The Subway, Sedona, AZ

I've completed this 5.5 mile hike once before and was anxious for Claudia to experience entering the Subway, also known as the Keyhole, given the shape of the interior.  We shove off on a rolling, Boyonton Canyon trail.

Soon, a resort comes into view and stays with us for about a mile.  Important note for those checking this page for info about the hike.  While other landmarks and trails are well marked, this trail, not so much.  You'll encounter an intersection or two that may have you scratching your head although the direction to walk should be obvious from trail wear or encountering other hikers.

Throughout, the scenery!!!! Oh and clouds too that were gathering, indicating some rain could be coming.  At almost exactly.....

....mile 2, you'll see a giant, alligator juniper tree on your left.  Look for a trail coming in from the right.  That's the beginning of the ascent to the Subway. Yeah, I know, in the pic the tree is on the right of the trail but I took the pic after passing the tree.  The ascent is .5 mile, kind of bouldery and likely somewhat crowded so be patient.  Dogs are surprisingly allowed on many Sedona trails and we encountered a woman who had just been bitten.  Nasty and bleeding quite a bit.  We donated a tissue but not much else could be done so.....

....on we go!  The entrance but the pic does not do a good job of demonstrating the severity of the slope but....

...this one does.  We waited for them to slide and then began our turn. Not only is the ramp steep at 35%+ but also kind of slick.  There is an alternative way, a short walk to the left but ya gotta experience this way!  Pro tip: Wear shoes having a good gripping surface, lol. 

I make it and here, Claudia begins the steepest section, making it to the top with a satisfying grin on her face.  She's quite a fit hiker and a worthy hiking companion.

What an amazing view!  Each of us ventured as far down the left ledge as we comfortably could and had our pics taken.  Unfortunately, those pics omitted the right side so I'm posting this instead, as it shows the complete feature. Note the right ledge.  It gets kind of sketch at the corner but if one walks around, there are additional features that are worthy of exploring.

So, as Claudia descends the ramp, I go around the corner and we meet soon thereafter as she ascended the alternate way.

I arrive at Indian ruins and looking back, a woman follows my route. This pic puts the challenge in perspective I think.

Various alcoves exist where people hang out.  Reunited, we explore the area and reencounter  three women from MN who were oblivious about this destination, headed elsewhere, when first we met on Boyonton Canyon trail.  I convinced them to visit this instead and they were rightly thrilled to have done so.

We descend and looking back, get a good view of the Indian ruins.

Recent rain has caused an abundance of wild flowers to bloom.

Back on the main trail, it begins to rain, rather hard.  The surrounding cliffs appear to have ice on them but it's just water, draining over the sides. Just before entering the stage of personally being soaked, the rain stops.  Yeehaw.  Fun first day in Sedona!