Julie Last updated: November 19, 2025 United States 37 Comments Pinterest Facebook Flipboard This post may contain affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Boynton Canyon is one of Sedona’s top hikes. This is a relatively easy hike, as you walk on a mostly flat trail that is sheltered from the sun. The trail ends at the back of the canyon, where a short climb takes you up to a viewpoint, offering sweeping views of Boynton Canyon. Along the trail, there are two detours you can take, to make this hike even more memorable. Near the start of the hike, take the short detour on the Boynton Vista Trail for stunning views over the Enchantment Resort and the red rocks of Sedona. There is also a cave and Sinagua ruins you can visit. This cave, often referred to as the Subway Cave or the Boynton cave, frequently shows up on hiking websites (on All Trails this is the 3rd most popular hike in Sedona at the time that I am updating this) and it is also listed on Trip Advisor. Most of the people we met on the Boynton Canyon trail were hiking this trail with the sole purpose of visiting the Subway Cave. Hopefully, with our trail description and photos, we can point you in the right direction, to prevent damage to the area by keeping you on the correct trail. Please respect this area, by staying on the trail, leaving artifacts and ruins as you found them, and practicing the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Boynton Canyon is also the location of one of the four major Sedona vortexes. I read conflicting information about the exact location of this vortex. Vortex Hunters state the vortex is located on the Boynton Vista Trail. Jamie Elder, author of Sedona’s Best Vortex Guidebook, states that many vortexes are located throughout Boynton Canyon. She states that you could spend an entire day exploring offshoots from the main trail to experience these vortexes. In this post, learn how to hike Boynton Canyon and add on the Boynton Vista Trail and Subway Cave. Table of Contents Toggle Boynton Canyon & Subway Cave Hiking StatsBoynton Canyon TrailBoynton Canyon + the Subway CaveBoynton Canyon + the Subway Cave + Boynton Canyon Vista TrailMore Information:How to Hike Boynton CanyonGetting to the TrailheadOn the TrailBoynton Vista TrailThrough Boynton CanyonThe Subway CaveIn the Subway CaveTo Boynton Canyon OverlookTips to Have the Best ExperienceWhat to Bring on the Hike Boynton Canyon & Subway Cave Hiking Stats Boynton Canyon Trail Distance: 6.3 miles out-and-backTotal Ascent: 800 feetDifficulty: EasyLength of Time: 2.5 to 4 hours Boynton Canyon + the Subway Cave Distance: 7.1 miles out-and-backTotal Ascent: 1,100 feetDifficulty: ModerateLength of Time: 4 to 6 hours Boynton Canyon + the Subway Cave + Boynton Canyon Vista Trail Distance: 7.5 miles out-and-backTotal Ascent: 1,300 feetDifficulty: ModerateLength of Time: 4.5 to 6.5 hours More Information: When to Go: All year. The best time is the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild, but expect big crowds. During the summer, expect very hot temperatures but lower crowds. In the winter, temperatures can get below freezing but crowds are also lower.Location: West SedonaRed Rock Pass: You will need to purchase a Red Rock Pass to do this hike. The pass costs $5 per day or $15 for one week. The pass can be purchased at the fee machine at the trailhead (credit cards only). If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you can use this rather than purchasing a Red Rock Pass. Boynton Canyon Trail map Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. How to Hike Boynton Canyon Getting to the Trailhead The main parking lot for this hike is located on Boynton Canyon Road, near the intersection with Boynton Pass Road. This lot can hold about 25 vehicles and in the busier months, it is typically filled by 7:30 am. There is a pit toilet in this parking lot. Overflow parking is located on Boynton Pass Road, west of the intersection with Boynton Canyon Road. There is no parking lot here. You will simply park on the side of the road. If you park here, you still need to display a Red Rock Pass in your vehicle. Depending on how far up the road you park, it is about a 0.25 mile walk, or longer, to the trailhead. Here is a photo of the parking area on Boynton Pass Road midday in April. The trailhead is located in the main parking lot and it easy to find. Just look for the large trail sign. Before starting down the trail, you can take a photo of the map with your phone and refer back to it if necessary. On the Trail The hike starts off flat and fast. It doesn’t take long until you reach the first trail junction. Stay to the left to stay on the Boynton Canyon Trail (this is marked with a trail junction sign...