Cooler temperatures beckon desert dwellers to lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails, and when time permits—a short day trip into the Coconino National Forest.
If you’re looking for a combination of exercise with a view, and you don’t mind a moderately difficult, yet short rock scramble at the end, you’ll be rewarded with one of Sedona’s most picturesque, panoramic views of the Red Rocks at the vista of Boynton Canyon Trail in Sedona.
The subway cave in Boynton Canyon is arguably one of the area’s more popular caves within the massive, sandstone red-rock mesas that Sedona is known for. This natural cave earned its name for its curved, tunnel-like walls, resemblant of a subway passage. Also referred to as the secret cave, this special spot is nestled in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness of the Coconino National Forest.
Trek to the Cave
To get started, the hike begins easy in nature with a flat, gradual uphill path among the red rock cliffs and past the tucked-away Sedona Enchantment Resort. The trail is easily distinguishable and becomes even more scenic, before descending into a wooded area.
About 2 miles into the hike, you’ll reach a large alligator Juniper tree with a narrower path to your left and a much wider path to the right. This is where you’ll want to branch right to head to the cave. The spur trail to the cave isn’t marked, so you’ll want to pay close attention when you reach the fork. (Note: If you head left, you’ll continue into the heart of the canyon, but you’ll miss the incredible views the cave offers.)
The trail to the cave isn’t maintained, but it is well-trafficked enough that it’s easy to navigate. When you reach the fork in the trail, turn right to continue the path which heads uphill to the cave. Otherwise, the path to the left leads to the creek. It’s roughly 0.4 miles from the turnoff at the Juniper tree to the cave at the base of the
red rocks.
Here you’ll see a natural passageway within the sandstone. At this point take a moment to catch your breath, hydrate and tuck your water bottle and phone away, or leave your water jugs at the bottom—you’ll need both hands to maneuver up the sandstone slickrock ramp to reach the landing. Prepare to scramble on all fours (some knees included) and brace your hands along the walls to make the relatively short, yet steep ascent to the top. If you have a fear of heights, this might not be the path for you. Some tips on hand and foot placement and words of encouragement from other friendly hikers certainly helped us as we maneuvered our way up.
Once you get there, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful canyon views through an opening that frames the surrounding red rock formations and nearby cliff dwellings. A nice ledge allows for unparalleled photo opportunities and Instagram-worthy shots.
Across the canyon, visitors can see ruins and petroglyphs. Some of the brave hikers on our visit took the path around the cliff to reach this area.
Getting back down, you’ll need to use your bottom side as well as your hands and feet, using the walls to brace yourself, and although it looks a little scary, it was fairly easy to navigate down. Tip: when you get closer to the bottom, if no other hikers are heading up, cross over to the same side you went up to take the rock steps down.
Plan on four to five hours to complete this hike. The out and back hike is roughly 5.5 miles long.
GET THERE
Boynton Canyon Trail
Head north on I-17 to the Camp Verde exit (AZ-260 W toward AZ-89A/Cottonwood.) Continue on AZ-260 W and take AZ-89A to Boynton Canyon Trail Head. The trip is roughly 97 miles from North Phoenix and approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes.
Parking Look for the developed trailhead and parking area on your right. A Red Rock Pass (purchased at the kiosk) or an America the Beautiful Pass is required to park.
Info fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/recreation/trails/boynton-canyon-trail-no-47
By Karen Goveia
editor@valleyvibenews.com
