The Subway Cave in Boynton Canyon draws a steady stream of hikers in peak season, and a good share of them never find the turnoff: they walk the main trail, look up at the canyon walls, and walk back—never realizing the cave they came for was 200 vertical feet above them behind an unmarked spur that branches off at a nondescript pile of rocks near mile 0.3. You can preview the Subway Cave POV film to see the ledge approach before you go.
In This Guide
14 min read
Sedona's caves aren't really caves. They're alcoves, overhangs, and solution cavities eroded into the Supai sandstone and Coconino limestone—shallow formations open to the sky on at least one side. None require spelunking gear. None go deep underground. But they do require something most guides fail to provide: directions that actually work. The spur trails to Sedona's cave formations are unsigned, unmaintained, and deliberately obscured by land managers who balance access with preservation. Finding them requires GPS coordinates, specific visual landmarks, and the patience to navigate use paths that disappear on slickrock.
This guide provides the wayfinding details for every accessible cave formation in the Red Rock Ranger District—with the difficulty reality, the preservation ethics, and the honest assessment of what you'll find when you get there.
Navigating Sedona's Secret Geological Formations
Energy Site Locations and Archaeological Etiquette
Several Sedona cave formations contain evidence of ancestral habitation—soot-blackened ceilings, grinding holes in the rock floor, and in some cases, remnant wall structures. These are archaeological sites protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. The rules are absolute and federally enforced:
- Do not touch, move, or remove any artifacts. A grinding hole in the rock floor is not a souvenir—it's a protected archaeological resource.
- Do not stack rocks, leave offerings, or create cairns inside cave formations. These alter the site and are not part of the cultural tradition associated with the site.
- Do not burn sage, candles, or incense inside caves. The soot alters the rock surface and obscures historical soot patterns that archaeologists use for dating.
- Photograph freely. Touch nothing.
The Birthing Cave in particular has suffered from visitors leaving crystals, candles, prayer flags, and other objects. Forest Service staff remove these regularly. The intention may be respectful; the impact is degradation of an irreplaceable site.
Navigating Unmarked Trails in the Coconino National Forest
Cave access trails are "social trails"—user-created paths that don't appear on official Forest Service maps. They exist because thousands of hikers have walked the same route, wearing a visible path into the landscape. Social trails have no signs, no blazes, and no maintenance. They branch, braid, and dead-end. Navigation depends on:
GPS: We do not publish waypoints for these spurs — the ones that circulate online are often wrong by hundreds of yards, and earlier versions of this page repeated one. Use the visual landmarks below, our first-person films where they exist, and an offline map loaded before you leave town, since signal is unreliable at the trailheads.
Visual landmarks: A specific rock formation, a distinctive tree, a wash crossing. These are described in detail for each cave.
Boot patina: On slickrock, the social trail appears as a darkened, polished strip where hundreds of boots have worn the rock surface smooth. In low-angle light (morning, late afternoon), boot patina is obvious. In flat midday light, it's nearly invisible. Time your cave hikes for morning light if possible.
The "look up" rule: Cave formations are above the main trail—sometimes far above. The spur trails climb steeply from the canyon floor to alcoves 100–300 feet higher. If you're walking flat and looking for a cave, you're on the wrong trail. The approach always goes up.
Top Sedona Cave Hikes (Detailed Guides)
The Subway Cave (Boynton Canyon): The Famous Ridge Walk
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main trail | Boynton Canyon Trail No. 47 — 6 miles out and back, 931 ft, moderately challenging (Forest Service) |
| Spur to cave | Unsigned use trail, a wash crossing and a steep slickrock ramp; not a Forest Service trail |
| Spur junction | Well into the canyon, after the trail enters its shaded section — not near the trailhead. We have not measured the distance and do not print one. |
| Time | A long morning: the canyon walk in, the ramp, time in the alcove, the walk out |
| Parking | Boynton Canyon trailhead lot beside the Enchantment Resort gate; Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful required (Forest Service); no shuttle |
Finding the junction:
The turnoff is deep in the canyon, past the point where the trail leaves the open first mile and enters shade — not near the lot, and not near the Boynton Vista spur. Nothing marks it. Our Subway Cave POV film shows the exact bend where the use trail leaves the main trail, the wash crossing and the ramp; the Boynton Canyon guide explains how the Subway fits with the vortex spur and the box canyon. Earlier versions of this page placed the junction a third of a mile from the trailhead; that was wrong.
Visual landmark: you are looking for a worn use path that drops toward the wash on the cliff side of the canyon once the walls have closed in and the pines have taken over. If you reach the end of the canyon, you have passed it.
The approach: the use trail crosses the wash and climbs a slickrock ramp at an angle the photographs understate, with the steepest moves at the alcove mouth. It is a few minutes of bare rock where a slip slides rather than stops; grippy soles and dry rock are the requirements.
What you'll find: an alcove that curves overhead in the tunnel shape that gave it its name, opening onto the canyon for the photograph everyone climbs for — and a Sinagua-era ruin inside it. Do not climb on, lean against or enter the masonry, take nothing, and leave offerings alone; archaeological sites on national forest land are protected by federal law.
The difficulty truth: The approach involves Class 2 scrambling on steep slickrock. It's not technical (no hand-over-hand climbing), but it's steep enough that a fall would send you sliding 20–30 feet on abrasive rock. Hiking boots with good tread are essential. Sandals and smooth-soled shoes slip on the approach. In our guidance the Subway Cave route sits in the older-child, preteen and teen bracket; it is not a small-child outing, and not for anyone uncomfortable with steep, exposed scrambling.
Soldier Pass Cave: The Unsigned Fork and the Loose Spur
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main trail | Soldier Pass Trail No. 66 — 4 miles round trip to the Brins Mesa junction, 641 ft, moderate (Forest Service) |
| Spur to cave | The right fork at the wilderness-boundary sign; the Forest Service describes it as a steep quarter-mile climb to an arch — the alcove everyone calls the cave is the same destination |
| Spur junction | 1.3 miles from the trailhead, an eighth of a mile past the end of the jeep road (Forest Service) |
| Total RT to cave | Roughly 3 miles |
| Time | Less than the Forest Service's 2.5-hour full-trail estimate; most of the variance is how long you sit in the alcove |
| Parking | Soldier Pass trailhead, 16 spaces by our count (the Forest Service lists 14), open 8 AM–6 PM and closed to cars on every shuttle-service day; Route 14 shuttle from Posse Grounds |
Finding the junction:
Walk the Soldier Pass Trail past Devils Kitchen (about a quarter mile) and the Seven Sacred Pools (about half a mile) to the end of the jeep road at 1.2 miles. An eighth of a mile later a sign marks the wilderness boundary and the trail forks: left is the main trail to the pass, right is the narrower, steeper spur to the alcove. Nothing at the fork names the cave.
Visual landmark: The junction is in a relatively flat, open area where the main trail bends left (north) toward Brins Mesa. The cliff face above is distinctive—a horizontal band of darker red rock with a lighter band above it. The cave opening is visible from the trail if you know where to look: a dark horizontal slot in the cliff above.
The approach: Steep scramble on loose rock and sandy soil. The path switchbacks twice, then traverses right along the cliff base to a final scramble up through a notch. The cave entrance is a low, wide opening that you can walk into upright in the center but requires ducking at the edges.
What you'll find: an open-fronted alcove eroded back into the cliff, cooler and dimmer than the trail, with a ceiling pitted by honeycomb weathering and a framed view out that is the photograph people climb for. It is busy on weekend mornings; a polite queue at the mouth is normal.
The difficulty truth: the spur is short but steep and loose, and the final stretch below the opening is where most people put a hand down. Nothing is technical; descending the loose rock is where ankles get turned. For families, the pools are the natural finish and the spur is a judgment call for older children with an adult directly below them.
For the full trail guide: Soldier Pass Trail
Birthing Cave: Short Distance, High Impact, Family Accessible
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main trail | Boynton Canyon Trail or Long Canyon Trail access |
| Spur to cave | ~0.2 mi from Long Canyon trailhead |
| Total RT | ~0.6 mi RT (from Long Canyon approach) |
| Gain | ~100 ft |
| Time | 30–45 min RT |
| Parking | Long Canyon trailhead pulloff (small) |
Finding the junction:
The shortest approach uses the Long Canyon trailhead (not Boynton Canyon). From the trailhead, walk north on the Long Canyon Trail for approximately 0.2 miles. On your left (west), a well-worn use path branches uphill toward a distinctive rock overhang visible from the trail.
Visual landmark: The cave overhang is visible from the main trail—a large, arched opening in the cliff face roughly 100 feet above the trail floor. The use path to it is one of the most established social trails in Sedona, with clear boot patina and informal cairns.
The approach: A moderate climb on a well-worn path. One short section (15 feet) requires hands on rock for balance—low Class 2. The rest is steep dirt trail.
What you'll find: A massive arched overhang roughly 80 feet wide, 50 feet deep, and 30 feet tall. It's the largest single cave formation accessible by trail in the Red Rock Ranger District. The floor is sandy and relatively flat—children can walk and play inside safely. The opening frames a panoramic view of the canyon below and the red rock ridgeline across the valley. The name "Birthing Cave" reflects a local tradition (not an archaeologically confirmed use)—the concave shape of the alcove is said to create a protective, womb-like energy.
The preservation reality: Birthing Cave is the most visited cave formation in Sedona and the most impacted. Visitors leave crystals, candles, prayer flags, and stacked rocks. Forest Service crews clean the site regularly. The rule is simple: take photos, leave nothing, take nothing.
Why this is the family cave: Shortest approach, easiest climb, largest interior, safest floor. Kids ages 5+ can make the climb with assistance on the one steep section. The cave interior is large enough for kids to explore without exposure risk. This is the cave for families who want the experience without the scramble difficulty of Subway or Soldier Pass.
Keyhole Cave: The Photographer's Hidden Window
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Social trail from Boynton Canyon or Dry Creek area |
| Spur distance | ~0.5 mi from nearest established trail |
| Total RT | ~2.0 mi RT |
| Gain | ~200 ft |
| Time | 1.5–2 hrs RT |
| Parking | Dry Creek Road area or Boynton Canyon TH |
The wayfinding challenge: Keyhole Cave (also called "Keyhole Arch" or "Window Cave") is the most difficult cave formation to find in the Red Rock Ranger District. The social trail is faint, braided, and crosses open slickrock where boot patina is the only route marker. GPS is essential. The approach involves Class 2 scrambling on steep slickrock.
What you'll find: A narrow, eye-shaped opening in a rock wall that frames a distant view of red rock formations—the "keyhole" that gives the cave its name. The opening is roughly 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Photographers shoot through the keyhole to frame Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, or other distant formations depending on the specific opening. The interior space is small—room for 2–3 people.
The honest assessment: Keyhole Cave is a photography destination, not a hiking destination. The cave itself is a small window in a rock wall. The payoff is the framed view through the opening, not the cave experience. If you're a photographer, the composition is unique and worth the route-finding effort. If you're a family looking for a cave experience, Birthing Cave delivers far more satisfaction for far less navigational difficulty.
GPS and detailed approach directions: Due to the fragile social trail and the preservation concerns around increasing foot traffic, we recommend using the AllTrails or Gaia GPS community waypoints for Keyhole Cave rather than publishing step-by-step directions. Download the offline map before your hike. The cave is findable with GPS assistance; the social trail is followable but not describable in text without encouraging off-trail wandering.
Let a Local Guide Lead Your Hike
Expert-led hiking tours handle trail logistics, trailhead parking, and route-finding — you just enjoy the views.
Most tours listed offer free cancellation — check each listing.
Lesser-Known Cave and Arch Formations
Robber's Roost: Quiet Backcountry Access
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Social trail from FR 525 area |
| Total RT | ~0.4 mi RT |
| Gain | ~100 ft |
| Time | 20–30 min RT |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
The pitch: Robber's Roost is a small cliff dwelling ruin—not a natural cave but an ancestral structure built into a shallow alcove. It's the least-visited "cave" destination in the Sedona area because it's accessed from a Forest Road rather than a signed trailhead. The social trail is short (0.2 miles) but unsigned. The ruin itself is small—a partially intact stone wall structure within a sandstone overhang.
Archaeological rules apply strictly here. This is a cultural site, not a recreational one. Do not enter the structure. Do not touch the walls. Photograph from a respectful distance. The site has survived centuries; your 3-minute visit shouldn't leave a trace.
Shaman's Cave (Palatki Area): Remote Cultural Experience
Shaman's Cave is accessible near the Palatki Heritage Site—a separate area from the main Sedona trail system that requires advance reservations through the Coconino National Forest. This is a pictograph site with cave-like overhangs displaying ancient rock art. It's not a hike-to-a-cave experience in the same category as Subway or Soldier Pass—it's a guided cultural visit to an archaeological site.
Reservation required. Book through recreation.gov. Free with Red Rock Pass. Limited to 15 visitors per time slot. The experience is educational rather than adventurous—a ranger or volunteer guide explains the pictographs and the cultural context.
For hikers wanting a cave adventure: prioritize Subway Cave, Soldier Pass Cave, or Birthing Cave. For cultural enrichment: Palatki is extraordinary but requires separate planning.
Trail Logistics and Safety
Hikes with Caves: Difficulty and Time Comparison
| Cave | Total RT | Gain | Scramble? | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birthing Cave | 0.6 mi | 100 ft | Low Class 2 (one section) | Easy-moderate | Families, first cave experience |
| Subway Cave | 1.2 mi | 250 ft | Class 2 sustained | Moderate-hard | Photographers, adventurers |
| Soldier Pass Cave | 2.9 mi | 150 ft (spur) | Class 2 (short, steep) | Moderate | Hikers wanting the most "cave-like" cave |
| Keyhole Cave | 2.0 mi | 200 ft | Class 2 on slickrock | Hard (route-finding) | Photographers specifically |
| Robber's Roost | 0.4 mi | 100 ft | Minimal | Easy | Cultural interest, solitude |
The decision shortcut: First cave experience → Birthing Cave. Most dramatic cave interior → Soldier Pass. Best cave-with-a-view → Subway Cave. Photography through a window → Keyhole. Cultural site → Robber's Roost or Palatki.
Red Rock Pass Required and USFS Red Rock Ranger District Rules
Red Rock Pass required — or a qualifying federal recreation pass — at designated Forest Service fee sites. Not every trailhead follows the same rule, so check the fee designation for the specific trailhead. $5 daily / $15 weekly / $20 annual. America the Beautiful ($80) is accepted at Red Rock Pass fee sites (not at Coconino Pass day-use sites such as Crescent Moon and Call of the Canyon).
Cave-specific rules:
- No fires or candles inside caves. Rock surfaces are irreversibly damaged by soot.
- No removal of rock, sand, or formations. Federal penalties apply.
- No climbing on or modifying cave walls. Chalk, paint, and carvings are vandalism.
- Pack out all trash including food wrappers, water bottles, and any "offerings."
- Dogs are not permitted inside cave formations (Forest Service guidance).
Verified facts on this page
- Sedona Shuttle operating days and hours (Thursday–Sunday, daily during spring-break and holiday periods) — verified against the City of Sedona (sedonashuttle.com): October 14, 2026.
- Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass trailhead-lot closures during shuttle service, and Soldier Pass gate hours — verified against the City of Sedona (sedonashuttle.com): October 14, 2026.
- Red Rock Pass rules — where it is required, which federal passes are accepted, and rates ($5 daily / $15 weekly / $20 annual) — verified against the Coconino National Forest pass program and its authorized online vendor: October 14, 2026.
Distances, elevation and terrain change rarely; the items above change often and are re-checked against the source named.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Subway Cave hike dangerous?
The hike itself is short (1.2 miles round-trip) but the approach involves Class 2 scrambling on steep slickrock with exposure. A fall on the approach wouldn't be life-threatening but could produce a painful slide on abrasive sandstone. The cave interior is safe—flat sandy floor, solid overhead rock, no deep drops. The danger is the approach, not the cave. Wear hiking boots with good tread (not sandals, not smooth-soled shoes), and don't attempt the spur in wet conditions when the slickrock becomes extremely slippery. Children under 8 should do Birthing Cave instead.
Where is the easiest cave to hike to in Sedona?
Birthing Cave via the Long Canyon approach. It's 0.6 miles round-trip with roughly 100 feet of elevation gain and one short section requiring hands for balance. The cave interior is the largest in the district—80 feet wide, 50 feet deep—with a flat sandy floor safe for children. It's also the most accessible by car: the Long Canyon trailhead is a small pulloff on Long Canyon Road, 10 minutes from West Sedona. Total trip time from lodging: under 60 minutes.
Segment Advice:
- Families with kids 5–12: Birthing Cave. The only cave with a short approach, easy terrain, and a large interior where kids can explore safely. The approach's one steep section is short enough to assist children through it.
- Photographers: Subway Cave for the interior framing shot. Keyhole Cave for the window composition. Both require GPS and route-finding—download offline maps before the hike.
- Adventure hikers: Soldier Pass Cave. The most enclosed, most "cave-like" experience. Combine with the three-POI Soldier Pass loop (Devils Kitchen + Seven Sacred Pools + cave) for a half-day.
- Couples seeking solitude: Robber's Roost. You'll likely be alone. The cultural resonance of the cliff dwelling adds depth beyond the physical experience.
- First-time Sedona visitors: Subway Cave. It's the most famous, the most frequently photographed, and the one your friends will ask about. The route-finding is manageable with GPS and the visual landmarks in this guide.
Cost breakdown:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Red Rock Pass (daily) | $5/vehicle |
| Palatki reservation (if visiting) | Free with Red Rock Pass |
| Per person (2 in car) | $2.50 |
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