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

Visit Website

Free access to the trail; Red Rock Pass required for parking ($5/day)
More than 500 Miles from you
National Star: Exceptional experiences within the country that are must-dos for adventurers
Learn more

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

Unlock the Ultimate Bucket List

For Adventurers and Explorers

Epic

All Experience Levels Unlocked
Build and Manage your Bucket List
Exclusive EPIC Deals & Discounts
Gift 3 EPIC Guest Memberships

7 Days Free

$2.99/mo, cancel any time.
Billed annually

Basic

World-class Experiences Unlocked
Build and Manage your Bucket List

$0/mo

No credit card needed

TikTok videos

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

Show directions

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

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!

Hot, dusty and challenging, but so worth it for the views and the feeling of accomplishment once finished. There are some really steep parts if you want to go up to the ledge to see the keyhole. Lots of picturesque views for photo ops. Wear appropriate hiking footwear and bring plenty of water. I drank my 32 oz jug and filled it up again, so at least 3 bottles of water.

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.

Came mid morning in late July, we brought water but the last 0.25 miles were our breaking point. I'm a 53 year old guy who works a desk job - if we had started at 8am (not 11am) I am sure I would have made it. Beautiful walk from scrub to forest.

Beautiful and scenic hike. 2.5 hours out and back to the subway cave (~6.2 miles). The view from the subway cave is amazing, totally worth the time and efforts. For best pictures, I’d recommend arriving at the cave before 11am so that the cave is well lit. Energy is good here (maybe because it’s near the vortex?) 😅 My mind felt cleansed and I am ready to put things behind me now. 😇 About parking, you don’t really have to buy the parking pass ($5), there are spaces near the roadside that you can park your car.

Show all 1221 reviews