Boynton Canyon Trail - Sedona - Coconino National Forest

Trail information: Mileage: 5 miles round trip / Elevation: about 4,500-5,000 (very little change, just a few small up's and down's with one short climb at the end) / Location: Take 89A in Sedona to Dry Creek Road, take until it ends then follow signs to Boynton Canyon trailhead / Note: You need a National Lands Pass or Red Rocks Pass to hike here

This hike is through a spectacular and well loved box canyon in Sedona. This enjoyable, mostly level trek gets you right up to the red rocks and into a closed in canyon. It is a popular trail even on a weekday which is when we hiked it. It is frequented by helicopter tours and has a large resort and exotic homes that you hike along for about 1/3 of the trail. As long as you aren't looking for solitude and an area untouched by humans (which is probably going to be difficult to find in Sedona) this is a great little trip that is easy to do even for someone who isn't in super fit condition. The early part of the trail is out in the sun but the further into the canyon you go the shadier and cooler it turns, as the bottom of the canyon changes to mostly pine trees. During the winter the far reaches of the canyon get little sunlight and the floor still had a layer of frost on it at 2 in the afternoon (so warm clothes are in order in the winter here)! The trail meanders through interesting rock walls with unusual spires and a "mitten." During the spring it appears there may be a small creek that runs down the canyon floor. Make sure to not give up without doing the final climb at the end as it brings you just above the trees providing an awesome view of the canyon you just hiked (see pic). While I'm not in to the "vortex" thing this whole area is a spiritually inspirational place and I always look forward to my trips here. With all the interesting formations and majestic red rocky cliffs towering above this is definitely well worth the hike.

• For more technical information on the trail visit the Coconino National Forest trail page

• Enjoy my photography at Flickr and Zazzle

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