How To Hike to the Subway Cave, Sedona, Arizona
By Carrie Green Zinn
Is the Hike to the Subway Cave Trail in Sedona, Arizona worth it?
Sedona, Arizona is one of my favorite places for a hiking trip. My girlfriends and I meet up for some epic hikes each year, and Sedona is top of our list!
The Subway Cave Trail is one of the top three hikes to take when visiting Sedona, Arizona. Along with Devil’s Bridge and Soldier Pass Cave, hiking the Subway Cave Trail is a must-do in Sedona.
The Subway Cave Trail is a gorgeous hike, not very strenuous, and after a moderate climb, you arrive at a once in a lifetime spot.
You’ll see the red rocks that Sedona is famous for, and experience one of Sedona’s treasures, the Subway Cave.
Along the way, you’ll pass through some of Sedona’s vortexes within the Boynton Canyon.
Visit the ancient Sinagua (pre-Columbian culture known for their cliff dwellings and petroglyphs) ruins.
Don’t miss the hike to the Subway Cave in Sedona, Arizona!
How many days in Sedona is enough?
A Perfect Itinerary
Plan on at least five days in Sedona. You want early mornings for hiking and the afternoons and evenings for dining, shopping, and relaxing.
Day one – arrive, enjoy your accommodations, the hot tub or pool, explore your neighborhood, find some good food, and shop a little.
Day two – hike to the Subway Cave.
Day three – hike to the Soldier Pass Cave.
Day four – hike to the Devil’s Bridge.
Day five – relax before you drop off your car and catch your flight home.
The Boynton Canyon Trail to Subway Cave and Sinagua Ruins
Here are some specific instructions to follow.
My experience was pretty darn perfect and I want you to have as great a time as I did!
This entire adventure can be completed before lunch, so you’ll still have the whole day for relaxing and enjoying the rest that Sedona has to offer!
1. The trail starts off with stellar views of the sandstone cliffs and you will see the Enchantment Resort on your left. If you begin early, you will experience sunrise and amazing light on the rocks. Truly jaw dropping.
2. Look at this picture and remember it!
Stay the course for two miles and pay attention!
There is no sign, but at the two mile point is a special Alligator Juniper tree with an outstretched branch telling you to turn Right!
We missed it and continued straight into a forest. Lovely, but the wrong trail. We quickly doubled back, realizing our mistake, and got back on course.
The right turn is marked with a log across the trail, which is confusing because it makes one think one should not cross over the log, but one should!
Now you are on the trail to the Subway Cave. This area is a sacred site and marked as such. The signs ask that you please be respectful of the sanctity of the area.
The hike gradually climbs and gets a bit more rocky as you near the cave. It is 0.4 miles from the Alligator Juniper Tree.
The Subway Cave Trail
3. Now you’re on the trail to the Subway Cave.
The cave is only 0.4 miles from the Alligator Juniper Tree.
The hike gradually climbs and gets a bit more rocky as you near the cave.
This area is a sacred site and marked as such. The signs ask that you please be respectful of the sanctity of the area.
4. The entrance to the cave looks like a slot with a rock slide. This is by far the most challenging part of the hike. Strategize your way up and you should be fine.
I was really happy I had my Keen Hiking Boots for the traction. I have a bad knee and needed a pull from my friend to yank me up at one moment, but I did it!
At the top of the brief climb, you are in the back of the cave looking out at the famous keyhole view. There, you will meet some other happy hikers, some nervous ones, and lots of people willing to help you with your photos.
Walk along the edge of the cave to its mouth for the views of a lifetime! As you turn the corner on the shelf to the right, you can continue to the ancient ruins before descending down the hillside.
Alternate Route
If the rock slide is too intimidating to climb, you can vear up on the left side of the cave, where the ruins are, walk along the edge and enter the subway cave from the mouth. This is how people climb down from the ruins, so you essentially are going up the down escalator!
After you rest and eat a snack, head back down the trail.
You’ll have a choice to turn right and continue another mile uphill to the end of the Boynton Canyon Trail for more spectacular views.
5. Or, you can continue back down the way you came, and take the spur trail to the Boynton Vista Point.
This will add about 30 minutes to your trip. Unless you are really too tired to continue, I really recommend this extra adventure.
The Kachina Woman
6. Enjoy this Vortex space!
The views at the vista point are not only worth it, but the entire vibe up there is so relaxing.
The rock formation at the top is known as the Kachina Woman. She is a spiritual figure of the Hopi Indians who have lived in this part of Arizona for hundreds of years.
She guards the vortex of the Boynton Canyon and I’m pretty sure that’s why I felt so tranquil up there!
Enjoy your time with her and then take the hike back down to the parking lot.
How hard is the hike to the
Subway Cave in Sedona?
It is designated as Moderate Difficulty. Much of it is easy and flat with the difficult stretches as you get closer to the cave and again as you approach the vista. The total ascent is 1100 feet to the cave and 1300 feet to the vista.
Most people on this trail are in search of the not-so-secret Subway Cave. It’s Instagram fame has made it very popular, and with good reason.
Honestly, it is a truly special moment to experience and I highly recommend it, if you feel capable of climbing the final incline into the cave. It might feel a bit scary as you walk out to the ledge, but you’ll be fine, and can always sit down for pics if you want!
I also encourage you to take the spur trail to the Boynton Canyon Vista AFTER you descend from the Subway Cave.
What are the Sedona Vortexes?
Sedona’s famous Vortexes are places where the earth is alive with energy.
These spots have been known to cause people to see swirling colorful lights, experience healing, and can even exacerbate your body aches.
Where should I park to hike the
Subway Cave Trail?
Remember this is a popular hike and becoming more popular all the time.
The trailhead is in the main parking lot. It will be obvious.
If you don’t get a spot in the lot, then you can park on the side of Boynton Pass Road.
You still need to display a Red Rock Pass!
What is a Red Rock Pass?
A pass is required when recreating on National Forest Land in Red Rock County. The pass is $5 per day or $15 for a week.
You are subject to a citation if your car does not display one in the windshield.
The passes can be purchased at trailheads via a machine which accepts credit cards.
Our VRBO rental provided us with one for the trip which was a super benefit!
When is the best time to visit Sedona?
The Sedona summer can be very hot with temperatures in the 90’s during the day.
The fall and spring are best with temps ranging from 70’s to 80’s.
The winter months are very cold, but less crowded.
Tips for Hiking the Subway Cave Trail
Download a trail map before hiking.
Bring plenty of water and snacks.
Wear hiking boots or sneakers with some tread.
Wear layers.
Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Dogs are allowed, if you want to bring your furry friend.
Expect to wait for your turn to have your photo taken.
Be Respectful
These are ancient and sacred lands. Please be respectful and follow all the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace!© Plan Ahead and Prepare,Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife, Be Considerate of Other Visitors. And, I would like to add, NO Drones Allowed in National Parks! They are disturbing to both wildlife and people.
Sedona Fun Facts
You’ll be hiking on a lot of sandy trails because Sedona was underwater 330 million years ago!
The Red Rock geology of the area is fascinating.
Did you know that seashells formed a layer of limestone that is called Redwall limestone because iron oxide deposited in the rocks over the millions of years that the water rose and fell?
Quick & Easy Links
Flights & Hotels: I recommend Expedia
Vacation rentals: I recommend VRBO
Car Rental: I recommend Hertz
Tours: I recommend Viator
Gear: Check out my Travel Stuff
Create Your Travel Memory Books with MILK
Where should I stay in Sedona?
Uptown Sedona is the the main tourist area You’ll find lotss of restaurants, shopping, and great views. It’s walkable and is a great area to stay if you would like easy access to the tourist activities. This neighborhood is more of a drive to the hikes.
West Sedona is a little more laid back and local. It’s closer to the hiking trails and you can still find lodging choices and restaurants.
Now you’re ready to hike the Subway Cave Trail in Sedona, Arizona
In a nutshell…
Hiking in Sedona is one of the best experiences I’ve had! And to enjoy it with my close friends was just icing on the cake!
The beautiful sacred history of Sedona, the vortexes, and the views are unlike any place else.
The Subway Cave Trail is an absolute must of the three best hikes in Sedona.
These pictures don’t do it justice. You’ve gotta see it for yourself!
Travel safe, hike healthy, and let me know how it was!
Carrie
Carrie Green Zinn is the owner and author of Carrie Green Zinn – A Travel Blog, which helps travelers become inspired to explore and step out of their comfort zones. Carrie focuses on family vacations, empty nest travel, and girlfriend getaways. Her work is informed by her life as a former dancer, therapist, and school psychologist. She brings her passion for writing, photography, and making the world a smaller place to her ever growing blogging audience.
