Directions, photography tips, cultural context, and a one-day itinerary for both Birthing Cave Sedona and Subway Cave — including what to do when the trailhead lot is already full.
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From Bell Rock to the Birthing Cave Sedona Social Trails
Okay so everyone knows Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge — the Sedona classics that flood your Instagram feed every spring. But lately there’s been a whole other category quietly stealing the show: these so-called “secret” social trails that snake through red canyon walls and lead to genuinely jaw-dropping cave openings.
Okay, so the two caves everyone actually wants to find are Birthing Cave Sedona in Long Canyon and Subway Cave off the Boynton Canyon Trail. Neither one shows up on official maps, and if you ask a ranger, they’ll give you that polite smile that means “figure it out yourself.”
My husband thought this was hilarious when I was stress-researching at 11pm the night before — less hilarious when I was the one who had to navigate while he drove.
Most of the forum posts I found were annoyingly vague. Like, thanks for the blurry photo, but where exactly do I park? So I’m going to give you the actual specific details I wish I’d had, including parking, timing, and which angle gets the best light inside Birthing Cave Sedona without someone else’s head in your shot.
I’ve also put together a rough one-day itinerary that hits both caves without you having to backtrack or lose an hour to the wrong trailhead.
A Quick Note on Respect
Before we get into the fun stuff: these trails cross culturally significant Native lands. They’re unofficial, unmaintained, and they don’t come with a rulebook — which means the responsibility is entirely on you.
Stay on existing paths, leave no trace, and remember that the rock formations you’re snapping for your grid carry real, deep meaning for Hopi and Sinagua peoples. More on this below. Just… go in knowing that.
Birthing Cave vs Subway Cave: Quick Comparison
Birthing Cave vs Subway Cave: The Quick Breakdown
| Factor | Birthing Cave | Subway Cave |
|---|---|---|
| Distance (RT) | ~1.6 miles | ~5 miles |
| Elevation Gain | ~150 ft | ~400 ft |
| Difficulty | Easy with a short scramble | Moderate with scramble |
| Parking & Fees | Free roadside, no pass needed | Red Rock Pass ($5) at Boynton Canyon |
| Best Lighting | Late morning to midday | Within 2 hours of sunrise |
| Best For | Families, first-timers, photographers | Experienced hikers, photographers |
Birthing Cave (Long Canyon) — The Chill One with the Epic Shot
1.6 miles RT · 150 ft gain · Easy · About 1–1.5 hours
So here’s what Birthing Cave Sedona is a wide actually is a wide, shallow alcove carved into the canyon wall with an opening that’s kind of heart-shaped (or womb-shaped — depends on your vibe).
Standing inside and looking out, you get this gorgeous red rock valley perfectly framed by the arch above you. Much like the views on the Airport Mesa Trail Sedona, the contrast between the cave walls and the horizon makes for a compelling photo.
The scramble to get in is short and not scary. Kids who don’t mind a bit of rocky terrain are totally fine. Just leave your trekking poles at the bottom — you’ll want both hands free.
Getting There (And What to Do When the Lot’s Already Full)
Head north on 89A and turn onto Long Canyon Road. Follow it to the small dirt trailhead lot. Plug “Long Canyon Trailhead Sedona” into Google Maps and you’re good.
Fair warning: that lot fits about 10 cars and on weekends it’s full before 8am. Roadside parking along Long Canyon Road works in a pinch — just don’t block anyone’s driveway.
But the real move is the Mescal Trailhead, about a mile further west. It’s bigger, it rarely fills, and a connector trail links back to Long Canyon. You’ll add roughly 0.6 miles each way. This is a common strategy for popular areas, similar to navigating the Bell Rock Pathway on busy weekends.
No Red Rock Pass needed here. No permits. Just show up.
The Turn You Absolutely Cannot Miss
The first stretch of trail is easy — wide, well-worn red dirt through juniper and scrub. At around 0.6 miles, you’ll hit a wooden fence or post on your left. That’s your cue. Turn left onto the unsigned social path. It’s narrower and a bit rougher, but you can see it.
Miss this turn and keep walking straight? You’ll just… stay on the main Long Canyon Trail forever and never find the cave. So: fence on the left = turn left. Tattoo that on your brain.
From there, a few hundred feet of rockier trail leads up to the entry, where a short crack-in-the-rock scramble gets you inside. If it looks too sketchy, the view from just below the entrance is still genuinely good. You don’t have to go all the way in.
Okay But What’s the Deal with the Name?
In Hopi tradition, the womb-like shape of the cave carries meaning regarding emergence and spiritual rebirth. This area is rich in history, comparable to the Sedona Vortex and spiritual peaks found nearby. When visiting, please follow Leave No Trace principles to protect these sensitive cultural sites for the Hopi and Sinagua peoples.
The Belly Button Technique (Yes, Really)
Here’s the insider tip that most people don’t know about: at the deepest point in the cave, there’s a small circular depression in the floor. Locals call it the belly button.
Climb in, crouch down, and suddenly you’re perfectly centered in the heart-shaped opening with the canyon symmetrically framed behind you. That’s the shot you’ve been seeing everywhere. Takes about 30 seconds once you know it exists.
For gear: go as wide as you possibly can. On a camera, that’s 14–16mm. On a phone, hit the 0.5x ultra-wide mode. A standard lens will clip the sides of the arch and you’ll be sad.
When to Go for That Glowing Interior Look
Late morning to midday — roughly 10am to 1pm — is your window. That’s when sunlight bounces off the canyon-facing wall and floods the interior with warm orange light. Early morning is flat inside the cave. Late afternoon gets dark fast because of the canyon walls. If you’re chasing that glow, plan around midday.
Subway Cave (Boynton Canyon) — The One You’ve Seen Everywhere
5 miles RT · 400 ft gain · Moderate · About 2.5–3.5 hours
Subway Cave is a natural sandstone tube located off the Boynton Canyon Trail. After hiking about 2 miles on the main trail, look for an alligator juniper on the right. Just past this tree, a worn path breaks off to the right toward the canyon wall. This 0.3-mile spur leads directly to the cave. For another impressive geological feature, try the Fay Canyon Arch hike located just down the road.
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
Take 89A to Dry Creek Road, follow signs to Boynton Canyon Trailhead at the end of Boynton Pass Road. The lot fits 30–40 cars and fills by 7am on busy weekends — so set that alarm.
You’ll need a Red Rock Pass ($5/day) or an America the Beautiful pass for parking. Grab one at the trailhead kiosk or the Sedona Ranger District office beforehand.
There are vault toilets at the trailhead (you’re welcome). Cell service gets sketchy once you’re in the canyon, so download an offline map before you head out.
Finding the Cave: Look for the Crocodile Tree
The main Boynton Canyon Trail is well-marked and nicely shaded in the morning. Pass the Boynton Vista junction and keep going straight. At around the 2-mile mark, look for an alligator juniper on the right side of the trail.
These trees have this deeply furrowed, scaly bark that genuinely looks like crocodile skin — once you see it you’ll immediately know it’s the one.
Just past that tree, a worn path breaks off to the right toward the canyon wall. It’s not marked with a sign or anything. The spur is roughly 0.2–0.3 miles and climbs pretty quickly.
Follow cairns if they’re still standing — people kick them over, other people build new ones, it’s a whole thing.
Two Ways In — Pick the Right One
There are two ways into Subway Cave. The center route is a steep, smooth slickrock slab requiring high-friction shoes. The more accessible option is on the left side, where natural rock steps provide a manageable climb.
If you prefer avoiding steep scrambles altogether, the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail offers a more level terrain with equally stunning scenery.
Why Sunrise Light Is Non-Negotiable Here
The cave faces east, which means the first two hours after sunrise are magic — direct light on the curved walls, everything glowing amber, genuinely cinematic. By mid-morning it’s flat. By afternoon you’re basically shooting in a shadow box. If the photo is the whole point of this trip, set your alarm for early and don’t argue with the light.
One More Thing: The History Inside the Cave
Along the ledge you’ll spot remnants of Sinagua occupation — crumbling stone walls, storage structures, and what look like etched directional crosses. These are real cultural artifacts, not scenery. Don’t touch them, don’t climb on them, don’t lean on walls that are already falling apart. The Sinagua were here centuries before any of us put this on our hiking lists. A little awareness goes a long way.
The One-Day Itinerary That Won’t Leave You Wrecked
7:00 AM — Subway Cave first. Parking is way easier before 7am, you beat the heat, and you get that beautiful early light all to yourself (or close to it). This is the correct order. Do not argue.
10:30 AM — Head to Birthing Cave. Drive to Long Canyon after you’re back at the trailhead. If the lot looks full, go straight to Mescal Trailhead. Eat something and drink water before you head out again — you’ve already put in several miles.
1:00 PM — Birthing Cave at peak light. This is your window for the glowing interior shot. You’ll be a little tired by now, which actually helps — slower pace, you actually take the time to set up the belly button shot instead of rushing through.
Late Afternoon: Visit Sedonuts on 89A for a post-hike treat or explore more top trails for families if you still have energy.
Gear: The Stuff You’ll Actually Regret Skipping
Shoes matter a lot here. Both cave entries involve slickrock scrambling. Trail runners with sticky soles are fine. Approach shoes are ideal. Regular sneakers are a gamble, especially at Subway Cave. Sandals are a hard no.
Sun protection is not optional. Sedona midday sun is the kind that surprises people who’ve hiked in more forgiving places. A UPF 30+ long-sleeve or sun hoodie, a wide-brim hat, and at least 2 liters of water per person for the Subway Cave hike alone. Throw in some electrolyte packets if you run hot.
Quick heads-up: There’s a totally separate Subway Cave lava tube up near Highway 89 in northern California. Search “Subway Cave” without adding “Sedona” and you might end up planning a trip to the wrong state. Ask me how I know. (I don’t personally know, but someone out there has definitely done this.)
Let’s Talk About Sharing These Places Responsibly
The crusty dirt isn’t just dirt. That dark, lumpy ground you see between rocks? It’s cryptobiotic soil — a living community of fungi, mosses, and cyanobacteria that takes up to 250 years to grow. One step destroys it. If you’re not on solid rock or a worn path, step back.
Geotagging tip: If you post photos, “Sedona, Arizona” is genuinely enough. You don’t need to drop a pin on the exact trailhead or write a step-by-step “how to find the cave” caption. These trails are already stretched. They don’t need your followers showing up too.
Real talk about the backdrop thing: The caves aren’t just a cool visual. They’re connected to living Indigenous communities who didn’t sign off on becoming everyone’s content location. Go quietly. Leave quietly. Try to let it be something more than a shooting location for the hour you’re there.
Three More Sedona Caves If You’re Not Done Yet
Soldier Pass Cave (“Eye of Sauron”) — Accessible from the Soldier Pass Trail near the Seven Sacred Pools. The entrance genuinely looks like a giant eye in the right light. Less scrambling than Birthing Cave, great if you want a cave without a technical entry.
Keyhole Cave — Harder, less crowded, more of an adventure. The scramble is more sustained and the trail is easier to lose. Best for people who’ve already done both main caves and want something that’ll actually challenge them. Bring offline navigation.
Hideout (Shaman’s) Cave — High-clearance 4WD required just to reach the trailhead. Remote, spiritually significant, not something to improvise. If you don’t have the right vehicle and solid route-finding skills, genuinely skip this one.
FAQ
Do I Need a Guide, or Can I Hike These on My Own?
Both caves are totally doable on your own if you prep well. Hiring a guide makes sense if you’ve never done a social trail, want someone to explain the cultural context properly, or the scramble descriptions above made you a little nervous. Rangers at the Sedona Ranger District can point you to permitted guides.
Are Dogs Allowed at Birthing Cave and Subway Cave?
Yes, on leash. But the scrambles at both caves are kind of awkward with a dog attached to you. If your pup isn’t great on technical terrain, this might be one of those “they get a hotel day” situations.
What If Parking Is Full or I Want an Easier Option?
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop is your reliable backup — classic red rock views, easier parking. For caves without scrambling, Soldier Pass is gentler. Devil’s Bridge is great but has its own chaos — get there before 6:30am or take the shuttle.
Info is current as of early 2025. Conditions and fees can change — worth calling the Sedona Ranger District (928-203-2900) before you go. Leave No Trace. Stay on the path. Respect the land.
