Boynton Canyon

Picture of Boynton Canyon Hiking Trail

Get ready for a scenic journey into ancient times. Prehistoric Indians made this area of Sedona home thousands of years ago. In fact there are still ancient Indian Ruins and burial sites hidden within the astounding beauty of this box canyon. Boynton Canyon is still sacred to the Yavapai Native Americans who consider Boynton as their place of origin.

Not only is Boynton Canyon a place of astounding beauty, it also very accessible since it is within Sedona AZ via well-paved roads. On one hand, a tourist does not have to ride down dusty, bumpy roads in a four-wheel drive vehicle to get there, but since it is convenient, it can become very crowded on the hiking trail.

Boynton Canyon is majestically gorgeous with its towering red buttes. crimson cliff walls, natural desert gardens and a lush oasis setting among a greenery of trees. Not only is its historically magical, but the New Age folks swear by it "vortex powers", a spiritual energy field that emanates from the inner earth.

Boynton Hiking Trail

The basic trail is but 2.4 miles long making for a 4.8 mile roundtrip that criss-crosses the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. The trail's beginning starts at the skirt of the Enchantment Resort and although most hikers turnaround at the midway point, the more experienced and and adventurous hiker can continue on a more difficult trek deeper into the canyon. There are many unmarked side trips and places to explore. Let your heart lead you, and you will most certainly be rewarded with peaceful energy and gorgeous views at every turn!

It's a hike that one can do again and again. Getting up close and with some of the most beautiful landscape in Arizona. It begins relatively unimaginative but progressively crescendos from low growing manzanitas and scrub brush into a lovely hike through thick forests of ponderosa pine and scrub oak, alongside a shaded wash of worn red rock boulders. The ultimate reward of the massive crimson cliffs becomes a reality of astounding panoramic views.

Boynton Canyon Trail Video

The Facts. The marked trail is about 2.4 miles long and rated an easy to moderate hike that could become strenuous for novice hikers. It's open all year and has no facilities. Spring and fall are the best times to visit. It can become quite warm particularly during the summer months, so dress accordingly and bring plenty of drinking water. See our Sedona Climate Chart. Plan for a hiking time of about 3 hours or longer if you proceed past the uncharted trails in the canyon. Mechanized vehicles including bicycles are not permitted.

Cost. You must have a Red Rock Pass to park at any trailhead in the red rock country of Coconino National Forest. Passes are $5 a day, $15 a week or $20 a year and can be purchased at all visitor centers and at many local stores.

Directions. Boynton is about 2 miles west of Sedona off US 89A. From the Y-intersection of Arizona 89A and Arizona 179 in downtown Sedona, go west (left) on 89A for 3.1 miles, then turn north (right) onto Dry Creek Road. Proceed 2.9 miles to the T-intersection at Boynton Pass Road. Turn left and proceed 1.5 miles to another T-intersection. Turn right, go 0.3 mile and look for a small, dirt parking area on the right. The trail head is located just outside the entrance to the Enchantment Resort.