Vista Trail - Boynton, AZ

When you're in Sedona and feel the need for a warm-up or have some time between significant hikes, this is a great side trip! This trail leads to one of the four most popular vortices in the Red Rock area. The vortex is on and around the knoll facing the Kachina Woman formation.


Begin the trail at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead. This starts off as a very well-defined trail. It is only a matter of feet before you arrive at the Vista Trail. From here, the trail is easy to follow until you get closer to the Knoll. At this point, it becomes difficult to tell if you're actually on a trail because people have made so many "renegade" paths. Not to worry, though. At this point, the area is very wide open, and whatever route you choose will get you to your destination. We chose to follow a trail that proceeds around the Knoll to the right and then comes up between the two formations from the other side. As you reach the base of the Knoll, you may be pleasantly surprised that there is such a good view across the canyons to the east.Once on the Knoll, you can very carefully walk all the way around the perimeter. There is a relatively comfortable spot in which to rest behind a dead tree that still clings valiantly to the rock (do not be tempted to use this to pull yourself up as it is very fragile and unstable). You may wish to stay awhile to see if you can "feel the vibes." As evening approached, we proceeded back down the path. As the sun slipped away, the glorious red rocks resisted giving up the light by taking center-stage in an encore performance as if oblivious to the darkness falling all around them.

2001-09-01 Rodney