John Miller
Mushroom Rock is a popular hiking destination in Arizona. Located in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, Sedona, it is accessible via the Boynton Canyon Trail. The trail is approximately 3.3 miles long and takes about 1-1.5 hours to complete. It is considered a moderately challenging route with gradual climbs and obstacles. The best time to visit is from October to May, as the trail can get busy during these months. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Aside from the Mushroom Rock viewpoint, hikers can also explore the nearby Sky Island, which offers a panoramic view of Boynton Canyon and Long Canyon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Boynton Canyon Trail, Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, Sedona, Arizona |
| Trail Type | Out-and-back |
| Trail Length | 3.3 miles |
| Elevation Gain | 331 ft |
| Time to Complete | 1-1.5 hours |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Fees/Passes Required | Red Rocks Pass, America the Beautiful Pass, or similar |
| Pet Policy | Dogs allowed but must be on a leash |
| Best Time to Visit | October to May |
| Nearby Attractions | Sky Island, Subway Cave |
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What You'll Learn
Boynton Canyon Trailhead
Mushroom Rock in Arizona can be found via the Boynton Canyon Trail. This trail is located in the Coconino National Forest and is considered a system trail (#47). The trailhead is situated just a 15-minute drive north of West Sedona. From Highway 89A, one must go north on Dry Creek Road in West Sedona, which eventually turns into Boynton Pass Road. Keeping left at the fork and then turning right onto Boynton Canyon Road will lead you to the Boynton Canyon Trailhead on your right. This trailhead is also the starting point for the popular Subway Cave, so parking can be challenging and it is recommended to arrive early or be prepared to park on the street.
The Boynton Canyon Trail is a well-marked and heavily travelled trail that offers a mix of towering canyon walls, desert flora, and shady forested areas. It is renowned for its dramatic red rock formations and lush canyon scenery. The trail is approximately 3.3 miles long and is considered a moderate route with an elevation gain of 331 feet. It takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to complete on average, although some have reported longer times of around 3 hours or more for a round trip. The trail is pet-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash, and it is prohibited to venture off the trail due to sensitive archaeological sites in the area.
The first mile of the Boynton Canyon Trail is rocky and offers little shade, so it can be extremely hot during the summer months. After passing the resort, the trail descends about 100 feet to the canyon floor, where there is more shade and fewer rocks. The middle section of the canyon is flanked by thick Manzanita brush, and the last mile is heavily forested with large Ponderosa pines, providing ample shade and cooler temperatures. The trail officially ends at the Boynton Box, three miles from the parking area, although some hikers continue on to the Subway Cave.
The Boynton Canyon area is considered one of Sedona's energy vortex sites, attracting those seeking spiritual experiences. It is also known for its impressive scenery, with autumn being a particularly beautiful season to visit due to the contrast of withered yellow leaves against the canyon walls. Additionally, the nearby Kachina Woman Rock and the smaller spire next to it offer additional exploration opportunities, with a short side trail leading to the base of the spire and the possibility of climbing into a small cave.
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Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness
The Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness is a 47,195-acre (19,099 ha) wilderness area located within the Coconino National Forest in Arizona. The wilderness is characterised by wind and water-sculpted pinnacles, windows, arches, and slot canyons, as well as the red-rock cliffs of the Mogollon Rim, which mark the edge of the Colorado Plateau. The area is bordered to the east by Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, where the high mesas of Secret Mountain and Wilson Mountain tower over the lower country. Canyons as deep as 1,500 feet (457 m) drain into Oak Creek and the Verde River.
The Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness is known for its stunning natural scenery, including rosy-hued cliffs, buttes, and canyons. The area offers a variety of recreational activities such as horseback riding, photography, wildlife viewing, swimming, and hiking. There are numerous trails in the wilderness, ranging from easy to strenuous, that take visitors deep into gorges, high onto rocky ledges, and past ancient rock art and abandoned cliff dwellings. Petroglyphs, or ancient rock art, can also be found throughout the area.
One of the most popular trails in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness is the West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108, which has a 4.7-star rating from over 8,500 reviews. This trail is 6.5 miles long with an elevation gain of 564 feet and takes an average of 2 hours and 26 minutes to hike. Another notable trail is the Secret Canyon Trail, which meanders for 4.2 miles along Secret Canyon as it climbs towards Secret Mountain. The Devil's Bridge Trail leads to a natural red sandstone bridge and is just under a mile long.
The Boynton Canyon trail is another popular option, offering energy centres and energy vortexes, Native American history, and beautiful views throughout the canyon floor. This trail is known to be quite challenging due to the bush-whacking, high desert vegetation, and rock scrambling involved. The Mooney #12 trail is 4.2 miles long and offers steep climbs and good views. Originally built to drive cattle to and from summer pastures on the Mogollon Rim, it is still used for this purpose today.
The Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness is one of Arizona's most accessible wildernesses, yet it offers a sense of solitude due to its deep canyons, hidden grottoes, and dense riparian vegetation. Motorized equipment and mechanical transport are generally prohibited in the area, including the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, bicycles, and aircraft.
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Sky Island
Mushroom Rock is a popular hiking destination in Sedona, Arizona. The rock is located in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness area and can be reached via the Boynton Canyon Trail. The trail is about 3.3 miles long and is considered a moderate route with an elevation gain of 331 ft. It takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.
After reaching Mushroom Rock, hikers can continue on a side trip to Sky Island, a skinny fin of white-topped rock that separates Boynton Canyon from Long Canyon. This part of the hike can be tricky, involving some scrambling and light exposure. However, it offers a phenomenal view of the canyons on either side.
Once at the top of the ridge, hikers are rewarded with a dizzying view of the canyon below. The trip to Sky Island adds about 1.1 miles and an elevation gain of 418 ft to the overall hike.
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Scottsdale, Arizona
Mushroom Rock is located in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness in Sedona, Arizona. The rock formation is accessible via the Boynton Canyon Trail, a 3.3-mile out-and-back trail. The trail is considered moderately challenging and usually very busy, with an elevation gain of 331 feet and an average completion time of 1 to 1.5 hours. It is a popular hiking destination, especially from October to May, and offers impressive scenery and photo opportunities.
In addition to Mushroom Rock, Scottsdale, Arizona, is also home to other natural attractions, such as the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, which spans 30,000 acres and is considered the largest urban park in the United States. The preserve features trails like Tom's Thumb Trailhead, which showcases unique rock formations, including granite stones that resemble man-made statues and have mushroom shapes due to weathering.
The Scottsdale area offers a range of outdoor experiences, from the challenging hikes of Sedona to the easier trails of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. When planning a visit to Mushroom Rock in Scottsdale, it is important to consider factors such as the weather, trail conditions, and potential crowds. The best times to visit the area are typically from October through May, offering cooler temperatures and pleasant shades along the trails.
Additionally, Scottsdale provides a convenient starting point for exploring nearby attractions. The city's proximity to Phoenix, located just northeast, allows visitors to access a variety of urban amenities and attractions while also enjoying the natural wonders of the surrounding area. Scottsdale's combination of urban conveniences and natural beauty makes it a unique destination for those seeking a blend of outdoor exploration and modern comforts.
When visiting Mushroom Rock and the surrounding trails in Scottsdale, it is important to prioritize sustainability and the preservation of the archaeological sites in the area. Visitors are encouraged to practice the "Leave No Trace" principle and adhere to Archaeological Site Etiquette Guidelines. By following these guidelines, we can ensure that the natural beauty and historical significance of the area are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
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Granite stone formations
Mushroom Rock in Arizona is a popular hiking destination in Boynton Canyon, Sedona. The trail to Mushroom Rock is considered a moderately challenging route, with an elevation gain of 331 ft and a length of 3.3 miles. It takes an average of 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. The trail is accessible via the Boynton Canyon Trailhead, which can be reached by driving north on Dry Creek Road from Highway 89A in West Sedona, then keeping left at the fork and turning right onto Boynton Canyon Road.
In Arizona, the Pacific Plate being subducted under the west coast of the North American plate caused compression in the region. This geological activity contributed to the formation of various rock structures, including Mushroom Rock. The unique shape of Mushroom Rock has made it a popular destination for hikers and photographers alike.
The trail to Mushroom Rock involves hiking along the Boynton Canyon Trail, which offers impressive scenery of the surrounding canyons. It is important to note that venturing off the designated trail is prohibited due to the presence of sensitive archaeological sites in the area. Visitors are advised to follow the Archaeological Site Etiquette Guidelines and practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on the environment.
Additionally, Mushroom Rock offers an optional side trip to Sky Island, which provides a phenomenal view of both Boynton Canyon and Long Canyon. This side trip involves a challenging scramble up the red rocks and is recommended for those seeking a more adventurous experience. Overall, the Mushroom Rock trail in Arizona showcases the beauty of granite stone formations and provides a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom Rock is located in Boynton Canyon, Sedona, Arizona.
You can access Mushroom Rock via the Boynton Canyon Trailhead. From Highway 89A, go north on Dry Creek Road in West Sedona, keep left at the fork, then turn right onto Boynton Canyon Road. The trailhead will be on your right.
The trail is 3.3 miles long and takes an average of 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete. It is considered a moderate route with an elevation gain of 331 feet.
A Red Rocks Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for this hike.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Mushroom Rock trail, but they must remain on a leash at all times.
