Boynton Canyon
Boynton Canyon is my single favorite place in Sedona. It's not perfect—but it's absolutely worth it.
The beginning is the tradeoff. The route starts by passing Enchantment Resort through a consistently busy stretch, with most people peeling off toward the Subway—a popular viewpoint in a side drainage.
Push past it. Once you're in the canyon proper, the temperature drops, the crowds thin, and the whole character of the hike changes. Quieter, more enclosed, more itself.
Boynton is one of the best fall hikes in Sedona—by late October, the canyon fills with color as you move past the early turnoffs toward the end of the trail. The deeper you go, the better it gets.
Beyond the Trail
Boynton is the most layered canyon in Sedona for off-trail exploration—there's genuinely too much here to cover, and part of what makes it special is discovering it for yourself.
The trail to the Subway doesn't end at the viewpoint. It continues further into that drainage, and I've only even seen one person past the popular stopping point. What's beyond it is worth finding out.
It's also worth knowing that the established Boynton Canyon Trail runs through a side canyon—not the main drainage. A well-worn use trail continues up that main canyon and is worth following for a good stretch before the vegetation closes in.
This is especially good cairn country. Keep your eyes open as you go, and let them lead you. The side canyons throughout Boynton are similarly rewarding—each one has its own character, and the canyon as a whole seems to offer something new every time.
Don’t miss…
Continuing all the way to the end of the established trail. The final stretch climbs slightly before the canyon closes in, and it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the hike—often missed by those who turn around early. And if you find yourself drawn further than that, follow the instinct.
Solo Hiking
This is a great canyon to explore on your own, even for those relatively new to solo hiking. The established trail keeps you in good company for most of the hike, and cell service is generally reliable until you get deep into the canyon. As always with off-trail exploring, extra caution applies when you're on your own—use trails can get steep, and you're much less likely to cross paths with anyone once you leave the main route.
Popular Sedona canyon hike with much opportunity for off-trail exploration
Awe Rating (1-5):
4
Length:
5-8 miles
Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail Type:
Out & Back
Time Needed:
Half Day
Highlights:
Adventure, Archeological Sites
Landscape:
Canyon, Red Rock
Solitude Potential:
High
Trailhead Access:
Paved Access
Special Considerations, Best Season to Hike:
Hot in summer, great for fall color. Very crowded first leg of hike. Great solitude in the side canyons other than on the way to the Subway.
Things to Know
Parking fills fast; expect to walk up to half a mile from your car
A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required for parking at the trailhead—passes can be purchased at the kiosk if you don't already have one
The Subway trail continues past the viewpoint—worth exploring for those inclined
Social trails branching off the main route can be quite steep; use caution when exploring
Archaeological and cultural sites are scattered throughout the canyon—approach them respectfully and never disturb artifacts or structures
Arriving after 3 PM or on a Monday significantly reduces crowds
Boynton rewards off-trail exploration more than almost anywhere in Sedona—bring your route-finding skills and a commitment to leaving it exactly as you found it
More to Explore
• Fay Canyon – shorter, easier, and immediately inside the canyon from the start. Also good for off-trail exploring
• Long Canyon – longer, with a steady grade and fewer crowds beyond the early turnoffs. Another great canyon for discovering caves, petroglyphs and ruins
Photo Inspiration
