|
Mystical Journeys - Sedona |
|
> > SEDONA - BOYNTON CANYON |
|
Sedona, Arizona Hiking - Boynton Canyon
 Boynton is a hike I could take over and over again! The first mile is rather hot and dry and takes you through manzanita and scrub brush as you pass the Enchantment Resort to your left. Even though you're not in the woods yet, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the crimson and orange cliffs to your right. If you're into adventure, you can take a side trip up to the ruins, just  before the trail goes into the woods.
Or, if you like, continue on the main trail for a refreshing journey deep into the forest. As you hike farther back into the canyon the vegetation becomes thicker, and greener, and the temperature becomes cooler. The trail parallels a normally dry streambed and takes you through groves of ponderosa pine and, depending on the time of year, various patches of brightly colored wild flowers. If you're lucky and you hike in the early morning or late afternoon, you may be rewarded by seeing a pack of mule deer running through the woods. In any case, the patches of red cliffs through the trees, are beautiful.
Just shy of the three mile mark the trail begins a gradual ascent into the back of the box canyon. At the end of the Boynton Canyon trail, turn right and walk slightly upward on the sandstone rock about 100 yards until you reach a large flat area...you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the canyon you just came through and be able to take some very gorgeous pictures. Here you can sit and meditate, climb around, or simply enjoy the view. Boynton is another vortex spot, and I've found this hike to be cleansing; if you're in need of emotional draino, you will leave feeling refreshed and washed clean of negativity. Boynton is sacred to the Native Americans and when you walk into its interior you will know why. There are numerous uncharted side trips and places to explore. Let your heart lead you, and you will most certainly be rewarded with peaceful energy and gorgeous views at every turn!
 Side Trip to the Ruins: Just before you pass the end of the Enchantment Resort, you will see a side path off to the right of the main trail. (If you begin to turn right into the forest on the main trail, you've gone a little too far). Anyway, across this pathway to the right, there is usually a large log, or a tree trunk that serves as a marker. Hike up this path to the right and you will begin a moderately strenuous, but short climb to the first set of ruins. These cliff dwellings are a two-room structure, and the room to the right still has the original mud "mortar" in the walls. Treat this place as sacred. It is a wonderful spot to bring a book or a lunch, or simply to take a nap in an undisturbed environment.
 If you really like adventure AND you trust your ability to climb implicitly, you can have a grand adventure by climbing to the upper ruins. Or, you can just enjoy the pictures on this page from the comfort of your own home!
|
Notes from
the Journal
|
| Directions: |
From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Hwy 179 (exit 298). Turn left onto 179 and follow it past the Village of Oak Creek to the Sedona (Burger King) "Y". Turn left at the "Y" onto West 89A. Take this past most of the town until you see Dry Creek Road.
This is just a little ways past the Giant Gas Station to the right. Take Dry Creek Road until it dead-ends into another road. Turn left; the signs will point you to the Enchantment Resort. Take this road until it dead-ends into another road. Turn right; once again towards Enchantment. Very soon you will see a dirt parking lot to the right. The trailhead begins here. |
Difficulty: |
Easy to moderate, if you take the main trail. Challenging, if you decide to climb to the lower ruins, and very challenging/expert if you go all the way to the upper ruins. |
Supplies: |
Wear good king shoes. Bring snacks/lunch, water, and a camera in your backpack. I recommend at least two water bottles if you're hiking all the way in. Enjoy!
|
|
|
|
Good Books!
Heaven has a huge bookstores complete with personal reviews for each book. Visit now by clicking on the books above! |
Check out
Ann's Books
& CDs!
Click Here
or on the
book cover.
|
|
