Boynton Canyon Hike to Secret Cave - Sedona, Arizona

In late June of 2021, Taylor and I joined her aunt, uncle, and their kids in Sedona, Arizona. We took an early morning hike to Boynton Canyon on our second day of the visit.

Read about our entire trip in our "Sedona Vacation Guide" here!

We did not hike to the end of the Boynton Canyon trail and chose instead to veer off to explore one of the most unique geological structures in Sedona.

We began at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead and hiked roughly three miles to "The Secret Cave" also known as The Subway.

​We took an unassuming spoke off Boynton Canyon Trail and began gaining elevation toward the formation. We realized as we reached the cave, that we’d have to climb to get into it. 

A slab of rock angled at about 45 degrees and about 30 feet long stood between us and the cave. Once we had climbed our way up, we were standing inside the cave.

The cave isn’t really a cave at all. It is a horizontally eroded, circular space that exists between two massive, vertical rock walls. Some call it the Subway due to its similar appearance to a subway tunnel. It is truly unique and a sight to behold. 

Not far from the Secret Cave, there are awe-inspiring sights of a different type. Just around the corner from the cave formation, a ledge leads to ruins built by the native people of Sedona.

​Often referred to as cliff dwellings, these ruins consist of stacked blocks of stone constructed to enclose an area of the cliff. While walking around these rooms on a ledge overlooking the calley, I couldn’t help but to wonder about what it may have been like to call this place home. ​

As I was thinking what it may be like to live in this beautiful canyon, I began to climb around and explore the higher cliffs. Reaching the next platform of cliffs, I stopped to hear a sound that, at first, made me question my own sanity. I though I had heard a native-sounding flute, and after a few moments of listening, I knew that I wasn’t hallucinating. After soaking up the glorious sound, I started my descent to meet the flute player. ​

Back at the cliffs with the Secret Cave and ruins, I was greeted by the flutist. He asked how far up I’d gone and introduced himself as a Sedona local. We spoke about the serenity of the site until a loud group of people began making their way up the climb to the cave. He suggested it was time to leave given the new visitors, and I agreed. Taylor had recently joined us in conversation and the three of us made our way down to meet up with Taylor’s family. 

​On our hike back to the Boynton Canyon Trail parking lot, none of us could stop talking about the experience we’d just had. The canyon was gorgeous, Secret Cave was incredible, and the ruins were fascinating. Taylor’s uncle claimed it was his favorite hike of the week, and I am inclined to agree. 

See more from our entire trip to Sedona!

Sunrise at Devil's Bridge
Swimming at Slide Rocks State Park
Sunrise Hike Around Airport Mesa