King’s Cave 

Region: Boynton Canyon     

Distance:  4.5 miles +1,300’  

Difficulty: Hard    

ACA:3Alll     

Duration:  4.5-6.5 hours

Longest Rappel: 217’

Rope: 1 x 220’ + 1 x 220’ Pull cord

Anchor Materials: 45’ of webbing + 4-6 rapides

Parking: Park at Boynton Canyon TH, Parking Pass and toilet available at kiosk.

Overview: King’s Cave is a full value adventure in Boynton Canyon hosting one of the best rappel sequences in the area. The price for admission is a challenging approach and traverse of the Deadman’s Dome. The effort is high and so is the reward making this a highly sought after Sedona Classic. This route is not beginner friendly and those attempting should be comfortable with route finding, exposure, and big free hanging rappels.

• Challenging and scenic approach

• Archaeological sites

• Big rappels down an ancient watercourse

• Quick Exit

Approach: Starting at Boynton Canyon TH hike a short distance to the first prominent trail junction. At this junction leave the Boynton Canyon trail and cross over on the Deadman’s Pass trail. As you continue just over a mile to the turnoff on the left you will pass the large sandstone amphitheater on your left (Deadman’s Descent) and work your way toward an obvious red rock spine/ ridge on the left or West side. If the trail bends hard right then you have just missed your turn off. After turning off the main trail you will encounter a series of braided social trails that trend up and left towards the spine. Stay on faint social trails, being mindful of cryptobiotic crust and sensitive soils. Follow the faint trails to the 35’ Class 4 crack. Stem, wiggle and squirm your way up the crack exiting on the right side. This crack can be bypassed on loose and brushy terrain on the right side if needed. Hauling bags and partner assist will be useful here. Once you have ascended the crack, scramble up the spine and walk across the flat sandstone dance-floor to the next obstacle. A short 2-move boulder problem is the last class 4 obstacle in your way. The traverse follows a faint social trail along the red rock shelf and passes over Deadman’s Descent bringing you to the Deadman’s Hollow watercourse. Scramble up the white rock to the overhanging shelf and continue traversing along the next ridge to a break in the Coconino cliff band. From the break hike down to the red rock slab to locate the first rappel. Navigation from Deadman’s hollow to R1 can be tricky but the track and some perseverance will help get you there.

Descent: Walk a short distance to the Left or East to locate the correct watercourse above R1. The most prominent or obvious grooved out watercourse is the correct line to the anchor. Down hike the watercourse to a prominent ledge with small tree on the left and a bolted anchor on the right. You may want to gear up before arriving at the bolt station.

R1:  217’ from bolt station with the first 40’ on wall and the majority of the rappel free hanging over the cave. A retrievable anchor works well here. This rappel drops smoothly into the free hang. Once down, to enter the cave scramble up 4th class terrain approximately 50’. Please respect the artifacts and archaeological sites inside. Communication from the ground to the anchor can be difficult here, walkie talkies, cell phones and hand signals will be more effective than voices and whistles.

R2:  105’ off a tree in the watercourse/ drainage. Trail rope to avoid trees below.

R3:  35’ off tree in the center of the watercourse onto ledge.

R4:  150’ from bolt station on the first ledge. It is recommended to trial the rope on the last rappel and to watch for hikers below.

Exit: The last rappel will land you in a drainage and on a social trail. Take the social trail back to Boynton Canyon Trail. Follow the trail back to your vehicle at the Boynton Canyon trailhead.  

Preservation: This is one of the most archaeologically rich routes in the area. Please respect sensitive terrain and archaeological sites along your journey.

Safety: Hikers and other recreationalists will likely be present near your descent.

Route Established By: Brandon Levander, Kevin Iosue, and Eric Moorcroft