Boynton Canyon Trail

When summer’s high temps are finally in the past, we love to luxuriate in a long hike. The Boynton Canyon Trail is one of our favorite Sedona hikes that’s not too difficult and has plenty to offer – including one of Sedona’s famed vortexes. The trail kicks off with a surprisingly sandy start. Take a left when you reach the sign for Deadman’s Pass and Boynton Canyon Trail. Enter Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness at roughly 0.27 miles. Just a few steps from there, take a right to head up to a red rock mesa that leads to the Boynton Pass Vortex trail that takes you near the Kachina Woman vortex. Vortexes are supposed energy centers.

Boynton Canyon is a scenic box canyon that Red Rock Country is renowned for. Pictured above is a shot of the trail with the trees offering up shade and the red rocks peeking out.

Whether you believe in this or not, take time to appreciate the sweeping and stunning West Sedona views from the top before you come back down. The views are stunning from the top. As you hike, Enchantment Resort will come into view on your left. On your right, get up close to red rock formations. Appreciate the red rocks in front of you too. With a few uphill exceptions, the trail is largely flat. This is one of our favorite easier longer hikes. If you just want to meander in the wilderness, this is a great option. At about the 2-mile mark, you’ll hike beside a dry creek bed on your right.

Located in West Sedona, the Boynton Canyon Trail features two vortices that many seek out.

The temperatures drop here and stay chilly until the end. You may want to bring a light jacket to combat the “cold.” Last time we hiked this trail, we even saw some snow on the ground following a recent storm. For the most part, after those 2 miles, you’re hiking with tall trees on either side of you – giving this a woodsy feel that we loved. Stop and inhale the pine. Although largely level, the last quarter mile of this trail is one tough uphill slog. Your reward when you reach the trail’s end – marked by a wooden sign – is a stunning view of Boynton Canyon. The end of this trail is another supposed vortex. Whether you believe in all that or not, spending time here with the red rock walls, greenery and other hikers is an experience you’ll cherish. Take time to rest and eat a snack on the red rock mesa. The red rock walls rise all around and remind you of why this is such a classic Sedona hike. This is a vista you can only take in on this trail in this place. Watch your footing as you head back down and return the way you came for a trail that clocks in at around 6 miles round trip.