Subway Cave Sedona: How to Find This Hidden Gem off Boynton Canyon Trail

Some hikes in Sedona — like the Subway Cave Sedona hike leave you with a sense of discovery, the feeling you’ve stumbled upon something few people know about. For us, the Subway Cave was one of those moments. We had heard rumors of a hidden cave tucked off the popular Boynton Canyon Trail, but it wasn’t listed on any map or official trail guide. A friend mentioned it in passing, so we tucked it away in our minds until one perfect Sedona morning when curiosity got the best of us.

The result? A hike that felt equal parts adventure and treasure hunt — and one of the most photogenic spots in all of Red Rock Country.

Quick Answer:
Subway Cave is an unmarked side destination off the Boynton Canyon Trail in Sedona. Reaching it involves light route-finding and a short scramble, but it’s a manageable detour for hikers comfortable leaving the main trail.

If this hike is part of a longer stay, our Sedona Travel Guide: The Ultimate Van Life Adventure pulls together nearby hikes, scenic drives, and trailhead logistics so you can plan the rest of your time without hopping all over town.

How to Find Subway Cave Sedona (Unofficial Route)

The Subway Cave is not officially part of the Boynton Canyon Trail, but you can reach it by following a short, unmarked spur about two miles from the trailhead. Here’s the route as accurately as possible based on local trail reports and our experience:

1. Start at Boynton Canyon Trailhead
   Follow the Boynton Canyon Trail from the main parking lot. You’ll pass near the edge of the Enchantment Resort before the trail opens into beautiful red rock scenery surrounded by tall canyon walls.
2. Hike about 2 miles into the canyon
   As you leave the resort boundary, the trail narrows and becomes more shaded with juniper and pine. Keep an eye out for a large Alligator Juniper tree on the left side of the trail — it’s distinctive with bark that looks like alligator skin.
3. Locate the spur trail
   Directly across from that tree, on the right side, a narrower footpath cuts into the forest. This is the unmarked turnoff toward the Subway Cave. It’s not an official trail, so use discretion and respect the environment as you proceed.
4. Follow the spur for 0.3–0.4 miles
   The path climbs steadily and crosses a small wash. When the trail splits, take the right fork and continue uphill until the red cliffs come into view.
5. The climb into the cave
   Once you reach the sandstone wall, you’ll see a natural ramp of slickrock leading up into the opening. The climb looks steeper than it is — use hands for balance and take your time. When you step inside, you’ll find yourself in a curved tunnel-like chamber — the “Subway” — carved by centuries of erosion.

Inside the Subway Cave

Standing inside the cave feels otherworldly. The sunlight filters through the narrow opening, bouncing warm red hues across the sandstone walls. You can walk the ledge to one side for different vantage points, and if you look closely, you’ll notice small alcoves and ruins nearby — reminders that this canyon holds deep cultural history.

The acoustics are incredible too — soft echoes of voices and camera shutters bouncing around the curved rock. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger, just to soak it all in.

Trail Experience

What we loved about this hike was how it balanced forest serenity with red-rock drama. The first half winds through junipers and oaks, offering glimpses of Boynton Canyon’s towering cliffs. The detour to the Subway adds an element of mystery — a small detour that feels like you’re unlocking Sedona’s best-kept secret, like the Devils Bridge Sedona Sunrise Hike, it’s one of those experiences that reward the early adventurer.

We remember the mix of anticipation and doubt — wondering if we’d missed the turn, second-guessing landmarks — until finally, the cave appeared. That moment made the whole hike worth it.

Parking and Timing Tips

• Arrive early: The Boynton Canyon lot is small and fills fast, especially mid-morning.
• Parking pass: Display a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass in your windshield.
• Best time of day: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
• Respect the site: The cave and nearby alcoves are sacred to Indigenous peoples. Stay on durable surfaces and do not touch or enter any archaeological ruins.
• Helpful planning note: We’ve written a short guide on Sedona Parking, Shuttles & the Red Rock Pass Explained if you want a clearer picture of how trailhead access works around Sedona.

Final Thoughts

The Subway Cave Sedona hike is part adventure, part art gallery — nature’s masterpiece carved into the canyon walls. It’s a short detour that transforms the Boynton Canyon Trail into something extraordinary.

For us, it was the element of surprise that made it special — finding something hidden in plain sight and earning the reward through curiosity and a little determination.

Read More Sedona Adventures

• Devils Bridge Sedona Sunrise Hike | Magic in the Morning Light
• Jordan → Soldier Pass Loop | Sedona’s Red Rock Circle
• The Best Hikes in Sedona