Subway Cave Exploration: Sedona's Off-Path Adventure

Embark on a journey to Sedona's Subway Cave for an exhilarating hike filled with stunning red rock views and a secret cave exploration.

Last updated: Apr 2024

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Free access to the trail; Red Rock Pass required for parking ($5/day)
More than 500 Miles from you
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Description

Embark on a journey to Sedona's Subway Cave for an exhilarating hike filled with stunning red rock views and a secret cave exploration. The Subway Cave hike in Sedona is an off-the-beaten-path adventure that begins on the Boynton Canyon Trail. This 6.1-mile roundtrip trail offers breathtaking vistas of Sedona's iconic red rocks. The hike to the Subway Cave includes navigating through a residential area, following the trail marked by the unique Alligator Juniper tree, and a climb into the cave itself. Inside, hikers are rewarded with stunning views from the cave's interior, making it a memorable part of any Sedona visit. This hike is recommended for those with a sense of adventure and in good physical condition due to the scrambling and steep sections.

Perfect for

For solo

For two

For groups

Outdoorsy

Challenging

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Itinerary

Start at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead, with a Red Rock Pass for parking.
Follow the Boynton Canyon Trail, keeping an eye out for the Alligator Juniper tree as your cue to turn off towards the Subway Cave.
Navigate the trail to the cave, which includes a scramble up to the entrance.
Explore the cave and enjoy the views, then return via the same path.
Optionally, hike the Boynton Vista Trail near the trailhead if time and energy allow.

Location

Boynton Cyn Trl, Sedona, AZ 86336

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Packing List

Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
At least 2 liters of water
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Camera or smartphone for photos
Snacks for energy

4.8 ● Google reviews

Two words: simply amazing! An easy trail until you get to the last 1/16 when you traverse a moderately steep, rock laden trail. The Subway Cave trail is ~ 2.3 miles from the Boynton Canyon trail head. Not for the timid nor folks that are not athletic, the path to scale up the Subway Cave is VERY difficult!

Amazing hiking trail with breathtaking views of the surroundings mountains. Especially in the evening light the atmosphere is simply one of a kind. Be advised that some of the viewing spots are quite hard to reach without proper shoes and hiking experience.

I HAD to see the subway cave. We missed these beautiful trails on first trip Sedona and was hopeful weather permitting, we’d explore as many as possible. This trail was beautiful and had such beautiful views. Most of the trail was covered with trees which made the hike cooler on us hiking in January and trekking through snowy and muddy portions of the path. Following the trail, it’s mostly flat with a few inclines. The trail for the subway caves turns right at a tree that is on the left side of the trail. There were other markings on the trail as well. Once your turn, you follow closely to the canyon until you are at the opening. There you have two options. You can do a technical climb directly into the subway caves or you can go left and climb into the caves. There is a portion that connects both sides but not everyone felt comfortable crossing. Both views are incredible and totally worth the hike out and the climb up. Caves are magical ✨ and the subway cave was the coolest i’ve ever seen. And we also hiked up another short hike to the vortex. Very peaceful up there.

What better way to start off the year than a nice hike to an Energy Vortex. This is one of many trails, around 50 different trails within this park! The hike is somewhat moderate unless you want to be adventurous, and then it may get a bit harder. We intended on seeing the Subway, which unfortunately was located a few miles down the road, so if your wanting to see the Subway in Boynton Canyon this is the wrong park and trail to get to that location, but this location is the home of the Energy Vortex. Highly recommend visiting if you like to hike and capture some amazing photos of nature!

The visitor center suggested this as one of the most interesting hikes in the area. Without a doubt there were so many different types of train and vegetation until you get to the end. It was easy to do under two hours without crowds. Very beautiful.

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