Subway Cave- Sedona
- Cathy Curti
- Jan 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 12
A year ago, friends had visited Sedona and posted pics of a hike they did to Subway Cave. It immediately intrigued me, and knowing Bill and I would be traveling this way the following year, it went to the top of my bucket list of places to see. I'm so glad now, as it was an amazing experience.
We could not find much info on the Cave on Government or Park sites, so we had to do a little research, googling how to find it before going there, and grateful we did, as Subway Cave is along an unmarked trail. We read about how to find the cave, and it was worth the visit. The views are spectacular! Warning though...if you're afraid of heights and/or have mobility issues, this would not be a recommended hike. It was by no means easy getting up into the cave.
If you did not want to do the cave, the canyon trails are easy to navigate, and we saw many families with children. Hiking the Canyon even if the cave is not part of your plans is worth going to Boynton Canyon.
We arrived at 10:30 am, and the parking lot was already full, which we expected it would be. We found a parking spot along the road about a 1/2 km away from the trailheads. If you want parking in the lot, they recommend arriving early in the morning, especially during peak seasons. What we love about traveling in Fall and Winter is fewer crowds, and parking is easier. This place was still somewhat crowded in January, so can't imagine how jammed it must be in Spring and Summer....no thanks!! Parking is $5 to use the lot, free if you have a Red Rock pass or America the Beautiful pass. There is one bathroom located in the parking lot near the trailhead.
The hike through the canyons were breathtaking and the red rock glowed in the sunlight.
The trail turnoff to the cave was roughly 3.5 km into Boynton Canyon Trail. There is a tree whose bark looks like alligator skin, and the path to the right is the one you will take. Sometimes hikers place an arrow of rocks marking the way. If you download AllTrails, it shows the cave on the map. We had spotty cell service in there at times, so it's best to download the map beforehand.
The trail then becomes a little more difficult and is uphill about .5 km to the Subway Cave. We arrived at the Cave and watched a few people scrambling up the chute into the cave....we opted to take the path to the left that was supposedly the "easy" way into the cave! You have to climb up some loose rocks, holding onto tree limbs to get up, then the trail leads to a ledge about 100 ft up that you would have to shimmy around to get access into the cave.....NOPE! One look at that ledge and I was like "easy way" ...ha ha no way not doing it! Even if Bill was going that way...I was not! We both opted to try the "hard way" climbing up the chute.
Ledge route Chute route
We scrambled back down to the chute and watched another couple climb up, observing how they navigated it first. It still looked challenging, but doable. I went first and partway up realized quickly why it was the hard way.....the shape of the rocks makes it challenging to get in, and there are few foot and handholds, and the angles are awkward, but we did it. Definitely hard but less chance of a long fall to your demise.
The Chute climb in and out
It was a bit dizzying looking out over the canyon backdrop, but WOW, what a spectacular view. Other couples and people arrived, and each time a person struggled getting up the chute, others lent a hand to help them up, encouraging them. Cheering when they made it up. One couple we saw had to have been in their 70s...how inspiring are they!!!
We took a few photos, then had to figure out how to get back out....I still was not going to risk that ledge, so sliding down the chute on my butt was my way down. We slowly made our way down, full of red dust and feeling proud that I had done it.
The hike back was easier given it was mostly downhill. The entire hike in and out was 9 km and took us about 4 hrs with stops for rests, photos, and the climb in and out of the cave.
We passed numerous other hikers throughout the day. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. The main trails are easy, and kids could do them, maybe not toddlers though. Take lots of water, and pack a lunch or snacks to keep your energy up you will need it.
It's hard to avoid the red dirt dust on your shoes and clothes so plan to get dirty.
Disclaimer: Subway Cave is hard and could pose risks of injury or a fall, so hike it at your own risk.
Friends recommended we try Javelina's Cantina when in Sedona, so off we went to find it, looking forward to a bite having worked up appetites after a 9km hike.
A cozy and welcoming place, we opted to sit on the patio overlooking the spectacular views. It was a beautiful sunny January day, and they had patio heaters.
We were served complimentary chips and salsa ... very tasty. I had their Island margarita flight board, YUMMMMM ... the mango one was my fave! Bill had the Oak Creek amber ale. For food, Bill ordered carne asada street tacos, and I had the steak fajitas, which was more like an order for two than one, and looked forward leftovers for lunch next day with such a huge portion. Both our meals were fabulous, and we definitely would return to sample more of the menu and enjoy those marvelous Margs!
Content with full tummies, we enjoyed a picturesque drive back to Camp Verde, where we stayed with the RV.
What an amazing experience we had, one to remember and likely one of the best hikes we've done which are many. My fave part of the day was how strangers came together cheering each other on with high fives and words of encouragement, assisting each other up into the cave by lending a hand and offering taking pics for each other.
Boynton Canyon has become a popular hike not just for it's views but also earned a reputation as a site of a spiritual energy vortex.
I think I would agree with that; there was definitely a swirling energy of connection amongst people and surroundings in this magical place.
Bill & Cat