Boynton Canyon Trail

Majestic Views with a Slight Vertical Challenge. The Boynton Canyon Trail in Sedona offers an unforgettable experience, culminating in absolutely majestic, 360-degree views of the canyon and surrounding red rock formations. It's a journey well worth the effort, provided you are prepared for the final, adrenaline-pumping ascent. The main trail is generally easy (to moderate) and beautiful, but the final, optional scramble to the vortex site is the phoenix of the journey and a some reason for caution. This section requires a walk up a narrow, sloping rock strip, followed by a careful traverse across a ledge that demands steady footing and a calm demeanor. Due to the exposed heights and the smooth, potentially slippery nature of the rock, I would not recommend this final ascent to anyone who is afraid of heights or is wearing shoes with slippery soles. Good, grippy hiking boots/shoes are mandatory here. At the top, you will have to navigate an exposed ledge section. The views here are fabulous. This route can be intimidating. There is an easier lower path to the left. This route is easier on the stomach, offering a bit more security and reducing the feeling of exposure while still delivering you to the summit cave with those breathtaking views. If you are comfortable with exposure and heights, the reward at the top is unparalleled. However, safety first! Respect the height, check your footwear, and choose the path that feels most secure for you.

Absolutely fantastic hike! The walk itself is really pleasant — you wander through a tiny forest on a well-maintained, comfortable path, surrounded by stunning canyons on all sides. It feels like you’re walking through a hidden valley, enjoying the beauty of the red rocks from different angles as you go. The highlight, of course, is the Subway Cave. The short climb up is a bit tricky, but absolutely worth it — the view and the atmosphere inside are breathtaking. Honestly, it’s hard to put into words how beautiful it is. Definitely the best hike I’ve done in Sedona!

We hiked this trail to find the Subway Cave, saw some mule deers along the trail. It was easy for about 2 over miles until the entrance to the cave. The steep climb up to the cave requires scrambling and was a little nerve wrecking. There was a less steep trail on the left side of the cave that many people used as well. But once you get up from there, you would need to walk along narrow rock edge to get around to get the view of the subway cave.

The Boynton canyon vortex is absolutely beautiful. The views are fantastic, and notes very peaceful. We got there at about 8:30 on a Tuesday (Verteran's Day), but the parking log was full, but we parked about a half mile down the road. I'd say the difficulty is moderate - the trail is easy but it turns into a bit of a scamble to get up to the vortex.

Absolutely stunning hike. Boynton Canyon Trail is one of the most beautiful and peaceful hikes in Sedona. The red rock scenery is breathtaking from start to finish, with plenty of shaded sections, wide trails, and amazing viewpoints along the way. It’s well maintained and easy to follow, making it enjoyable whether you’re hiking solo or with others. The energy of the canyon feels calm and grounding, and it never gets old no matter how many times you visit. Highly recommend this trail to anyone looking for scenic views, a solid workout, and a memorable outdoor experience.