Guard House Ruin
The “Guard House” is the first of many small cliff dwellings in Boynton Canyon. There are over 90 stone structures in this one canyon, all of them associated with the now extinct Sinagua culture that once lived in northern Arizona.
The ruins they left date back 700-900 years ago. They were already abandoned by the time the first Spanish explorers arrived in the mid 1500’s. Many of these ruins were partially reconstructed by American settlers during the early 1900’s, giving them the appearance of being much better preserved than they actually were when initially found.
The Guard House acquired that name because it has a commanding view of the canyon floor. A guard stationed here would have been able to signal a warning to others, and have the advantage of being above and behind a possible enemy.
The Guard House acquired that name because it has a commanding view of the canyon floor. A guard stationed here would have been able to signal a warning to others, and have the advantage of being above and behind a possible enemy.
FINDING THE SOCIAL TRAIL
From the Boynton Canyon parking lot follow the system trail into Boynton Canyon. The first mile of the system trail works its way around the Enchantment Resort. The Guardhouse is in this section of the system trail. Look for a social trail going to the right. This is approximately .75 miles from the parking lot.
When you FIRST find the social trail, take a moment to look at the land and see if you can locate the ruin. The alcove will be behind you! Now, think about having to hike up there EVERY day, lugging your food and water up with you.
Which way would you go? If you're like most people, you would probably follow the easiest grade with the least amount of brush, which, in this case, is NOT to charge straight uphill at the ruin! The easiest grade with the least brush is actually directly in front of you, up to the ridge line, then turn right and over to the ruin.
HIKE DETAILS
RATED: Easy
TOTAL DISTANCE (FROM PARKING)
2 miles out and back
2 miles out and back
ELEVATION GAIN
175 ft
175 ft
EST. HIKING TIME
1.5 hours round trip
1.5 hours round trip
BEST TIME TO GO
All year
All year
PET FRIENDLY
No! DO NOT visit ruins with your pet.
No! DO NOT visit ruins with your pet.
OVERVIEW MAP
DETAIL MAP
I have probably overexaggerated the social trail to the left at little bit in the map below. The point is: stay to the left slightly as you go uphill. Resist the temptation to follow others who turned too soon and go straight for the ruin. It's brushier than it looks from below. You'll be glad you waited just a little bit longer, and the BEST way (along a contour line) will become obvious.
