the top are stunning, but there is so much more hidden deep in the canyon. 

Later I will share a lot of information about planning the trip, preparing, and logistics. But for now, let us enjoy the sights and sounds of this epic trip.

Sights and Sounds of the Canyon

The trip starts from the Bright Angel Trailhead and gradually drops 4480 ft (ca. 1,366 meters). That is a nice number, but what does it really mean? Imagine two of the tallest skyscrapers stacked on top of each other – that is how high.

But thankfully, we needed to take those feet a few at a time, with rest stops along the way.

On the day of the trip, we gathered at the Stone Corral, where we met our guides and the mules. 

The guides explained what to expect on this long journey, helped us on our mules, and handed us whips to wear around our wrists. 

I was first shocked that we would be using whips on those hard-working mules, but the guides patiently explained that the whips wouldn't hurt the animals. They have thick hides and barely feel it, but the whip's movement and sound encourage them to continue. 

After the introductions and the lessons on how to ride the mule and what not to do, we entered the Bright Angel Trail.

As we descended the trail, we also went back in time. Each layer of rock represents a different geological epoch, and the oldest layer near the Colorado River is about 2.5 Billion years old. 

If you are interested in the geological history of the canyon, read more here.

To me, the multicolored towering canyon walls, rock formations, and deep valleys were more exciting than the geology lesson. Swiveling my head from side to side, I almost had a whiplash from trying to catch all the stunning scenery. 

After a steep 20% grade descent for 1.6 miles, passing through two arches and a long switchback, we reached the first rest stop, aptly named "Mile-and-a-half Rest house". 

Important Facts: The first mile and a half are close to the Rim and almost always in the shade, so during fall and winter, it could be cold, and the ground could be icy.

The rest house has restrooms and a water fountain, but the bathroom was closed for renovation – luckily, we didn't need it. You can also refill your water at the fountains, but those are usually closed in fall and winter. 

As we descended, we gazed down below at a distant green valley. This lonely oasis in the middle of the canyon was beckoning, but we still had a long way to get there. 

Looking back and up around 1000 feet (ca. 305 meters), we could see the canyon's towering walls. Some of the iconic buildings are still visible at this point.

After many more switchbacks and stunning views and dropping another 100 feet (ca. 30 m), we arrived at 3-mile-resthouse – another opportunity to rest, use the toilets, and refill your water bottles (seasonal).

By this time, my buttocks, thighs, and back were aching, and I wished I could get down from the mule to hike to the next stop, but the guides won't allow it. If they let riders get down, then there is no way to control the mules and encourage them to keep up with the group.

I think they need to find a way. It would have been a much better experience if we had been able to hike and ride interchangeably. 

From the Three-Mile rest house, a series of switchbacks known as Jacob's Ladder took us down the Redwall Limestone. 

As we approached Indian Garden, the grade flattened out and made for easier riding. I naively thought that the worst was behind me, but we still had much more elevation to shed.

At around mile 4.5 and about 2900 ft (ca. 884 m) lower from rim, Indian Garden is a lush oasis with many trees and shrubs and was a welcome respite from the long ride.

This rest stop offers pit toilets, water (year-round), and shaded benches for the weary. We were happy to take advantage of the facilities and enjoy a box lunch in the shade while the mules had a well-earned rest.

Important note: Indian Garden is the last stop where you may find some cell service. We took the chance to connect with family and send some jealousy-inspiring photos. 

Soon after leaving Indian Garden, we crossed a junction to Tonto Trail and kept going south along Garden Creek as it cuts a ravine into the terraced ledges of Tapeats Sandstone. 

A chockstone around 5.25 miles (8.45 km) marks the beginning of the Tapeats Narrows, where the creek has sculpted channels and plunge pools into the bedrock.

As we rode through the narrows, we enjoyed the sounds of rushing water and the verdant vegetation, and we had to cross the creek several times. We also heard a thundering waterfall but could not see it. 

After the narrows, we crossed the steepest part of our trek, the Devil's Corkscrew. This lightning bolt-like trail gashes its way through the dark cliffs of 2-billion-year-old Vishnu Schist, the oldest rock in the Grand Canyon. 

Those twists and turns led into tight, sharp switchbacks that descended about 500 feet (ca. 152 m) in a half mile. Beyond the corkscrew, the trail leveled out as we followed Pipe Creek.

Interesting Fact: The South Rim gets its water from the North Rim. To get it across the canyon, the water must be sent down a long pipe to the bottom and pumped up to South Rim. 

Around mile-7, we arrived at another set of plunge pools and waterfalls where Garden Creek flows into the Pipe Creek drainage. 

Willow trees, prickly pear, and brittlebush line the banks as you descend gently to the River House rest area. 

A side trail leads to the shore of the Colorado River and Pipe Creek Beach, while the Bright Angel trail continues to the right of the pit toilets.

We turned east and continued above the river, traveling across dunes for the next 1.5 miles (2.41 km). 

Our guides warned us to keep the mules motivated because they love to roll in the sand. It would be a bad experience for the rider if the mule decided to play in the sand. 

The ride along the Colorado River offered more stunning views of the river and surrounding cliffs. Sometimes we were close to the shore, while others we were high up the cliffs.

We arrived at a suspension bridge that allows hikers passage across the swift Colorado River and supports the trans-canyon waterline. But this was not our bridge because it wasn't made for mules.  

We continued along the river on River Trail for another hour to get to the black suspension bridge that took us across the river and to our destination, Phantom Ranch.

At Phantom Ranch, we met with the manager, who gave us our cabin assignments, meal times, and general information about the campground. 

Our package included a one-night cabin stay, dinner, and breakfast. 

The cabin was small but comfortable, and the dinner was acceptable. The steak was chewy, but I enjoyed all the sides that came with it.

Breakfast was your typical American fare with eggs, pancakes, sausage, biscuits, and lots of coffee. 

Before dinner, we had a couple of hours to go exploring. So we went on a short hike along Bright Angel Creek and up the canyon. After dinner, it got dark too soon, so we couldn't do much.

In hindsight, we should have booked the two-night stay, which would have allowed us a full day to explore the area. 

The trip back up the trail was a reverse of the trip down. This tour usually goes back on the North Kaibab Trail, but it was closed due to a rockslide.

But going back on the same trail does have some advantages. We saw the fantastic views from a different angle and enjoyed some thrilling moments again. 

Things to do while at Phantom Ranch

So you made it to the ranch after a long mule ride or hike. Now what?

You can always take advantage of the bench seats, picnic table, and chair outside your cabin to relax and enjoy nature. 

But if you feel like more adventure, hike down to the small beach on the Colorado River next to the black bridge. Stop at the Pueblo Archeology Exhibits on your way to the beach for a brief history lesson.

For a little more exercise and a lot more river views, take the River Trail loop. The 1.5-mile trail crosses the Black Bridge before paralleling the Colorado River, eventually crossing back to the north side on the Silver Bridge. For the best views, try walking early in the evening before sunset. 

An even longer hike would take you north on the Bright Angel trail to Clear Creek Trail. This is a strenuous hike from the get-go, but your reward is a panoramic Phantom Overlook, located close to one mile up the trail, which offers scenic views that peer down onto Phantom Ranch and the Bright Angel Creek drainage.

The Mules and Guides

We were warned from the beginning to trust our mules and guides. Most importantly, don't lean in the opposite direction if you feel the mule is too close to the edge because that could confuse the mule.  

Those sturdy beasts have been taking riders through the canyon since 1887 – not the same mules, obviously.
Each mule is first ridden by the guides to train them and get them ready for guests, so by the time I sat on top of my mule Sahara, he had plenty of experience on this route. 

The guides were terrific! They led the mules and us through the many switchbacks and steep inclines and provided a continuous commentary about our surroundings and the canyon's history.  

They also had to keep an eye on the trail to warn hikers to stay out of the way. 

The guides also gave us whips to use to motivate the mules along the trail. 

The whips don't harm the mules, but the movement and the sound of the whip encourage them to continue. 

Planning and preparations

As I mentioned earlier, this is not a trip you can take on the spur of the moment. 

You must get on the lottery months in advance, and if you were lucky enough to win, you still must make your reservations. 

Important Note: Lottery submissions for May 2023 and beyond will not be processed. Portions of the Bright Angel Trail are anticipated to be closed at different times throughout the project.

Once you reserve your place for the mule ride and the overnight stay at Phantom Ranch, you still need to make plans for your stays before and after the trip.

We booked four nights at the Bright Angel Lodge, with our planned ride in the middle. So for one night, we wasted our cabin on the Rim in exchange for convenience. 

The night before the trip, we checked in at the Bright Angel Lodge activity desk to collect our overnight bags, get instructions and sign waivers. 

Important Note: The activity desk closes at 5:30 PM. So if you can't make it the night before, you will need to check in early in the morning.

Additional preparations

After signing up, Xantera sent a list of requirements: height, weight, clothing, etc. You must be 200 pounds (ca. 91 kg) or less to ride the mules down, and yes, they do weigh you in. 

You get a bag for your belongings and a water canteen on checking in. Only pack the essentials. If you plan to stay two nights at phantom ranch, you will get two bags.

Wide-brimmed hats are required to protect from the sun, and they do sell them at the activities counter and in the gift shop.

You can bring your phone for photos, but it must be set to airplane mode and hung on a string around your neck.
Don't expect to use the phone while on the mules, except for capturing the incredible views. Moreover, don't expect cellular service or Wi-Fi at phantom ranch. Your last chance to connect with friends and family would be at Indian Garden.

The weather changes dramatically between the Rim and the bottom, so wear layers of clothing and start shedding them as you change elevation. 

During our visit, the temperature was 34 degrees at the Rim and 90 degrees at the bottom. We quickly shed our outer layers as we descended, and wished we had brought shorts and t-shirts for the bottom.

During our Sedona trips, we tried many restaurants. Some with amazing views and others just for the food. Here are our favorites.

Cress Oak Creek (L'Auberge Sedona)

By far this restaurant was the most enjoyable dining experience. The food and service were above par, and the sounds of the creek next to us were soothing and relaxing.

This upscale restaurant is located in Uptown inside the L'Auberge Sedona hotel. They offer a Prix Fix menu at the Creekside or Ala Cart indoors and at the bar.

Tip: Valet parking is free with your dining receipt.

The Prix fix menu has many choices for starters, main dishes, and dessert. I picked Asparagus, Cornic Hen, and Black Velvet for my meal. My wife chose their Cress Salad, Seafood of the day, and Maze all day for hers. Each course was delicious and satisfying.

The Hudson

The Hudson is another excellent place for a meal with a view. It sits on top of a hill in downtown Sedona with a commanding view of the Red Rocks. They also have a large patio with heaters for cold weather.

We had lunch here and enjoyed a Pastrami Reuben and a Jucy Cheeseburger. Both were excellent. We also tried their draft beer.

After lunch, we walked down to the downtown markets and enjoyed a stroll before driving back to the hotel.

Airport Mesa Grill

Sedona airport is not a very busy place. It is mainly used by the occasional private plane and some helicopter tours. But it sits on top of a wide mesa with great views in every direction.

We decided to grab dinner during sunset at the Mesa Grill. The food was about average, but we were there for the view. We tried the fish & chips and the petite filet. The filet was cooked right and tasty, but the fish was very dry and chewy.

Thai Palace

Thai palace is a lucky accidental find. We were walking around in Uptown after a tour and looking for a good place for lunch. We came across a small strip mall with a small sign advertising the Thai Cuisine.

We both love Thai, so we followed the sign to a small maze that took us outside the mall to a parking lot and then to the restaurant. They had a patio, so we decided to sit in the fresh air and enjoy our lunch next to the zen garden.

We tried the Curry Rice with beef and Panang Curry. Both dishes were delicious. Thai food is known for being spicy. In this place, you can decide how spicy on a scale from 1 to 5. I chose 4 and my wife 2. Both came out just right.

For dessert, we shared a Banana Wrap. It looked like a Sushi Roll but with tasty banana and sweet sauce.

Café Jose

For breakfast, we walked to this corner café in a large shopping center. It was hard to find because it was hidden behind a McDonald’s.

We ordered their Huevos Rancheros and Build-Your-Own Breakfast Burrito. For the burrito, I had many choices of fillings like bacon, sausage, or veggies. We had our breakfast with plenty of coffee.

Coffee Pot

The café was a walking distance from our hotel – and opened very early, so we ended up having breakfast here many times.

The coffee and food were great, but we really enjoyed the ambiance and the friendly service.

They also offer half-plates so won’t have leftovers to carry around. My favorite dishes were the build your own omelet and the Waffles.

Wildflower bread company

Conveniently located in Uptown Sedona, this restaurant offers sandwiches, soups, and freshly baked goods made with locally sourced ingredients.

For breakfast, we tried the Roasted Tomato & Feta and the cinnamon brioche French toast, and for lunch, we tried the Roasted Sweet Potato and the Reuben sandwich. All were very tasty and satisfying.

Tii Gavin restaurant

This restaurant is tucked away between the red rocks at the Enchantment Resort and SPA. You will have to drive through a winding road to get to this place, but it worth the effort.

The resort is nestled between canyons and red rocks, and the restaurant offers a great view and delicious food. While we are enjoying this amazing view at sunset, we enjoyed a New York Steak and Street Shrimp Tacos.

Interesting Facts: John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Elvis Presley, Johnny Depp, and Robert Deniro have all starred in movies shot in the Sedona area.

Creekside American Bistro

Another restaurant with great views. Sitting on the balcony overlooking Oak Creek, we enjoyed our leisurely dinner with more red rocks to admire.

Our curried lamb adobo and wild Alaskan kings were cooked to perfection and very tasty.

Reds at Sedona Rouge Hotel and SPA

It is always a great convenience when you find a good restaurant and bar at your hotel. Just walk a few steps for dining or a few drinks.

The food here was excellent, but the drinks were just average. The official drinks menu was minimal, but when we asked, the bartender was willing to make anything we asked for.

I recommend the Eggs Benedict for breakfast and the Grilled Angus burger for lunch. During their happy hour, you get drinks and small plates for half price.

Phoenix Dining

If you flew in through Phoenix, then you should try one of those places for your dining pleasure. 

Compass Room at Hyatt Downtown

We arrived early in Phoenix and did not want to drive straight to Sedona, so we stopped at the Compass room for breakfast.

This restaurant is located on the top floor at the Hyatt hotel downtown and has a commanding 360-degree view of the Phoenix skyline. 

While we were admiring the views we ordered the Huevos Rancheros and the Breakfast Quesadilla. Both were excellent and filling. The service was exceptional and the coffee kept flowing. 

SanTan Brewing at Sky Harbor Airport

On the way back and once we passed the security check, we had some time to kill and were hungry, so we stopped at this sit-down restaurant in terminal three. 

We were pleasantly surprised. We ordered draft beers, Chandler Club, and Brewhouse Nachos. The beers were refreshing and tasty and the sandwiches very delicious. 

Last year we hiked in the dark to see the stars and visited places like Thunder Mountain and Sugarloaf Summit.

This year we decided to go with professionals on a Stargazing tour. Sedona Stargazing runs an excellent tour using their huge telescopes to allow us to gaze into distant planets and stars.

We met the tour guides at a high school field in the absolute darkness and were guided with flashlights to our parking spots. This location is about 20 minutes away from the center of Sedona on Highway 179.

Once everyone was assembled we walked a short distance on the school’s field to where the huge telescopes were set up.

Our guide was very knowledgable and seems to love talking about astronomy. He started by pointing out some constellations and then showed us a few heavenly objects with the telescope.

Desert nights can get very cold. Although we had our coats we were freezing. The tour operator provided us with additional parkas and blankets to stau warm. 

Unfortunately, the sky was hazy on that night. So objects were not very clear. We got o see Saturn with its rings, a binary star and the cratered face of the moon.

Sedona Stargazing has a policy of total refind if they can’t complete the full program 6 celestial objects. So at the end of this tour, they issued a refund without anyone asking for them.

Other ways to Stargaze

Low light and perfect weather make Sedona a great place for stargazing. Just step a few feet away from town and you can have a clear view of the heavens. For a better view try to go behind one of the famous red rock formations facing away from the city. You will be plunged into total darkness with only starlight to guide you.

Get some tips on Stargazing at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau.

Tip: When you go on one of those stargazing excursions, it is recommended that you take a red flashlight or headlight. The red light allows you to find your way on the trail but doesn’t create a lot of light pollution.

I inquired about the best stargazing sport from a ranger at the visitor’s center in uptown Sedona. She gave me some great ideas:

Thunder Mountain: It is in the Coconino National Forest, north of highway 89a. Take Dry Creek road to Thunder Mountain Road, go about .6 miles then turn into the trailhead to the left. Take a short hike that will take you behind the red rocks for total darkness.

Sugarloaf Summit: Also in the Coconino National Forest, north of highway 89a, but the road to the trailhead starts from Coffee Pot drive. The trailhead is actually on Buena Vista Drive. Another short hike takes you to one of the best star viewing spots.

Astronomy clubs: Another way to experience the Sedona starry night it to attend an event hosted by the area Astronomy clubs. Go to the Astronomers of the Verde Valley to get more information and to check their event calendar. You can also try Sirius Lookers.

What the heck? You want to take me to the desert? What kind of vacation is that?

That was my wife’s first reaction when I said let’s go to Sedona, Arizona. I quickly explained that yes, Sedona is in the middle of the desert, but it is much more than desolate landscapes and sand.

That was last year. This year my wife was very excited to revisit this wonderful desert oasis. 

Last year, we drove through familiar California towns, palm trees, and windmills. And in Arizona, we encountered stark rock formations, rare lonely bushes, and a ferocious sandstorm. This year we decided to fly into Phoenix and drive for one hour and a half to Sedona.

Read about our first journey to Sedona here. In this article, we will share our new experiences with Sedona’s Red Rocks, Stargazing, Ancient cliff dwellers site, and great dining.  

Where to stay

Sedona is well established as a tourist destination, so you can find accommodation for every taste and budget. You can find a hotel or motel room, live in luxury at a resort and spa or find seclusion at a retreat.

If you want to get very close to nature and enjoy a night under the star, you can camp for free at Sedona. If you did not bring any camping gear with you, rent a tent through Airbnb.

An excellent resource to help find your perfect stay in Sedona can be found here.  

This time we stayed at Green Tree Inn on the west side of Sedona. Our experience was mixed. The hotel suite is spacious with a living room, a kitchenette, and a King Size bed. The bed was comfortable and the staff was great. We just had a few problems with the equipment.

In general, if you like to stay in a quiet neighborhood, then pick a place in West Sedona or further out in the valleys. If you like to be in the middle of the action, then Uptown Sedona is the place for you.

What to do

During this visit, we went on a Stargazing tour, visited the Cliff Dwellers Heritage Site, went on a Vortex tour, watched the sunset from the Airport Mesa, and tried several restaurants with amazing views. Continue reading for more details on our adventures.

To learn about our earlier Jeep tour and Red Rock hikes visit the first article here.

Vortex Tour

Many residents and visitors swear they encountered UFOs, Aliens, and other strange events in Sedona. I myself did not experience any of the above, although I was more than willing.

The Sedona mystics claim there are magnetic vortices running through the area that give it an otherworldly significance.

Although I am a skeptic, I do have an open mind, so I decided to go with Safari Jeep Tours of Sedona on their Vortex Tour.

During the tour, we visited Rachel’s Knol, which is supposed to be an active Vortex and the Buddhist Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, and enjoyed dramatic views of green valleys and Red Rocks. Read more about this tour here. 

Stargazing Tour

Last year we hiked in the dark to see the stars and visited places like Thunder Mountain and Sugarloaf Summit.

This year we decided to go with professionals on a Stargazing tour. Stargazing Sedona run an excellent tour using their huge telescopes to allow us to gaze into distant planets and stars. Read more about our experience here.  

Palatki Heritage Site

Native Americans made this area their home thousands of years ago. Many different people lived here and left their mark on the sheer Red Rock walls.

Between 1100 and 1400 BC, the Sinagua people built their homes right into the walls of the canyons. They became known as the Cliff Dwellers.

The heritage site is about a 30-minute drive from Sedona. The distance is actually not that long, but most of the road is rough gravel. So unless you have an off-road vehicle, you will need to drive very carefully.

Tip: To protect the site from overuse, you will need to make a reservation and check-in at the visitor center.

Our drive to the site was very thrilling – passing hiking and biking trails, green valleys and amazing views as we approached the cliffs.

When we arrived at the site, we were greeted by a volunteer who checked us in and gave us instructions on our hikes.

The guide explained that we have to take two hiking trails going in opposite directions. We were expected to go with the group to reach the first site with Cliff Dwellings.

At the first site, another guide explained the history of the dwellings and the type of people who lived there. In this one structure, about 60 to 80 people made it their home. It is unknown if this was one big family or a ruler’s family with servents.

We then hiked back and into the second trail to visit the caves with the pictographs and petroglyphs. The archaeologists discovered that the drawings on the cave walls belong to several people over the ages going back 6000 years ago.

The sites are awe-inspiring and got me thinking about the kind of life those people lived. In some way, it was very simple and peaceful, but in others, it must have been filled with hardship.

Airport Mesa Overlook

Sedona has a small airport serving private aviation and tour operators. At the airport, there is an excellent restaurant with great views. We went there for an early dinner, but on the way, we noticed two overlook spots. We decided to visit on the way down.

Right next to the airport, there a large parking lot for the first overlook. We parked and walked to the edge of a cliff overlooking the city of Sedona and the rock formations in the background. The best part about this spot is when the sun approached the horizon and reflected on the red rocks.

A little lower towards highway 89A, we found another spot with a similar view, but the main attraction was a trail climbing a rock. The view from the top is stunning.

Be warned, though; both overlooks are very popular and crowded – especially around sunset.

Red Rock State Park

This park by Oak Creek is a respite from the bustle of town. It is a few miles outside of Sedona with many hiking trails and great views of the Red Rocks.

Our favorite trail is Kiva Trail which mostly runs along Oak Creek. It is an easy hike and runs for around 1.3-miles.  

Sedona Dining

During our Sedona trips, we tried many restaurants. Some with amazing views and others just for the food. Some are upscale and expensive like Cress Oak Creek at L'Auberge Sedona, while others were simple neighborhood eateries like Cafe Jose. Read more about are our favorites here.

Many residents and visitors swear they encountered UFOs, Aliens and other strange events in Sedona. I myself did not experience any of the above, although I was more than willing.

The Sedona mystics claim there are magnetic vortices running through the area that give it an otherworldly significance.

Although I am a skeptic, I do have an open mind, so I decided to go with Safari Jeep Tours of Sedona on their Vortex Tour.

The tour operator offer rides from your hotel, but we decided to drive to Uptown Sedona to enjoy a stroll after the tour.

After check-in, we jumped on one of the sturdy jeeps with our guide Bo. Bo had a wealth of information for us about Sedona’s famous vortices and their effect on well-being.

Our first stop was at Rachel’s Knoll, which is supposed to be an active and strong Vortex. Rachel bought the land in the 1970s and decided to share it with the community. Many ceremonies celebrating peace and harmony were held at the Knoll. Go here for more on Rachel Knoll’s history.

The knoll is a high rock formation overlooking 7 converging valleys with lush green views from the top and the sheer red rocks in the distance.

The view is truly stunning and relaxing, but I didn’t see any otherworldly phenomena. Our guide Bo believes that the confluence of the seven valleys, underground running water, and iron-quartz filled rocks create an electric current that affects people.

In an experiment, he asked us to hold out our hands close to the red rocks for a while. I did feel a tingle in my extremities, but I am not sure if this was proof of magnetism or electricity or a Vortex.

I remain skeptical of such claims, but I still enjoyed the experience.

On Rechel’s passing, she sold the land to a developer with the stipulation of keeping the Knoll accessible to the public. Today, anyone can visit the Knoll for a small fee of $3.

We continued our journey through Sedona’s Vortecies by driving to the   and Peace Park at the base of thunder mountain and under the shadow of Chimney Rock.  

The stupa is an imposing 36-foot building dedicated to meditation and enlightenment. It is said to be at the center of several alignments, giving it some significant spirituality.

A little closer to thunder mountain and above the Stupa, Budha sits in contemplation towards the city of Sedona.

A charming Buddhist tradition is to hang prayer flags for the wind to activate and prayer wheels for people to spin as they pass by. True believers also think that if you meditate in this Vortex spot you will be granted your deepest wishes – even if you don’t know what those wishes are.

The two Vortex spots we visited were fascinating with great views, but the drive in the jeep through all those valleys and cliffs is even more thrilling. Our guide kept us entertained and we shared our impressions of those locations with each other.

We had a self-proclaimed psychic in the group and it was interesting to hear her perspective on the whole Vortex claim. She seemed to be more in-tune with nature and more accepting of the phenomena.