Discovering the Subway Cave
2-4 hours
Moderate
The Subway Cave is a hidden gem located in the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, Arizona. For outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this spot has become increasingly popular due to its Instagram-worthy views and the unique rock formations that make it stand out. Offering breathtaking vistas and a moderate hike, discovering the Subway Cave is more than just a trip—it's a journey into one of Sedona's most scenic locales.
The Subway Cave is accessed via the Boynton Canyon Trail, located approximately 20 minutes northwest of Sedona by car. The trail is about 6.1 miles round-trip with medium difficulty, so plan for a few hours. Make sure to look for the faint spur trail that leads to the cave—it isn’t marked but is distinguishable by its well-trodden path.
What Makes It Special: The cave's interior features large archways and a concave ceiling resembling a subway tunnel, providing dramatic photo opportunities. Early mornings offer fantastic light filtering into the cave, ideal for photography. The natural acoustics and panoramic views of Boynton Canyon add to its allure, making it a favorite for hikers and visitors.
Key Features: The hike offers diverse scenery, from shaded forest to iconic red rock formations. The entrance to the Subway Cave provides a surreal moment as you step into the expansive open area within the rock.
Cultural Significance: Boynton Canyon holds special meaning for local Native American tribes, such as the Yavapai and Apache. It is considered a spiritual site, so visitors are encouraged to tread respectfully and leave no trace.
Geological Context: The fluted formations that define the cave were eroded over millennia, representing Sedona’s rich geological history.
Best Times to Go: Mornings or late afternoons are ideal, especially to avoid Sedona's peak heat and hiking crowds.
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a wide-brim hat. Don’t forget your camera for photos and a flashlight if visiting late.
Getting There: From Sedona, take Dry Creek Road to Boynton Canyon Road, following signs for the trailhead. Parking at Boynton Canyon is limited, so arrive early.
There's a random stone and wood arrow on the ground near Creek bed on the canyon trail to indicate this hike.
Lovely hike. We arrived at 7am to the trailhead and the cave was almost empty for us around 8am. After a little while more and more people were coming. The cave is on the right if you take the stairs all the way up.
The mountain road is beautiful. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to walk one way. Bring enough water. The cave is really spectacular.
Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.
What a beautiful spot! Definitely get up early and get to the parking lot right before the sunrise so you can start hiking as soon as the sun rises. When I got to the cave there were only about 3 people there and after about 10 mins when they left I had the whole place to myself and could take some amazing pics without the people in front of me. When I started hiking back to the parking lot there were literally hundreds of people hiking to the cave. Just that one hour made such a huge difference and I know I wouldn't have enjoyed the cave as much if there were tons of people in it lining up to take a picture. So really my only advice is to start hiking as soon as the sun rises as you'll have a much better experience! One of the coolest spots in Sedona!
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