Subway Cave Guide
Arguably the most popular cave hike in Sedona, Arizona, the Subway Cave has wowed countless hikers with it's spectacular view and memorable photographs. Found within Boynton Canyon, this once-secret cave is now a must-see on any Sedona visitor's list.
When to Visit
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This hike is extremely popular, so if you want a chance at having the view to yourself, you'll want to be there first thing in the morning. To increase your chances at solitude, visit during a winter month; while temperatures are generally mild in the off-months, there is always the possibility of snow in Sedona!
The main view from Robber's Roost.
How to Get There
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The Subway Cave is reached via the Boynton Canyon Trail (beginning/parking marked on map below), found along Boynton Pass Road and about 15 minutes from downtown Sedona. You'll only be hiking about two miles of the Boynton Canyon trail before branching off onto a short spur trail that leads to the mouth of the Subway Cave.
The Subway Cave
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Time: 2-4 hours.
Distance: 5.5 miles.
Begin the hike from the Boynton Canyon parking area, which is a fee area--you'll need to display either a Red Rocks Pass or America the Beautiful Annual Pass on your vehicle's dash if you want to park in this lot. There is a kiosk near the lot's vault toilet where Red Rock Passes may be purchased. This lot is not large, and fills extremely quickly--arrive early if you want a space. There is some overflow parking along Boynton Pass Road, but this also fills in no time.
Boynton Canyon parking area (above) and following signs for Boynton Canyon (below).
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Begin the trail, finding it just across from the parking area's pit toilet. Simply follow the signs for Boynton Canyon; the first mile or so takes you past some pretty amazing red rock views, the Sedona Enchantment Resort, and is relatively flat, save for one short section that gains a few hundred feet of elevation.
Boynton Canyon's red rocks are some of Sedona's best.
Eventually the trail descends into more wooded terrain; stay on this for approximately another mile until you come to this tree. Yes, this exact tree--burn the image of this tree into your mind! Just past it is where you're going to turn right and leave the main trail, following a well-trafficked spur-trail. Sometimes this side trail is blocked off by logs or other debris, as a means of trying to maintain the secrecy. Simply go around or over, and stay on this spur trail for just under a mile.
The tree you'll want to turn off at (above) and the start of the spur trail just past it (below).
Sedona Subway Cave Guide
Follow my detailed video guide on how exactly to trek through the red rocks of Boynton Canyon and reach Sedona's famous Subway Cave!
The spur trail, while not official, is relatively easy to follow. There is one point where you'll come to a fork in it though: to the left leads across the creek, and away from your destination. To the right, goes deeper into Boynton Canyon and to Subway Cave: head right! From here the trail gradually ascends, and once you see the sign denoting native ruins in the area, you'll know you're very close.
Sign noting native ruins in the area.
Continue along the trail and you should find yourself facing a tall sandstone cliff; look to your left for this view (below). This is the Subway Cave! So, you have two ways in to see that famous view: head directly up the sandstone that leads into the mouth of the cave, or head just to the left of it, scramble up the hill to cliffs above and walk around into it.
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The main way is tougher than it looks, you just need careful footing, and sticking to the left side gives you an opportunity to use the side of the sandstone for extra grip. If crowded, this way in/out can turn into a traffic jam, so you might want to consider the scramble--for this, head just to your left.
The Subway Cave entrance.
There is a gradual hill that will need to be scrambled that takes you to the top of the cliffs here. It's not difficult, but for those with a fear of heights, this way might pose a problem for getting into the cave itself. Once at the top look to your left: you should be able to spot two sets of Sinagua ruins up here, as well as some petroglyphs! Feel free to go take a look, but don't touch or take anything.
Cliffside Sinagua ruins.
From up here you get some amazing views of Boynton Canyon too, but you're here for the Subway Cave. Work your way around to the cliffside opposite the ruins--and here's where it can get just a little bit tricky: the ledge that curves around into the cave itself is a bit narrow (6-7 feet wide) and slightly sloped. The rock is rough and grips well though, so you should be able to walk on it with no issue. Once you turn the corner you'll find yourself in the cave! Head towards the back for that classic view.
Rounding the cliffside into the cave (above) and the inside view (below).
And that's it! Hopefully it's not too crowded when you visit, and you can get the photo you've always dreamed of. From here, it's simply out-and-back the way you came. Cheers!