Canyon hiking route with red buttes & lofty viewpoints, hailed as a center for spiritual energy.
Boynton Canyon Trail is the one Sedona hike locals actually recommend without hedging — a red-rock route through Coconino National Forest that racks up a 4.8 rating across more than 1,500 Google reviews, which is a rare number for a trail this popular. The path threads the canyon floor beneath towering buttes, mixing sandy desert walking with rock scrambles as it climbs.
Most hikers are aiming for two landmarks: the Boynton Canyon Vortex, a short spur climb to an overlook that reviewers consistently call worth the extra effort, and the Subway Cave, a rock formation about two miles in that's become the trail's signature destination. The turn for the cave isn't well signed — reviewers note it's marked informally on the ground — and the final approach involves scrambling that not everyone will want to attempt. Beyond the cave, crowds thin out and the trail turns into shaded forest walking before ending at a cliff-ringed viewpoint.
Go early — reviewers who arrive by mid-afternoon get the trailhead lot as morning hikers clear out. It's administered by the Coconino National Forest, so check fs.usda.gov for current conditions before heading out.
1,526 reviews
in the last week
A standard trail, definitely not worth following to the end because it's pointless and doesn't lead to any particular viewpoint. The only highlight is the subway cave, for those who don't suffer from vertigo and have suitable footwear. This spot makes up for the tedious hike to get there, which isn't particularly exciting. I don't understand those who rave about it.
a week ago
Easy hike to the vista. 3-4 hours to the cave. It worth it. We took 5h to browse and walk, having fun and take pictures.
a week ago
Sedona’s four major vortex sites are known for their strong energy. I went there with my kids to explore the Subway Cave. It’s a gentle hike, but it takes about 2–3 hours round trip. Walking barefoot on Sedona’s silky soft soil, feeling the energy flow into your body, is truly amazing. The problem, however, is that despite the cave being a popular spot, the signage is either poor or nonexistent. People say to follow the trees, but near sunset it’s nearly impossible to find. Because of the lack of proper signs, we couldn’t find the cave before sunset and almost got lost. We eventually made our way down using flashlights, haha. The park authorities really need to fix this immediately to prevent potential accidents. Sedona’s four major vortex sites known for their strong energy. I went with my kids to visit the Subway Cave; it’s a gentle hike, but a 2–3 hour round trip. Walking barefoot on Sedona’s silky soft soil, feeling the energy flow, was wonderful. However, the problem is that even though the cave is a famous attraction, the signage is inadequate or non-existent (they say to follow the trees, but it is almost impossible to find at sunset). Because of the poor signage, I ended up getting lost and wandering around unable to find the cave at dusk. I ended up coming down with a flashlight lol. The park management must rectify this immediately to prevent accidents.
a week ago
Its pretty but and plenty of spots of shade while on trail. Dont take a 5 year old with you in July and make sure to google the current status of the trail to make sure there is
a month ago