Boynton Vista / Vortex

Distance: 1.1 miles

Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, Coconino National Forest, near Sedona in Arizona's Red Rock Country

View of Bear Mountain rising above Boynton and Fay Canyon

View of Bear Mountain rising above Boynton and Fay Canyon

 

This short, popular hike visits the Boynton Vortex, set beneath the Kachina Women formation. The site, consider the most sacred vortex in the Sedona area, features terrific views of Bear Mountain and the red rock formation rising above Boynton and Fay Canyons.

  • Distance: 1.1 miles (RT)
  • Elevation: 4,515-ft. at Trailhead
    Maximum elevation - 4,700-ft.
  • Elevation Gain: 185-ft.
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Basecamp: Sedona
  • Region: Arizona's Red Rock Country

 

Trail Description - Boynton Vista / Vortex

Some people believe vortexes radiate energy and travel to the sites to meditate, practice yoga or perform rituals. Please be respectful of others when visiting this site.

The Boynton Canyon trail to the Boynton Canyon Vortex is located at the northwest end of the trailhead parking area across from the bathroom. (See trailhead directions below.) The day starts with a brief stint along the Deadman’s Pass trail, which heads northeast, accompanied by fine views of Mescal Mountain and the west wall of Boynton Canyon. Turn around for views of Bear Mountain rising above Fay Canyon to the west.

Reach a trail junction at 0.1 miles and turn left (northwest) onto the Boynton Canyon Trail. The Deadman’s Pass trail continues straight ahead. At 0.3 miles reach the junction with the Boynton Vista Trail that climbs to the Boynton Vortex. Turn right (east) on the Vista Trail.

The path ascends on moderate grades, briefly levels out and then makes a short, moderately-steep climb to the Boynton Vortex situated atop a bench beneath the Kachina Women, a prominent red rock spire, at 0.55 miles. Great views extend west to Bear Mountain rising above Fay Canyon and the red rock formations rimming the west side of Boynton Canyon. To the northeast are views of the formations rising around Deadman’s Pass and beyond. Mescal Mountain rises to the southeast while the Enchantment Resort is seem along the floor of Boynton Canyon.

When you are done visiting the Boynton Vista / Vortex retrace your steps to the trailhead for a 1.1 mile hike. Alternatively, at the Vista Junction turn right and continue up Boynton Canyon for as far as time and energy permit. See the Boynton Canyon Trail for more information.

Elevation Profile

Elevation Profile - Boynton Vortex Hiking Trail

Driving Directions

Driving Directions from Sedona: From the traffic circle at the intersection of Arizona State Roads 89A and 179 head west on Arizona 89A for 3.0 miles and then turn right (north) on Dry Creek Road. Follow Dry Creek Road for 2.0 miles to an intersection. Here Dry Creek Road turns right. We continue straight ahead on the Boynton Pass Road for 2.5 miles to a “T” intersection. Turn right at the intersection on Boynton Canyon Road. (The Boynton Pass Road continues to the left). Drive 0.1 miles on Boynton Canyon Road and then turn right (east) into the Boynton Canyon trailhead parking area.

The spur road to the parking area passes the trailhead, located across from the bathroom. Note: a Red Rock Pass, America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, Golden Age Pass or Golden Access Pass is required to park in the lot. Red Rock Daily passes are $5, weekly passes are $15 and annual passes are $20. The passes can be purchased in many shops around Sedona or online.

The Boynton trailhead parking lot fills early in the day. If the parking lot is full, overflow parking is available on the Boynton Pass Road, to the southwest of the “T” intersection with the Boynton Canyon Road. (You will also need a pass to park here.)

 

Trail Resources