| when | Trip Report : November 18, 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Trip Report : April 18, 2009 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trip Report : November 8, 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trip Report : October 30, 2004 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Trip Report : November 1996 | |||||||||||||||||||
| where | Sedona | ||||||||||||||||||
| the hike |
From our past trip reports, this hike was last done on April 18, 2009.
After eight years I think it’s finally time to revisit what is widely considered
one of the most scenic hikes in the Sedona area.
Boynton Canyon is one of the more spectacular red rock canyons that crisscross the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness area north of Sedona. For the first mile the trail overlooks the Enchantment Resort as we skirt around its eastern edge, before passing through a large sandy area thick with colorful manzanita. The trail then winds along the east face of the canyon, moving in a northwesterly direction as it hugs towering, ruin-dotted red cliffs—evidence of human presence in this area hundreds of years ago. At the one-mile point we will drop in elevation and cross a shallow wash, and the vegetation will change as we traverse up canyon and gradually start climbing through shady forests of pine, oak, Arizona cypress, and Douglas fir. At about 3 miles the canyon narrows down, and the trail becomes a bit steeper, as it moves up an expanse of slickrock, where we are rewarded with expansive views of a sheer-walled natural amphitheater, which marks the head of Boynton Canyon, one of many scenic box canyons nestled against the side of Secret Mountain. This will be a good stopping point for a lunch break. After lunch we will consider an optional quarter-mile of bushwhacking, which will take us to the very end of this box canyon. We will come to a fork in the streambed and take the right fork, which will put us on a primitive path—more like a tunnel through the lush riparian growth at stream level. Emerging from this tunnel-like growth, we will be rewarded with the spectacular and towering red and orange cliffs that ring the box end of Boynton Canyon, considered one of Sedona's most scenic and beautiful canyons. Some believe this to be a powerful vortex site. We may stay for a while to experience this mystical vortex and soak in the views, before returning along the same route back to the trailhead. Required: • Sturdy hiking boots • At least 3 liters of water • Rain poncho • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: • Lunch or snacks • Camera |
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| distance | 6½ miles round trip | ||||||||||||||||||
| time | 4 hours with lots of photo stops | ||||||||||||||||||
| EC | +-1355 elevation change | ||||||||||||||||||
| elevations | 4487' (creek crossing) to 5212' (trail’s end) | ||||||||||||||||||
| type | round trip | ||||||||||||||||||
| starting at |
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| on trail | 100% — Boynton Canyon Trail #47 | ||||||||||||||||||
| rating | "C" Rate yourself as a hiker. | ||||||||||||||||||
| dogs allowed | no | ||||||||||||||||||
| cost | $5/vehicle for Red Rock Passes. A Senior Pass will substitute
for a Red Rock Pass. Sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $5/non-member. |
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| weather | Sedona | ||||||||||||||||||
| meet | 8:00 AM in the Fry’s parking lot on the SW corner of I-17 & Bell Road. Park behind Denny’s, near the entrance to the Deer Valley Park & Ride. We’ll make carpooling arrangements here and leave promptly at 8:15 AM. | ||||||||||||||||||
| drive |
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| updated November 20, 2017 | © Copyright 2017, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |