Bucket List Adventure Series
Visiting Sedona, Arizona, has been on my bucket list for many years. With its red rock formations, sculpted canyons, and amazing sunsets, it’s one of the most captivating and beautiful landscapes in the country. Sedona is also an oasis for spas, meditation, and relaxation and is known to be a spiritual mecca as well. But hiking in Sedona is what I looked forward to the most. The enchanted trails leading to some of the most incredible viewpoints are what motivated me to come here. Locations such as Cathedral Rock, the Subway Cave, and Devil’s Bridge, are often talked about among hikers visiting Sedona. They are some of the most amazing formations and provide the most picturesque views you can imagine. Along with some sightseeing and a few other adventures, I had to complete at least one good hike to one of these magical places.
The Secret Subway Cave
While on a day trip, it just so happened that my tour guide, an avid hiker, knew all about these views I wanted to see. In fact, he was the one who coined the Subway Cave its name, due to its resemblance to a subway tunnel! The Subway Cave is at an off-trail location, or according to locals, at a “secret” location. However, it has recently become very popular among travelers (you can find plenty of photos on social media). He shared several hiking stories and some amazing pictures of the cave, and I was captivated by the beautiful views. I couldn’t wait to take the hike there!
Starting From Boynton Canyon Trailhead
I started out early in the morning to the trailhead of the Boynton Canyon trail, which was the main trail leading to the Subway Cave. I was a little nervous about the hike. It was about a 6-mile round-trip trek, and because the last portion of it was not an official trail and was slightly difficult to navigate, I worried that it might be too challenging for me.
Hiking With New Friends
While in the parking lot of the trailhead, I met some ladies from California who were looking for another trailhead and asked me for directions. When I told them I was going to the Subway Cave and showed them some photos, they were very excited and wanted to join me instead of their planned hike. I was happy to have them because I wasn’t sure about finding my way to this Subway Cave alone.
A Few Landmarks To Follow
We took the trail going to Boynton Canyon, which was a simple route. It was an easy-to-moderate dirt trail with some winding and sloped paths. At close to the 2-mile point, we found the Alligator Juniper tree on our left, which indicated our turn-off leading to the Subway Cave nearby. We made a right turn and navigated through the brush.
The last part of the hike was the most difficult as we trekked mostly uphill, stepping over large rocks and moving steeply towards the cave. I was weak, hot, and exhausted, yet excited to know that we were almost there. Then we arrived at the bottom of the cave.
Deciding My Destiny
For the final stretch, we would need to climb up the middle rockslide, which is about a 45-degree angle and looking up, it seemed pretty high. I barely had any strength left, and having a fear of heights, looking up at the top of the cave gave me jitters. I dropped my backpack, sat on a boulder, and sipped on my water while I observed other hikers making their way up the slide. Hadn’t I gone far enough? I found myself talking my way out of climbing up to the cave. I stared back up at the top, still fearful of the endeavor I was considering attempting. One of the women who hiked with me had already taken off her gear and made herself comfortable. She’d decided the view from her spot was good enough for her. I contemplated whether to do the same.
A few moments passed as I watched more hikers make their way up the rockslide. Some struggled, but all of them made it to the top. The more I watched, the more I hated letting my fears overcome the things I wanted to do the most. Did I really hike this far to not go through with it? I wasn’t even enjoying the view from sitting on this boulder!
A Tough Climb, But So Worth It!
“I’m doing it,” I said. I took one last gulp of water and a deep breath. I took the first couple of steps, then grabbed a piece of jagged rock. I hoisted myself up a little bit until I could reach the branch of a tree growing out from the mountain rock. Struggling and straining, I continued to climb while others at the top cheered me on. Thank goodness for the new hiking boots! The grips on the bottom worked miracles! When I reached the top, I had to stretch my leg to step onto the “platform”, but there I was.
What majestic views!!
We stayed there for quite a while. Luckily, it didn’t get crowded, so we enjoyed some time taking in the majestic views and peacefulness. If you walk on the right side of the “platform”, you can go over to another area where you can see Sinagua pueblo ruins on the cliffs. (As always, please be mindful and respectful!)
If you’re ever in Sedona and would like more information on this and many other special locations in the area, check out Ed Preston’s website, THE WANDERER’S GUIDE. He’s an avid hiker and extremely knowledgeable about these amazing hidden gems in Sedona.
This looks so amazing! The views and the hike sound beautiful. My hubby and I like to hike and we met through Rock Climbing class. Great that you found those ladies and they hiked with you, as it is good to have someone else there .My brother and sil have been to Sedona, I haven’t but it does look beautiful!
Feel free to linkup your blog at my Turning Heads Tuesday linkup if you’d like.
jess xx
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Yes, this is an amazing place! Great for incredible hikes! I’ll check out your site. Thanks!
What a gorgeous hike! I’m so impressed that you chose to do that last climb despite your fears. xo Nipa | https://fashionipa.com/
Thanks! This was such a great experience, and I’m so glad I pushed myself to overcome those fears too! Thanks for reading!
Nothing like a walk in nature it’s so very therapeutic ! Loved seeing all your photos and great information.
Yes, I always love a nature walk! Thanks for reading!