Great idea as it is not a long hike to the vortex and the view is stunning. There is a parking area just below the vortex with limited spots, if it is filled wait a few minutes as the cars do come out with regularity. The climb is easy to the top, about 3 minutes. When we were up there there was a spiritual guy was playing a didgeridoo. He offered to play it over us while we lay on the vortex. He warned we would feel very emotional which was the case. After the vortex head up to the look out at the top of the mesa and then have a nice meal at the Airport resto, which is really good. Also worth your time is going out to one of the wineries just outside of town. A trip up to Jerome is also a must and if you can do the drive from Jerome to Prescott then do so. Also drive the Oak Creek Canyon from Sedona to Flagstaff. Lunch at Enchantment or at L'Auberge by the river are wonderful experiences in Sedona. I rented there for month in 16 so got to know the place pretty well.

If you are lucky enough to get a parking spot at the small lot near the Vortex, then it is 5-10 minutes maximum. However, that lot only holds 10-12 cars. At peak periods you are going to have to park farther up the mountain, at the Airport Overlook parking lot. From there add another 20 minutes in each direction. The walk back to the larger lot is uphill. My wife and I went to the Vortex for a sunrise experience and photo shoot. It is a great time to go and as you might expect, much less crowded! The Airport Vortex is so popular and crowded it is hard to have a good experience there.

There is one corner about 1/2 way up which would be a little tight if the traffic is heavy . It is next to the trail head., Which tends to get crowded.

Hello, Sedona has some awesome views. I suggest Red Rock Crossing which you can get to from Upper Red Rock Loop Road. This the the place where the typical photos are taken of Cathedral Rock, but it excellent for a family picnic, walk around the park, and splashing in Oak creek. Worth the $10 car entry fee. There a numerous photo opps as you drive down Upper RRLoop Road. Drive to the top of Airport Mesa for a fabulous view of Sedona and Coffee Pot rock. It's free, and if you get the vibe, you'll feel the vortex there. From uptown Sedona with all the shops you can see Snoopy Rock. Free parking is found on a parallel street behind all the shops. I like to send visitors to the Chapel of the Holy Cross to see the great architecture of the building and excellent views of Courthouse and Bell Rock. This is off 179, and also free. That's Sedona in a compact day. Sedona has pricey hotels. Cottonwood has cheaper options. Breakfast or lunch at Coffee Pot Restaurant in Sedona on 89A is a nice local thing to do. Good luck! Have fun.

Any one in town will be able to give you clear directions. The airport vortex we were told was the easiest to get to and that is why we went to that one. It is beautiful there. I did not "feel" anything though. Enjoy you trip!