The Subway Cave: How to Visit Sedona’s Most Popular Cave Without the Crowds

Sedona’s red rock caves are among its most popular attractions. None is busier than the Subway Cave in Boynton Canyon. The reason is simple. The cave is beautiful. The views from inside are spectacular. Photographs of the cave have spread across social media, drawing more visitors every year.

With proper planning, however, the crowds can be avoided. An early morning start or a winter visit can mean having the cave almost entirely to oneself. An added bonus on this hike is a pair of Sinagua ruins located directly across from the cave. Visitors can see both ancient dwellings and a stunning cave in a single outing.

Getting to the Trailhead

The hike to the Subway Cave starts at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead. This trailhead is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Sedona. It is located along Boynton Pass Road.

The parking lot at the trailhead is small. It fills extremely quickly. Tip number one for having the cave to yourself is to start first thing in the morning. Arriving at sunrise makes a huge difference. Later starts risk not only crowds at the cave but also the frustration of finding no parking.

Some street parking is available along Boynton Pass Road. However, this also fills up quickly. Parking in the Boynton Canyon lot requires displaying either a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful annual pass. Red Rock Passes can be purchased at the trailhead from a kiosk located near the vault toilet.

The Hike to the Cave

The Boynton Canyon Trail is the route to the Subway Cave. The hike is not too difficult. Total elevation gain to reach the cave and return is about 700 feet. The round trip distance is approximately 5.5 miles.

The trail begins by following signs for Boynton Canyon. For about two miles, the path is a mix of relatively flat sections and gradual uphill climbs. The first mile takes hikers into the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. Tall red rock cliffs rise on both sides. The Sedona Enchantment Resort sits on the left.

The next mile is more scenic. Even more beautiful red rocks appear before the trail descends into a wooded area. The terrain changes here. Trees provide some shade. The sounds of the desert give way to a quieter forest atmosphere.

The Key Landmark

Continuing along the trail, hikers eventually come to a distinctive tree. This tree is the key landmark for finding the Subway Cave. The image of this tree should be burned into memory before proceeding.

Straight ahead, the trail continues into the heart of Boynton Canyon. Turning right at this tree onto a spur trail leads to the Subway Cave. Having a map downloaded to a phone is a good idea. Cell service is not reliable in this area. The Boynton Canyon map on various hiking apps clearly marks the spur trail to the cave.

Sometimes the trail to the cave may be blocked by logs or other debris. Hikers should simply go around or over these obstacles. The spur trail is not officially maintained. However, it is heavily trafficked enough that it remains relatively easy to follow.

The Fork in the Trail

The spur trail eventually comes to a fork. The left fork leads across a creek. The right fork heads uphill. The right fork is the correct way to the Subway Cave. From the turnoff at the tree to the cave is just under one mile. The trail zigzags while heading gradually uphill. Soon enough, hikers find themselves at the base of red rock cliffs.

A sign notes the presence of Sinagua ruins in the area. Passing this sign means the cave is close. Looking up and to the left reveals the ruins perched on the cliff face.

Two Ways to Enter the Cave

There are two options for reaching the Subway Cave. The first is to go straight up into it. The rock slope here can be a little slippery. Sticking to the sides where grip is better makes the climb easier. When the cave is busy, this route can become a traffic jam. People go up and down at the same time, creating a bottleneck.

The recommended route is to head left instead. A short scramble leads to the cliffs above. This route may not be suitable for those with a serious fear of heights. The scramble requires using hands and feet on the rock face. Once at the top, visitors can head left to check out several petroglyphs and the two Sinagua ruins. Looking only is permitted. Touching the ruins or petroglyphs damages them and is prohibited.

From this higher vantage point, the views of Boynton Canyon are excellent. Visitors can see across to the cliff side that leads into the cave. The cliff side wraps around and into the Subway Cave. One section around the bend is narrow, perhaps six or seven feet wide, and slightly sloped. The rock here is rough, providing good grip. Making the way around the edge leads directly into the cave.

Inside the Subway Cave

Heading to the back of the cave provides the classic view. The opening frames the red rock cliffs and blue sky beyond. The cave gets its name from its shape, which resembles a subway car or tunnel.

During busy months, the cave is crowded. Getting a photograph with no one else in the frame is difficult. The narrow space inside the cave holds only a few people at once. Lines form for the classic photo spot.

How to Avoid the Crowds

Tip number two for visiting the cave without crowds is to go in an off month. Winter is the best choice. Yes, the warm weather of spring and fall is gone. Yes, there is even a risk of snow. But the trade-off is solitude.

A September visit to the Subway Cave is a madhouse. A December visit, especially early in the morning, brings only a handful of other hikers. The solution to no crowds is simple. Visit early in the morning. Visit during an off month. Combine both strategies for the best chance of having the cave entirely to oneself.

The Sinagua Ruins

The Sinagua people lived in this area from approximately 600 to 1400 AD. They built dwellings into the cliffs, using natural alcoves for shelter. The ruins across from the Subway Cave are a reminder of their presence.

The ruins are visible from the cliff above the cave. A pair of structures sit in an alcove in the rock face. From a distance, they appear remarkably intact. Like many ruins in the Bears Ears and Sedona areas, these have been looted of artifacts over the years. What remains is the stone work. Visitors should treat these sites with respect. Look, do not touch. Do not enter the ruins. Leave nothing behind.

What to Bring

Water is essential on this hike. The trail is 5.5 miles round trip with 700 feet of elevation gain. The desert air is dry. Dehydration happens quickly. At least one liter of water per person is recommended.

Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are important. The spur trail involves scrambling on rock. Slippery sections require secure footing.

A camera is essential for capturing the cave. A wide-angle lens works well for the interior shots. A telephoto lens can capture the ruins and petroglyphs from across the canyon.

Sunscreen and a hat protect against the sun. Much of the trail is exposed. Even in winter, the desert sun is strong.

Best Time of Day

Early morning is the best time to visit the Subway Cave. The light is soft. The temperatures are cool. The crowds have not yet arrived. Parking is available at the trailhead.

Midday brings harsh light and high temperatures. The cave is busiest between 10 AM and 2 PM. Afternoon light can be beautiful, but the crowds remain.

Late afternoon offers good light for photography. The setting sun casts warm colors on the red rocks. However, starting a 5.5-mile hike late in the day risks being on the trail after dark. Headlamps are necessary for late finishes.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring and fall are the busiest seasons in Sedona. Temperatures are mild. The weather is pleasant. The crowds are at their peak. Visiting the Subway Cave during these months requires an early start to beat the rush.

Summer is hot. Daytime temperatures often exceed 90 degrees. The hike has limited shade. Early morning starts are essential for summer visits. Thunderstorms are possible in July and August. Flash floods are a risk in the canyon.

Winter is the quietest season. Temperatures are cool but comfortable for hiking. Snow is rare but possible. The cave sees few visitors in December and January. Winter is the best time for solitude.

Nearby Attractions

Boynton Canyon is also home to a vortex site. The Boynton Vista Trail branches off from the main canyon trail. This short, steep trail leads to a viewpoint and a vortex. For those interested in Sedona’s spiritual side, this is worth the detour.

The Enchantment Resort sits along the Boynton Canyon Trail. The resort is private property. Hikers should stay on the trail and not enter resort grounds.

Conclusion

The Subway Cave is the most popular cave in Sedona for good reason. The shape is unique. The views are spectacular. The hike through Boynton Canyon is beautiful in its own right. The added bonus of Sinagua ruins makes this an even richer experience.

The crowds are real. Photographs of the cave on social media have brought more visitors every year. But the crowds are manageable. Starting early in the morning makes a huge difference. Visiting in winter, during the off season, makes an even bigger difference. Combine both strategies, and having the cave almost entirely to oneself is entirely possible.

The Subway Cave deserves its popularity. The slot-like interior framing the red rock cliffs is unlike anything else in Sedona. The scramble up the cliff side adds a touch of adventure. The ruins across the canyon connect visitors to the people who lived here centuries ago. For anyone visiting Sedona, the Subway Cave is a must-see. Just go early. Go in winter if possible. And enjoy the cave without the crowds.