Slingshot_

Region: Boynton Canyon    

Total Distance: 5.8 miles

Elevation: 800’+

Difficulty: Easy/ Moderate    

ACA: 3All   

Duration: 4-6 Hours

Gear: 1 x 100’ + 1 x 100’ Pull Chord

Anchor Materials: 50’ of webbing + 5 rapides

Parking: Park at Boynton Canyon TH. Parking pass and restroom available at kiosk.

Overview: Slingshot has quickly evolved into a Sedona classic, ideal for those new to the area and the sport of canyoneering. An easy to moderate adventure into the depths of Boynton Canyon, this route has much to offer and requires relatively low effort for the region. A visit to the insta-famous “Subway Cave”, followed by an adventurous approach and scenic rappels down a prominent seasonal watercourse. During precipitation the difficulty increases from easy to moderate. Experienced adventurers will likely combine Slingshot with other nearby routes for a full value day.

• Subway Cave

• Archaeological sites

• Link Up with BIE, BIW, or Mushroom Drops

• Short and fun free hanging rappels

• Excellent option during thaw or precipitation

Approach 3 mi, 2 hrs - Start the hike into Boynton Canyon veering left at the initial trail junction with Deadman’s Pass, and continuing on the Boynton Canyon trail. Less than 5 minutes into the hike you will pass the Boynton Canyon Vortex and Kachina Woman spire on your  right, and the humming vibrations of the Enchantment  Resort on your left. The first mile and a quarter are heavily trafficked and hug the resort, but views of caves and ancient dwellings soon come into view.

Follow the trail   2.4 miles to a large alligator juniper on your left, the turnoff to the Subway cave on your right. Turn off the main trail at the large Juniper tree and onto the obvious social trail on your right. The trail will cross a wash and continue towards the subway. Continue straight on the social trail .4 miles until arriving at the Subway cave. If you feel lost on this short stretch, start backtracking until you connect with other groups headed to the popular tourist destination.

Turnoff: 34.92767, -111.86187

Subway: 34.932459, -111.863042

Exit the subway cave by down-climbing the ramp below the scenic keyhole. Stay on the sandstone and do not drop back into the wash. Stay high and left exiting the subway and following the cliff face and social trail up and left along an overhung cliff face. One short section of stemming and a small double arch cave w on your left will let you know you are on the right track.  Continue on the established route through dense brush until you reach the top and arrive at the sandstone slab at the top of the next bench. There is a flat area under a small overhang on the left, this is a great spot to gear up and take in the views. Slingshot is usually marked by a large rock stack next to a small bush, where an obvious black streaked water course leads to a short down-climb into the route.

Descent (1-2 hours): An anchor (referred to as R-Zero) is often placed on the small bush at the head of the water course to assist with entry due to wet conditions or the teams’ ability. In order to preserve and protect this area anchors are typically removed from this location, and a retrievable anchor, meat anchor, or buddy assist is alternatively recommended.

R1: 75’ off a large tree. With the anchor set high in the tree this rappel has an easy dismount and drops into a free hang. It is recommended to trail the rope until you see a clear drop zone, watch for trees below.

R2: 40’+ to bypass occasional pool at the bottom. This rappel can be down-climbed in dry conditions. Ant infestations on this anchor have been reported in the hotter months.

Continue down the water course where the route opens up with panoramic views.

R3: 100’ from the base of a large Bush RDC. This rappel start as a gradual slope then finishes vertical. Using a block on this rappel has resulted in rope damage in the past as the rope will run across the sandstone on retrieval. In order to protect the sandstone and your gear it is recommended to pull from out and back, and to remove the block having the last person down utilize a retrievable anchor or perform a double rope rappel.

R4: 80’ off tree set LDC and back from the edge. The dismount is overhung and quickly transitions into free-hanging. It is recommended to trail the rope to the edge and drop into the clearing below, avoiding trees and potential hikers below.

***This rappel has a good photo looking out from the alcove on a midway ledge.

Continue down the watercourse a short distance to one last rappel.

R5: 25’ off a small pine tree. This start is tricky for some and near the edge, a personal anchor recommended.  

Exit (1 hour):After the last rappel Gear down and continue down the drainage. One more short drop can be bypassed on canyon right, and from here you may likely run into lost hikers looking for the Subway Cave. The drainage eventually connects with the main wash and the trail that you came in on. Follow the Boynton Canyon trail back to the trailhead or link up with another nearby route.

Route Established By: Eric Moorcroft & John Lloyd