Subway Cave Hike: Sedona's Hidden Gem

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.

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.

4.8 ● Google reviews

John Payne

2 weeks ago

There is an area along Boyton Canyon trail where the brush has been cleared either due to fire or for whatever reason. That’s the most scenic part of the trail because you can clearly see the beautiful cliffs that form the canyon. The rest of the trail is pretty much enclosed by tall brush, mainly manzanita, that blocks most of the views. This is just my personal observation. It should be a scenic hike but it isn’t. About a half mile of it also runs right alongside a resort where you can hear a lot of traffic and construction equipment. The Vista is cool and so is Subway cave I guess, but I think that there are many much more scenic and fun trails closer to town. Also, this trail is very popular so it’s always busy. My recommendation would be to find someplace better.
ItsJayJasmine

a week ago

Glistening & Glittering Read Time:
Dallin Kimble

6 months ago

The Subway Cave is the most popular feature along the trail and definitely worth doing. There are no signs for the turn, but people have marked it fairly well at about 2 miles in so it's not too hard to find. Beyond the Subway, there were far fewer people and the desert trail turned into a hike through a forest in the mountains. There's a steep hill at the end and the trail concludes at a viewpoint where you're surrounded by cliffs. Forest trails are my favorite and I'm glad I did this hike to the end; but honestly, if I do this trail again we'll probably just go to the cave and back.
Sunny Dua

6 months ago

The best trail in Sedona.. Period. Sweeping views, differing terrain, great energy at the Vortex and a daring climb at the end to the Subway Cave… a total of 6.2 miles all inclusive. We even saw a snake on the trail.. all inclusive all a great experience.. We went here in April at around 2 PM. The morning hikers who were leaving gave us plenty of parking spots.
April Johnson

5 months ago

Great hike with panoramic views. The vortex trail to the Vista is short and worth the climb. The trail to the Subway Caves is marked by an arrow made of sticks on the ground and a little challenging to get there but so amazing. Lots of shade on most of the main trail.

FAQs