Boynton Canyon Trail

Southwest > Arizona > Sedona > Boynton Canyon Trail

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One of the most scenic of the box canyons that make Arizona Red Rock Country so famous, enjoying the additional advantage of being conveniently accessible to nearby towns on well paved roads

General Information

Length:
Approximately 6–6.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:
About 700–950 feet
Difficulty:
Moderate
Hours:
Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Fees:
Red Rock Pass required: $5 per vehicle per day
Weekly pass: $15
Annual pass: $20
Pet Policy:
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash
Closest cities with hotels:
Sedona (2–8 mi)
Seasons:
Fall, winter, and spring are best; summer can be hot but offers some shade deeper in the canyon
Location:
Boynton Canyon Trailhead, Boynton Canyon Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
Website:
fs.usda.gov/boynton-canyon-trail

How to Get There

From Sedona (8 mi): Take AZ-89A west, turn right onto Dry Creek Road, continue north and follow signs to Boynton Canyon Road, then drive to the trailhead near the end of the road by the parking area.

Overview

Boynton Canyon is one of the most scenic of the box canyons that make Arizona Red Rock Country so famous. This particular trail enjoys the additional advantage of being conveniently accessible to nearby towns on well paved roads. Boynton Canyon always has been popular for its outstanding scenery. Lately it has become even more so, since it developed a reputation as a site of a spiritual energy vortex. Whether or not you follow this belief, you'll no doubt agree the beauty found among these towering buttes, crimson cliffs, and natural desert gardens is divine.

The trail starts out by skirting a luxury resort that was recently built here. It quickly returns to the canyon floor where the walking is pleasant and easy. As you hike, take note of the variety of plants that live in this rather harsh environment, and keep an eye out for the area's plentiful wildlife which includes everything from colorful songbirds to bristling, shy whitetail deer.

This article uses material from usda.gov "Boynton Canyon Trail No. 47 "

Scenic red rock formations along Boynton Canyon Trail in Sedona Arizona with desert vegetation
Panoramio user, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Wide canyon view on Boynton Canyon Trail Sedona Arizona with sandstone cliffs and greenery
Panoramio user, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Hiking trail path through Boynton Canyon Sedona Arizona with red rocks and desert vegetation
Panoramio user, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Panoramic view of Boynton Canyon Trail Sedona Arizona with blue sky and red rock canyon walls
Panoramio user, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Vertical view of Boynton Canyon Trail Sedona Arizona showing cliffs and desert plants
Panoramio user, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted