| when | November 12 2023 Sunday | ||||||||||||||||||
| 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 |
Boynton Canyon is one of the most 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. Optional subway cave (extra 2 miles) on the way back for people who are adventurous. We will do exploratory hike to subway cave to see if we could find it. It is one of most scenic area in Sedona. Required: • Sturdy hiking boots • At least 3 liters of water • Rain poncho • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses Recommended: • Lunch or snacks • Camera • Gloves with good traction if you do subway cave • Long pants or knee guards if you do subway cave |
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| distance | 6 - 8 miles round trip | ||||||||||||||||||
| time | 5 - 6 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" Optional Subway is a B 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 | ||||||||||||||||||
| leader | You must email the leader to confirm. | ||||||||||||||||||
| meet | 6:30 AM in the McDonald’s carefree off I -17 at 3140 W Carefree Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85086. | ||||||||||||||||||
| drive |
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| Schedule of Events | Arizona Trailblazers Home Page |
| updated November 5, 2023 | © Copyright 2023, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |