Vortexes are as ubiquitous as the red rocks and pink Jeeps, but not nearly as easy to spot. Sedona’s vortexes embody much of the city’s New Age culture: an ever-present phenomenon that earns curiosity from locals and visitors alike.

For believers, vortexes are spiraling centers of cosmic energy that lead to heightened self-awareness and spiritual improvement. You may be familiar, though, with more common vortexes, like tornadoes, whirlwinds, or water going down a drain.

In Sedona, these funnels of the Earth’s inner-energy are prime spots for meditation. According to with whom you speak, numerous sites are scattered around town, but there are four well-known and easy-to-reach vortexes near Airport Mesa, Boynton Canyon, Bell Rock, and Red Rock Crossing/Cathedral Rock. Some feature more masculine energy, improving strength and self-confidence, while others are more feminine, boosting patience and kindness.

If you’d like a guided journey, contact Sedona Vortex Tours (150 Hwy. 179, 928/282-2733, www.sedonaretreats.com), which can customize a trip to multiple vortexes, visit a medicine wheel, or organize a Native American ceremony. Most Jeep and adventure tour operators offer vortex tours, and the New Age bookstores and crystal shops can also make recommendations.