A hidden sandstone chamber accessed by a moderate hike that culminates in a distinctive curved cave opening resembling a tunnel carved into the cliff face.
Weekly pass: $15
Annual pass: $20
How to Get There
From Sedona (6 mi): Take AZ-89A west, turn right onto Dry Creek Road, follow it to Boynton Canyon Road, and continue to the trailhead where the hike begins.
Overview
Carved into the towering sandstone walls of a secluded canyon, Subway Cave is a striking geological formation known for its smooth, curved interior that resembles the shape of a tunnel. The journey to reach it follows a well-traveled canyon trail before branching onto a steeper, less-defined route that requires careful navigation and a short climb over rock ledges. As the path ascends, the terrain transitions from shaded forest floor to exposed slickrock, where the surrounding cliffs close in and create a sense of entering a hidden world.
Inside the cave, the natural architecture reveals a sweeping concave wall that frames the surrounding landscape in a dramatic arc, with light filtering across its surface to highlight the layered textures of the rock. The interplay of shadow and color gives the formation its distinctive visual appeal, making it one of the most photographed sites in the region. Despite its popularity, the final approach retains a sense of exploration, offering visitors a blend of scenic beauty, physical challenge, and the quiet awe of discovering a place shaped over millions of years.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Subway Cave, Boynton Canyon Trail resources, AllTrails, and regional hiking guides, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.