Boynton Canyon and Subway Cave

Boynton Canyon and Subway Cave was our first true hike in Sedona and the one that made me say, hmmm, I wonder what it would be like to live here, this place is amazing! If you love hiking, Sedona is the place to be. We had the luck of striking up conversation with a local at the start of this hike, and he shared so much great intel with us about Boynton Canyon and his other top hikes in this area. 

The hike is not strenous as the trail winds through trees and brush. The red sandstone rock formations are a beautiful contrast against the green of the trees. The rocks and cliffs surround you on both sides as you wind through the canyon. Bring binoculars because there are many, many cliff dwellings in this canyon. They are not marked, you have to be looking for them.

Use your downloaded map to watch for the short spur trail to the keyhole Subway Cave. Most will attempt the very steep climb directly up into the cave. Instead, go to the left of the cave and there is another steep, but much more doable, climb up. There are rocks and roots to create a more ‘stepped’ ascent. Once at the top of this, go to the left to see some a cliff dwelling and granary. Go to the right and wind around the ridge a short distance to reach Subway cave. Note, if you go this route you will have a very short distance that requires sure footing to get into the cave.  The cave beautifully frames up the red cliffs and showcases the elevation and view. If there was ever a 5-star photo opportunity, this is for sure it.

As we were closer to the exit of Boynton Canyon, there is a social trail that leads up onto the cliff side. There are loose rocks, exposed ledges, some crawling, and some jello legs on my part with being nervous of the heights. We were treated to a large and impressive cliff dwelling within Grandmother’s Cave, then another small cliff dwelling called the Love Shack. My favorite part was squeezing through a small hole to pass through to the other side of the ridge. We did not continue on much further, but even higher up and a bit more precarious to access, is Grandfather’s Cave with another dwelling in it.

There is also a short side hike near the trailhead to reach Kachina Woman Vortex, or Boynton Pass Vortex. For those that subscribe to the power of the vortex, this one has a masculine and feminine energy.

Difficulty: Moderate overall related to distance. Strenuous for climb into the cave. 

Trail Stats: 7.2 miles, out and back, 964 feet elevation gain. We hiked out to the cave and back, then hiked up into some unmarked cliff dwellings and explored up on the cliff and ridge.

Trail Finding: Relatively clear.

Conditions: Packed dirt, some loose rock, steep access to the cave.

Would I Repeat This: Yes, I would like to find more of the cliff dwellings. 

Parking: Parking lot available. 

Timing: Intermittent shade, recommend early in the day for less people and to have a parking spot. 

Downloaded Map: Yes, it will help you find the spur trail to 

Fees: Yes. You must purchase a Red Rock Pass through the US Forest Service. You can do so online. There are daily passes, 7-day, and an annual pass option.

Trails: Devil’s Bridge, Soldier Pass, Munds Wagon, Birthing Cave, and Bell Rock Loop are all fantastic trails in the Sedona area.