Boynton Canyon & The Subway Cave

You know when you’re scrolling Instagram and see another "must-do" hike splashed across a million filtered photos with captions like “life-changing” or “bucket list-worthy”? That's exactly what I assumed the Subway Cave in Sedona would be — another overhyped destination that looks incredible online but ends up feeling, well, meh.
Spoiler alert: I was wrong. So very wrong.

After spending a few days in Phoenix watching way too much MLB Spring Training (no regrets, but also: enough overpriced hot dogs for a lifetime), I was itching for something different. Enter Sedona. The red rocks had been calling my name for a while, and this time, I decided not to ignore them.

MLB Spring Training game at Diablo Stadium in Phoenix | @drewmeek

At an ungodly hour before sunrise, I hopped in the car with my aunt Jeni — basically a hiking machine disguised as a human — and we headed north. "Ready to look at some rocks?" she joked as we cruised down the empty highway, desert stretching endlessly around us. The sun clawed its way over the horizon, and that familiar mix of excitement and mild dread kicked in. You know, the feeling you get when you're about to willingly exert yourself for hours. But Sedona’s red rock formations make it all worth it.

By the time we pulled into Boynton Canyon around 7:00 AM, we were basically the only ones there — which, if you’ve ever been to Sedona, is like winning the lottery. The air was crisp, the coffee was kicking in, and the adventure was on.

BOYNTON CANYON + THE SUBWAY CAVE
**Distance:** 7.1 miles round-trip
**Total Ascent:** ~1,100 feet
**Difficulty:** Moderate (plan for some scrambling near the cave)
**Time Required:** 4 to 6 hours
**Trailhead:** Boynton Canyon Trailhead (get there early — parking fills fast)

The Hike That Keeps You Guessing

Boynton Canyon eases you in. You start off strolling past the fancy Enchantment Resort (where people pay small fortunes to relax while you're out here getting free therapy from nature). The trail is wide, flat, and friendly — until it isn't.

A couple of miles in, six hot air balloons floated into view like surreal bubbles rising over the cliffs. It sounds cheesy, but trust me: seeing hot air balloons at sunrise against red rock cliffs will scramble your brain in the best way. (And if you’re into moments like that — unexpected magic out on the trail — I share a lot more hikes, stories, and behind-the-scenes stuff on Instagram @drewmeek.)

Hot air balloons floating over the Enchantment Resort in Sedona | @drewmeek

Around mile 2.5, you'll hit a key marker: a gnarly, twisted tree and a faint arrow scratched into the dirt reading "Cave." It’s easy to miss if you're zoned out — so if you're heading to the Subway Cave, stay alert and maybe even mark it on your offline map (pro tip: download AllTrails+ or Google Maps offline before you lose service).

This is where the real fun starts. The trail to the cave fades fast. GPS becomes your best friend. Wrong turns are part of the experience (seriously, it’s part of the charm).

Cave entrance - the steep way | @drewmeek

At the base of the cliff, you’ll face a choice: a longer, easier path winding around to the left, or a steep, direct scramble straight up. We picked the scramble, because, you know — do it for the plot.

At the top the hype is absolutely real. The Subway Cave's natural arch frames a panoramic view of the canyon below, and the way the light hits those red walls... let's just say your camera will get a workout.

(I filmed a few clips while we scrambled up and took it all in — thinking about putting together a quick video on YouTube. If you’re into trail POVs and real, messy adventure moments, you’ll find them here.)

Bonus: Check Out the Ancient Ruins

Sinagua ruins seen from the cave | @drewmeek

After soaking up the cave views, take a short detour to explore the Sinagua ruins nearby. Built over a thousand years ago, they’re humbling. Standing there, it's impossible not to feel small in the best way.

Don't touch or disturb the ruins. They're protected, fragile, and deserve our respect.

Pro Tips for Not Screwing Up Your Hike

Get There Early: Parking fills up by 8 AM, especially on weekends.
Offline Maps Are a Lifesaver: Service is spotty. Download your trail maps before you go.
Good Shoes Matter: You’ll want sturdy hiking shoes — the rocks around the cave can be slippery.
Pack More Water Than You Think: Even in cooler temps, Sedona will dry you out. Two liters minimum.
Leave No Trace: Obvious? Yes. Still necessary? Absolutely. Respect the land, the trail, and the history.
Plan for photos: The Subway Cave and the rest of the trail are natural photo studios. Bring a camera or your phone, and don’t rush.
Bonus Pro Tip: If you want the Subway Cave to yourself (or nearly to yourself), aim to hit it early on a weekday. Sunrise hikers are the real MVPs.

Final Thoughts: 100% Worth It

Sedona’s Boynton Canyon and the Subway Cave didn’t just meet my expectations — they blew them out of the water. It’s not just about snagging a pretty picture (though let’s be real, the photos are fire). It’s about reconnecting with something older, bigger, and more real than the daily buzz of life.

(If you’re into escaping the curated chaos for something real, I actually wrote a piece about stepping away from Instagram for over a year - and what coming back felt like. You might like it.)

By the time we made it back to the car, the parking lot was packed, the day was heating up, and the everyday chaos of life was already creeping back in. But that feeling — standing inside the Subway Cave, gazing out at a landscape carved by time itself — stuck with me. Still does.

(Standing there made me think about how much of the natural world - and even the night sky - we’re at risk of losing. If you’re into preserving wild places, I wrote a piece about saving the night sky from light pollution, with a shoutout to Flagstaff, Arizona. You can check it out here.)

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Thanks for reading — see you out on the trail.