While visiting Sedona, Arizona we decided to hike to the Subway Cave. You have probably seen gorgeous pictures of this split floor cave and its amazing views. The pictures are correct. The cave is gorgeous with scenic views, and you will be glad you visited it. However, the hike to the cave and accessing the cave are an adventure unto themselves!
When we planned our 2024 trip, for some reason we decided to visit Arizona in July and August. It is hot! And, unfortunately for us, there is no ocean to play in nearby. So we made sure to arrive early for all of our hikes in Sedona, AZ.
The Subway Cave Trailhead
We found the parking lot, GPS 34°54’28.1″N 111°50’56.6″W, for the Boynton Canyon Trail and parked around six in the morning. The parking lot is easy to find, and has a vault toilet. There is a day fee, but you can use your America the Beautiful Pass.
Of course, all of the trail guides we read for the Subway Cave began by hiking the Boynton Canyon Trail until you reach the magic tree on the left. When you reach the magic tree, you turn right. Actually, we thought it would be harder to find the trail to the right, but we had no issues.
The Boynton Canyon Trail that you start on from the parking lot is a pretty easy to moderate trail. We enjoyed hiking it and taking in the views of the gorgeous canyon walls. As we hiked, we recorded the rock around us.
I kept a picture on my phone of the tree where we were to turn right to hike to the cave. However, Windell had downloaded the trail map from Alltrails for the Subway Cave and it had the correct turn on its trail guide. The trailhead is easy to find and the path is easy all the way to the cave.
Getting into the Subway Cave
Once you reach the cave, then the trail becomes more difficult and sketchier. Windell and I knew from our research that there were two ways into the cave. When we first arrived, we attempted to climb the slick rock to the cave. However, midway we decided we might need to search for another route. However, this is when we became a little confused. The companions we had met on the trail continued on around the other side of the rock. We stopped, looking up at the slick rock entrance, contemplating what we should do. Neither of us wanted to fall and break something.
Our companions finally returned, saying they had not found a back way into the cave. Since being in the cave, we now know why. There are two entrances to the cave. You can climb up the slick rock to the middle of the floor of the cave. Or, you can hike up the trail to the cave ruins to the left, make a right, and walk along the edge to enter the Subway Cave. There is no back way. With my fear of heights, I looked up at the slick rock and knew I had to go up that way.
If you are a shorter person with not much upper body strength, like me, it helps if you have someone stronger with you. Luckily, Windell climbed behind me, grabbing my butt and lifting me onto the next area when I couldn’t reach it. I don’t know if I would have made it up the rock without his help. We were not the only ones climbing up the rock with difficulty, and I had no embarrassment issues crawling for part of the way.
To get back down the cave, we took the opposite side down, putting our butts against one side and using our legs to side scramble down the other side. I am sure if you research it a little more someone will have the best way of climbing up and scrambling back down the cave entrance. But we did the best we could. If Windell was recording while I was scrambling down, it is going to be a lot of fun to watch that YouTube video.
The Subway Cave in Sedona, Arizona is as gorgeous as the pictures online. The views from the cave mouth that is divided makes it a unique experience. If you, like us, have seen the pictures and want to hike it, do it. However, don’t be afraid to take someone else along if you think you might need help up the cave entrance. I would suggest you take someone that you don’t mind if they grab your butt. However, if you arrive at the cave entrance and do struggle, you will not be the only one. Other hikers will help you reach the cave floor!