9 Incredible Caves in Sedona – Don’t miss these Sedona Caves

Sedona Caves: If you are fascinated by caves you will love checking out these caves in Sedona, Arizona. Most of these Sedona Caves are easy to get to and all of them are on well marked trails.

caves in sedona

This list has the best caves in Sedona, AZ you will want to explore. I have included the length of the trail to these Sedona Caves and how hard it is to hike to them so you can plan your trip.

You can also check out my other posts on Sedona, Arizona:

21 Best Things to do in Sedona with Kids

15 Best Day Trips from Sedona – you won’t want to miss!

21 Reasons to Visit Sedona in December

How to Enjoy Visiting Sedona in the Fall – Must See!

10 Best Sedona Swimming Holes to Cool Off

11 Best Sedona Pink Jeep Tours – Fun Day Tours

15 Vacation Rentals, VRBOs and Best Sedona Airbnbs with Pools for 2023

How to Enjoy the Drive From Phoenix to Sedona (and What to Do Once You Get There)

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9 Incredible Caves in Sedona, Arizona You Must Visit

Soldiers Pass Cave – 3.5 miles return, easy

Prepare to be awed by the stunning red rock scenery and amazing outdoor adventures on the Soldiers Pass route in Sedona. As someone who has trekked this path, I can attest that the beauty extends far beyond the uniquely formed cave.

Cave inside Red Rocks near Sedona, Arizona.

One of Arizona’s most unusually formed caves can be found along the Soldiers Pass Trail in Sedona. But, the beauty continued after that. The seven sacred pools in Sedona are just one of the interesting things you’ll come across along the trail that will captivate you the entire time you hike it. If you haven’t already guessed, climbing the Soldiers Pass trail in Sedona is a definite must.

The trek itself is relatively simple, but the real challenge lies in locating Soldiers Pass Cave. I remember feeling a sense of accomplishment upon finding this hidden gem along the trail. The seven sacred pools in Sedona, scattered along the hike, add a mystical touch to the journey, captivating hikers throughout.

Birthing Cave – 2 miles return, easy

This is probably the easiest hike on the list. It is an accessible hike in the area that leads to Sedona’s Birthing Cave. Embark on an accessible hike to Sedona’s Birthing Cave, known for its panoramic views and rich history. The trail, notably easy for families, offers a pleasant stroll through red rock vistas. As I walked this trail, I couldn’t help but marvel at the connection to the Hopi Indians, who considered this cave a sacred space for childbirth.

Up until the final rise inside the cave, the trail is fairly wide and flat. The entire hike offers stunning vistas of red rocks, and we had a lovely time taking in the scenery and letting our kids run around on the trail.

The Hopi Indians who lived in Sedona at the time gave the Birthing Cave its name. The pregnant women came to the birthing cave when it was time for them to deliver their newborns. They felt spiritually uplifted and at peace there.

The cave, shaded at noon, provides a perfect backdrop for photos. Sunrise and sunset, in particular, paint the cave with hues of crimson, offering breathtaking photographic opportunities. Don’t forget to download the map and record GPS coordinates in advance for a seamless experience.

The cave will be completely shaded and have a bright background at noon. This is the best time to visit the Birthing Cave if you want to shoot pictures in the cave.

Sunrise and sunset are two more gorgeous photographic opportunities. The crimson of the rocks begins to stand out after sunset as the cotton candy sky rises above.

The Long Canyon Trailhead off of Long Canyon Road is where the Birthing Cave Trail begins. It is merely a sizable dirt area at the side of the road; it is not a designated parking area. There are a few more places along the road, but there aren’t many parking spaces available here.

It is a good idea to download the map and record the GPS coordinates in advance because there is not much phone coverage at the trailhead or throughout the hike.

Keyhole Cave – 2.70 miles, difficult

You’ll adore Keyhole Cave if you’re captivated by caves and the windows they create. Although this cave’s grand entrance can be seen from a great distance away, it is nonetheless hidden away, and few people go there.

caves in sedona

For the adventure seekers captivated by caves, Keyhole Cave beckons with its grand entrance visible from afar. My personal journey to this hidden Sedona cave was both thrilling and challenging. Navigating the Teacup Trail and deciphering the trail intersection added an element of adventure to the experience.

Beginner hikers or those who are terrified of the task of climbing 10+ feet of slippery rock shouldn’t attempt to access this Sedona cave. Finding this one is a true adventure, so continue reading to decide if you’re ready to take on this challenge!

The real fun can now begin! Keyhole Cave can be seen in the distance at the Sugarloaf Trailhead. It appears to be a massive gaping hole in the mountainside and faces straight back. Your destination is here!

Right at the trailhead, you’ll follow the Teacup Trail. As you come to an intersection with Thunder Mountain Trail, continue for a short while. There are various detours along the way that either head in the opposite direction or climb back up to the same spot. The trail intersection can be shown on a map, which makes it much easier to navigate, even though it can become a little perplexing.

You won’t travel very long before you come to a sign designating the intersection. As though you were hiking along the Thunder Mountain Trail, you should turn left. Immediately to your right, though, is a wash. If you follow this wash, it will take you right up to the entrance to Keyhole Cave!

Be careful of your footing the entire way and keep an eye out for snakes because the wash is very rocky. The wash is generally very simple to follow and traverse, though some branches hang low over the “path” and you might need two hands to walk over some sizable rock spots.

Timing is crucial for this hike, with spring and late fall being optimal. As someone who has tackled this trail, I advise against hiking during or after storms due to the risk of flash floods. Be cautious of rattlesnakes and savor the excitement of uncovering this hidden gem.

The optimum time to hike to Keyhole Cave would be spring, late fall, or even during winter if there isn’t more than a little covering of snow. The ascent to this trail becomes steep, and it is highly exposed.

You need to be careful not to hike during or right after a storm because the route to get here is in a wash. You should never be in an area where there is a chance of rain because flash floods could occur. Watch out for rattlesnakes as well! They enjoy relaxing on the rocks in the sun.

Boynton Canyon Subway Cave – 6 miles return, moderate

Embark on the Boynton Canyon Hike, ascending the renowned canyon to discover the Subway, a “hidden” cave. My journey to this cave revealed not only stunning views but also the presence of Native American ruins, adding historical depth to the adventure.

While the trail is moderate, the unlabeled intersection can be easily missed. As someone who has navigated this terrain, I recommend paying close attention to the user track leading into the woodland. Exploring the cave and the surrounding area promises an enriching experience.

Although the intersection is unlabeled and can be easy to stroll past if you’re not looking for it, this cave isn’t all that mysterious anymore. You’ll enjoy stunning views from the cave. Moreover, there are several Native American ruins close by.

Start by parking at the trailhead for Boynton Canyon. This parking lot fills up quickly, so plan on getting there early or, if the lot is full, parking a short way down on Boynton Pass Road. From the trailhead, the trail heads northeast before rapidly coming to a fork, where you must bear left to continue on the Boynton Canyon Trail. The Enchantment Resort, which detracts from the sense of being in the woods, is located alongside the first section of the route.

The trail continues up the valley after passing the resort. In this section, there are a few views of red rocks, but the majority are obscured by the flora. You will come to the turnoff for Subway Cave around mile 2.

It should be noted that this turnoff is not signposted and is easy to miss; in fact, there may be branches positioned to obscure it. Following the user track into the woodland, turn right. The trail is somewhat overgrown in some places and might be a little challenging to follow.

Return to the Boynton Canyon Trail via the user trail when you’ve completed exploring the cave. If you want to keep exploring, the trail does continue up the canyon for a little distance before coming to a stop close to a viewpoint. Instead, go back to the trailhead and take the opposite route.

Robbers Roost – 3 mile, easy

It’s no secret that Sedona has a top-notch musical landscape, breathtaking red rock scenery, and historic cliff dwellings and rock art locations. Yet there are a lot of less traveled paths, jeep trails, and secret locations that are well worth discovering.

caves in sedona

Sedona’s Robbers Roost Overnighter promises a unique adventure through less-traveled paths. As a figure-8 loop, my experience starting and ending at the Cultural Park Trailhead showcased the diversity of Sedona’s landscape.

While there’s no recorded history of the cave, my exploration led me to believe it could have served as a hideout for outlaws. The climb, though short, offers spectacular views of the red rocks. My journey included moments of scrambling and a rewarding panorama, making it an ideal spot for camping and picnics.

The Robbers Roost Overnighter is a figure-8 loop that begins and ends at the Cultural Park Trailhead in West Sedona and includes an overnight camp at or near Robbers Roost. The route begins with some exceptional singletrack before connecting to well-known trails including the legendary Mescal Trail, the renovated Girdner Trail, and Chuckwagon Trail. It also includes an amazing ride along a huge slab of red rock.

After FS 152C, when the singletrack part ends, the path transitions to smooth gravel till Honanki, where you turn onto jeep roads. If you intend to visit the Honanki rock art and cliff home site of Sinagua, make sure to arrive during the hours of operation.

Robbers Roost is said to have been a haven for bootleggers and outlaws, yet there is no recorded history of the cave. This remote cave would make a fantastic hideout or even for camping, as some have done. Two windows in the cave provide sweeping views of the nearby Redrock and national forest. Nevertheless, getting there is difficult. There’s quite a scrambling involved to get up to it.

The red rocks of Sedona are spectacularly visible from this short yet delightful climb in Arizona. Both camping and picnics with a view are options!

The hike begins on the eastern side of the parking lot. It is only a half-mile hike but the views are fantastic. You must first make your way through the stunning red sandstone and juniper scenery of Sedona to reach this breathtaking cliffside panorama.

See the mountain’s various ruins and vistas at your leisure, or simply unwind in a hidden cave with breathtaking views of Sedona’s red rock.

Hidden Cave Seven Sacred Pools – 4 miles, moderate

The red rocks of Sedona are spectacularly visible from this short yet delightful climb in Arizona. Both camping and picnics with a view are options!

Embark on a delightful climb in Sedona to the Seven Sacred Pools, where the red rocks create a mesmerizing backdrop. My journey through this short yet scenic hike revealed the importance of these pools for local fauna and the spiritual significance attached to the area.

As someone who has marveled at the gurgling blue ponds, I recommend Soldier Pass Trail for an enjoyable hike suitable for all ages. The trail provides a glimpse of Sedona’s diverse landscape and serves as a serene setting for both locals and visitors.
A vertical shot of the Seven Sacred Pools and the Soldier Pass Trail in Sedona, Arizona

The hike begins on the eastern side of the parking lot. It is only a half-mile hike but the views are fantastic. You must first make your way through the stunning red sandstone and juniper scenery of Sedona to reach this breathtaking cliffside panorama.

See the mountain’s various ruins and vistas at your leisure, or simply unwind in a hidden cave with breathtaking views of Sedona’s red rock.

The Oak Creek Mountains and the Sedona desert are separated by a series of gurgling blue ponds known as the Seven Sacred Pools in Sedona. The spot is framed by dark green juniper trees, which serve as a reminder of how drastically the landscape may change as you get closer to the ocean.

The pools serve as a vital source of water for local fauna and serve as a spiritual setting for both visitors and locals. Take Soldier Pass Trail for a 1.8-kilometer simple climb to the pools. All ages and ability levels can enjoy this trail.

Kachina Tree Cave – 3.70 miles return, difficult

The Kachina Tree Cave, also known as “The Lone Tree,” offers a hidden adventure for those seeking lesser-known Sedona caves. My experience starting the hike at Boynton Canyon Trailhead involved navigating a crowded wash and a challenging climb to reach this unique cave.

The difficulty of the climb is compensated by the breathtaking views. As someone who has hiked this trail during busy weekends, arriving early is advisable. The unique perspective from the cave, resembling an arch when viewed from the right angle, makes the journey worthwhile.

At the Boynton Canyon Trailhead, the hike to the Kachina Tree Cave begins. During weekends and during the busiest times of the year, you should come there early because it will be crowded.

The distance between the trailhead and the center of Sedona is 17 minutes. You’ll get on 89A and travel through West Sedona after leaving Sedona. On Dry Creek Road, bear a right and travel a few miles. After passing the Devil’s Bridge Parking Area, the Boynton Pass/Long Canyon Road will come into view.

When viewed from the appropriate angle, this object appears to be a cave, although it resembles an arch. Just be aware that you’ll need to think outside the box to get the right angle since the area is very open and not entirely protected above you.

Since you gain the most elevation once you start climbing from the foot of the mountain it sits in all the way to the cave itself, it is quite a difficult climb.

You’ll be hiking in this crowded, narrow wash for the duration of the adventure. Be careful as there are several large rocks and downed trees nearby.

Raven Caves – 1 miles, moderate

Explore the Raven Caves Trail near the Munds Mountain Wilderness for a short yet enchanting hike inside the famous red Sedona rocks. My half-mile journey through this trail allowed me to experience the unique interior of the red rocks, offering a perspective different from the usual distant admiration.

The trail, just over half a mile in length, presents occasional challenges, but the payoff is well worth it. As someone who has explored each cave, I can attest that each offers a distinct viewpoint. The “doors” opening to the outer world provide expansive views of the arid desert environs.

There are more caverns in Sedona than we could count, and that doesn’t even take into account the ones that haven’t even been found yet!

The Raven Caves Trail, which is close to the Munds Mountain Wilderness, is worth adding to your list of outdoor adventure must-dos if you haven’t already done so. It’s one of the shortest hikes in the area and only half a mile long, and it allows you to explore the interior of the well-known red rocks.

What about actually exploring inside the famous red Sedona rocks? Climbing to the top is one thing; admiring them from a distance is another. That might sound a little unlikely, but on the Raven Caves Trail in the Coconino National Forest, it’s possible.

You’ll find the trailhead right off Red Rock Scenic Byway, near the Munds Mountain Wilderness. All ages and experience levels are welcome on this short and sweet hike, which is just over half a mile in length and gains just over 50 feet in elevation.

The trail starts its ascent into the caves in the last tenth or so of a mile, which is the only truly challenging part. However, don’t let that deter you; the difficult part is short-lived, and the payoff is well worth any amount of sweat or sore muscles.

You’ll occasionally come upon a “door” opening to the outer world, through which you can take in expansive views of the arid desert environs. Visiting each different cave is similar to experimenting with different camera lenses because no two provide the same viewpoint!

Fay Canyon Arch Cave – 2 miles, moderate

Take a beautiful stroll through Fay Canyon to reach one of Sedona’s most beautiful natural arches. My experience on this quick but scenic hike revealed not only the natural beauty of the arch but also interesting rock formation cave homes along the path.

The ascent to Fay Canyon Arch, though short, offers rewarding views. As someone who has hiked this trail, I recommend staying alert for the side trail leading to the arch, which can be easily missed. The arch, blending seamlessly with the canyon walls, stands as a testament to the geological wonders of Sedona.

You may reach one of Sedona’s most beautiful natural arches or bridges by taking a quick but beautiful stroll through Fay Canyon. There are some interesting rock formation cave homes along the path up to the arch.

sedona hiking trails easy

The hike through Fay Canyon goes 1.25 miles to Box Canyon and is classified as easy to strenuous. The hike to Fay Canyon Arch, on the other hand, is significantly shorter. Park at the Fay Canyon parking lot coming from Boynton Pass Road. There are restrooms and a few picnic tables in the parking lot.

After a little more than half a mile of hiking the trail, you’ll come across a few cairns close to a side trail that ascends to the arch to your right. Be alert since you can miss the arch if you’re not looking for it.

At a distance, it entirely blends in with the canyon walls. You’ll soon be standing beneath the enormous Fay Canyon Arch after climbing 260 feet up the rocks and bushes.

The distance between the arch and the actual rock wall is only 12 feet. The arch is over 90 feet wide and rises 15 feet above the surface of the earth. 

It offers excellent views of the surrounding cliffs and is home to a rich species of desert plants. An ancient jeep track that was once the trail finally became a pathway. It comes to an abrupt halt at a cliff made of red Supai sandstone, where you can still make out the remains of some prehistoric Native habitations and take in the spectacular beauty all around you.

If you do choose to hike the entire Fay Canyon, the roundtrip distance is only 2.4 miles. When you’re done, you’ll head back the same way you came.

Long Canyon Trailhead – 4 miles, moderate

Explore Long Canyon, one of the eight prominent tributaries of Dry Creek, on a maintained trail northwest of Sedona. My trek through this canyon showcased its unique features, including dramatic cliffs of Coconino sandstone.

The 3.7-mile trail, while less frequented, offers partial shade, making it suitable even in summer. As someone who has ventured along this path, I recommend exploring the rocky spur for a fine viewpoint. The enclosed parts of the canyon, shaded, cool, and damp, provide a distinct array of wildflowers, creating a delightful journey for those seeking a less crowded trail.

In the Red Rock Hidden Mountain Wilderness, northwest of Sedona, Long Canyon is one of eight prominent tributaries of Dry Creek that can be explored on a maintained trail. Although comparable to its two closest neighbors, Boynton Canyon to the south and Secret Canyon to the north, the drainage is relatively long, as its name would imply.

The trail is 3.7 miles in length, including a short unofficial extension at the end, climbing up above the dense woodland of the upper canyon, to a fine viewpoint on a rocky spur, surrounded on three sides by dramatic, vertical cliffs of Coconino sandstone.

After crossing a red, sandy area covered in the typical low-elevation Sedona vegetation of yucca, agave, opuntia, manzanita, and pinyon pine, the route resembles a desert. After 1.5 miles, it enters thicker woodland and remains in the trees for the remaining distance, with only sporadic views of the surrounding cliffs.

The woodland in the enclosed parts of the canyon is constantly shaded, cool, and damp, making it home to a distinct array of wildflowers than the exposed lower area. The streambed is typically dry, with no residual puddles except immediately after rainfall. Although they are all off the trail and difficult to find, the canyon contains several old ruins, including one that was reportedly once used as a movie set.

The route is not as well used as other nearby trails, maybe due to the restricted views once in the woodland and the length of the trek, which gets increasingly difficult further upstream. Most people only walk about a mile before the vegetation closes in. The hike is a wonderful choice even in summer thanks to the partial shade.

Nicole LaBarge

Nicole is a travel expert who has been traveling to the American Southwest since 1992. There is so much to see and do in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and California. I spend part of the year in Phoenix and travel around the area visiting all the best places and going on the best hikes. Check out my detailed destination guides, the best hiking in each state guides, and the travel gear you need for your next trip.

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