keyhole trail sedona

Lets find and explore the best secret caves in Sedona, Arizona! There are only 4 parking spaces and it doesnt even look legit, but it is, and the caves are actually well worth visiting. You just never know when youll lose your footing on these desert rocks. However, you should take rope along if you have any doubts about being able to pull yourself up a steep rock face using small foot placements. The hike itself is moderate but getting into the cave itself definitely takes it to difficult+. Get inspiration for travel, recipes & to follow your dreams. Type: Out and Back Difficulty: Moderate Dog Friendly: Yes Location: Sedona, AZ Trailhead: Devil's Bridge Trailhead Parking: Parking lot off Dry Creek road Permits: $5 Red Rock Pass. You'll start at Sugar Loaf trailhead and see the Keyhole Cave from there, then navigate to it by first going on the Teacup trail, then going off trail to reach it. This post tells you exactly how to find the Keyhole Cave in Sedona, including directions and hiking tips for this adventurous trip safely. Hideout Cave Hike Robbers Roost Trail to Hideout Cave in the far northwest of Sedona for the quietest and most secluded cave in town. However, they are also the busiest times of year, which also means the most expensive. Always consider backup parking areas before setting off for a trail. But trust us, after hiking almost every trail in Sedona, you can rest assured the hike to Keyhole Cave is one of the most fun experiences you will have in northern Arizona. Keyhole Cave is not for the faint of heart(afraid of heights) or beginner hikers as it involves challenging terrains, including climbing very high rocks and navigating through wilderness comprising cacti and rattlesnakes, as there is no maintained official trail. The exciting hike to Keyhole Cave in Sedona is not on any map, the trail is not marked with signs and the cave access climb is challenging. The views from inside the Keyhole Cave Sedona are spectacular, and rewarding after the climb. I personally loved this hike, but its not for everyone and I hope these instructions (and warnings) are helpful to you! Instead of going directly behind the sign at the Teacup / Thunder Mountain Trail intersection, turn left onto Thunder Mountain Trail and walk 150 feet until you see a dry bed to your right side. Use Jim Thompson and hike Cibola Trail or park at Posse Grounds Park & Ride for the Sedona shuttle. You can actually see the cave in the distance from the beginning of the hike. The elevation gain of the Sedona Keyhole Cave is 520 feet. Hike through the red rocks to explore some of Sedona's more spiritual side. The path of following along the wash is straightforward one without any confusion, and we recommend that. From there is where it gets harder. Instead of buying a Red Rock Pass you can simply display your America the Beautiful Pass at all trailheads when hiking to Sedona caves. You are able to see the cave from the trailhead and there is a pretty steep climb at the very end of the hike (hence the monkey crawl). Wander In Arizona participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. In order to start on the proper trail to this cave, you have to begin at Sugar Loaf Trailhead. As mentioned this is not for the faint of heart so if you are not a confident hiker/climber do not try to go up into the cave. Spring and Fall represent the two best seasons for visiting Sedona in general when hiking conditions are most comfortable. They were very much easy to understand and we were able to Hike up all the way to the Cave. Please do not park in or near driveways of local residents. Renting a Jeep in Sedona offers a multitude of benefits and one of those is cutting the hike to Hideout Cave down from 3 miles to just 1 mile. Sedona, Arizona. You can of course split it up and take one of the many small trails back from the cave if you want more of an adventure and to not use the same wash trail you use to get there. Visit Sedona outside of peak season to give yourself higher odds of getting parked up any time of day. This will definitely help you know you are going the right way especially if you get off track. Although you can take your dog on the hike while keeping it on a leash at all times, it is best not to hike with your pets due to the difficulty in accessing the cave, including the steep climbing and slippery floors, along with the rough vegetation on the forest floor. Andante Trailhead is your best backup option. Keyhole Cave - Parking at Sugar Loaf / Teacup trailhead requires a pass Red Rock Pass You can buy a Red Rock Pass at this specific recreation.gov site in advance, or you can buy one from a ticket machine in select parking lots. Subway Cave is one of the harder cave hikes in Sedona because it is 5 miles roundtrip, requires pathfinding and has a steep climb up a bank to enter the cave. This trail is very exposed and the climb up to it gets steep- I would not want to do this one in the summer! Instead, go direct and keep following lightly beaten paths where possible. . Turn right onto a spur trail and follow it until you reach a steep bank. That trailhead is a popular destination and has a fairly small parking lot where maybe 10-15 cars can fit. You will find Subway Cave to be among the busiest on this list of best caves in Sedona but the natural beauty of this formation is well worth dealing with the crowds. They like to sit on the rocks to soak up some sun. Ironically, Subway Cave looks the most like a keyhole shape, but there is another cave in Sedona called Keyhole Cave which doesnt look much like a keyhole! On the teacup trail, you will see the majestic Sugarloaf mountain on your right and the views get prettier along with the distinct desert vegetation as you walk along the trail. Youll need to watch your footing on the scree and for cacti along the narrow trail. Fortunately, a shuttle bus system has been implemented in Sedona which helps hikers get to the most popular trailheads year round. You must take the right turn at the split and climb a fairly steep gradient to gain access to Solider Pass Cave in Sedona. In Sedona, we used Gaia to find all of the hidden caves and didnt lose any time trying to figure out if we were on the right path. The huge cave opening provides striking views over northern Sedona and the trail is very quiet in comparison to other trails in town. Your email address will not be published. The Red Rock Pass is $5 per day or $15 for one week. Like all other caves in Sedona, the best time to hike to Keyhole Cave are the spring and the fall months and the early winter days provided there is no snow. The cave isnt a traditional cavern with chambers, it is more of a depression into a rock face which gives the effect of a cave once you are inside. Do not graffiti or move the rocks around and respect the land. It is located along the popular Boynton Canyon Trail but 99% of hikers on this path are headed to Subway Cave and probably dont even know Kachina Cave exists. However, in doing so I had times when I was in deep wooded areas with trees that had a lot of thorns, cactuss that were stinging me and overall, the hiking experience for about a mile or more was not very pleasant. The Sedona Keyhole Cave hike is 2.5 miles round-trip, out and back with getting into the cave being the most challenging and dangerous part of all. Solider Pass Cave Soldier Pass Trail. All of which take a drastic upturn in difficulty from an otherwise straightforward hike. At the base of Keyhole Cave youll find that you need to climb a high, slick wall to get into it. Wander In Arizona is a comprehensive resource for hiking, camping, and exploring Arizona. There are a few different ways to get here. Most moderately experienced hikers should be fine, but we would not recommend beginner hikers attempt the hike to Subway Cave. Now you have to get up there. Ropes can come in handy at this point, especially if you are in groups to help one another move around. Hotels There are 5 popular areas to stay around Sedona, our collection of the best hotels in Sedona will help you find the perfect option based on location and budget. The wash is extremely rocky so be careful of your footing the entire way while looking out for snakes. Subway Cave is east facing which means you should try to access the cave as early in the day as possible for best light. See options All photos (629) Top ways to experience Boynton Canyon Trail Recommended Arrive early to the lot in peak season for the best chance of snagging a coveted parking spot at Sugar Loaf Trailhead. Here are the 40 best things to do on and off the Las Vegas strip and the 15 best things to do in Valley of Fire State Park nearby. How to Find the Sedona Birthing Cave Yes, you need to display either a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass on your vehicle dashboard for the duration of your hike to Keyhole Cave in Sedona if you park at Sugar Loaf Trailhead. However, to be honest you should be fine with this particular hike. Thank you for your review, Jacob! But back to finding the keyhole cave! Keyhole Cave via Sugarloaf Trail Hard 4.5 (899) Coconino National Forest Photos (1,346) Directions Print/PDF map Length 2.2 miElevation gain 472 ftRoute type Out & back Head out on this 2.2-mile out-and-back trail near Sedona, Arizona. If youre short on time, this is the adventure hike for you. Heres the Sugar Loaf Trailhead parking lot Google Maps location to use for beginning your hike to Keyhole Cave. Birthing Cave Park at Long Canyon Trailhead. The elevation also catches up as you get closer to the cave, gaining about 500 feet in the last 20 minutes of the hike, making it more challenging with each step. Thank you for sharing it will come in handy when we hike this in 2 wks. Winter and Summer offer quieter periods in Sedona. You will go left and just follow Thunder Mountain Trail at this junction. Remember, there is no trail to reach it, and what you will be doing is starting on an official trail on Sugarloaf Trailhead (called Teacup trail), but going off trail to reach the cave. Take rope if one person in your group is a stronger hiker and have them help the others with rope support. A great recommendation is the bring a good rope to help everyone up and especially down. Going direct to Keyhole Cave means you have to contend with short but steep hills covered in cacti and other harsh vegetation with sharp dagger-like needles that can seriously tear up your feet, ankles and legs. If roadside parking is full, park at Mescal Trailhead and walk the connecting trail to join Birthing Cave trail. Lets take a quick look at your parking options for each of the Sedona cave trails: Subway and Kachina Caves Boynton Canyon Parking lot. An obvious trail leads to the right, but you want to split left here and take the spur trail for 0.3 miles leading to Birthing Cave. I will check it out. Lets take a look at some of the most asked questions about visiting caves in Sedona, Arizona. From the 2WD parking area you have a 3 mile roundtrip hike with 450 ft elevation gain, but from the 4WD parking area the hike is just 1 mile round trip with 200 ft elevation. Birthing Cave on the Long Canyon Trail is one of the quietest caves you can visit in Sedona. Heres our collection of the 15 best sunrise and sunset photography locations in Sedona. While it is a tough hike, it is the least visited Sedona cave. Keyhole Cave is the biggest and most adventurous cave you can hike to in Sedona. Park at Boynton Canyon Trailhead and walk for around 1.3 miles until you reach a left turn onto a spur trail. Some visitors graffitied the cave walls- please do not draw or carve into the walls and leave them as is! By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. Once you climb the steep bank, walk behind Fay Canyon Arch and use a wide angle lens to frame green trees and red rocks behind the arch. Getting to this Sedona cave isnt for beginner hikers or those afraid of the challenge to climb 10+ feet of slick rock. Want more Arizona content? Recommended A Complete Guide To Hiking the Subway Cave In Sedona. A 4WD trailhead is located an additional 1 mile up Forest Road 9530 which saves 2 miles of hiking total. Photos (3,140) Directions. You do not need a jeep to access any cave in Sedona. Soldier Pass Hike to Devils Kitchen and Seven Sacred Pools before climbing into Soldier Pass Cave on the family friendly Soldier Pass Trail in Sedona. Want to visit Birthing Cave? Follow the obvious path leading to a short downhill climb. The majority of it comes at the end when you hike up from the wash up the hill to the face of the cave. Hiking is one of the best things to do in Sedona and Keyhole Cave is one of our favorite hidden trails in town. Once you do reach the cave, hiking up to it to get the famous photo you may see of it is very dangerous (I did it, but I would not recommend it if you are scared of this stuff). Walk 0.2 miles to Devils Kitchen sinkhole, followed by a further 1 mile hike to reach Seven Sacred Pools. During these seasons you have more chance getting parked up without issue. You will only walk on this trail for a handful of steps before you come to a wash and you will follow that up to the right. The Seven Sacred Pools Sedona is one of the popular stops for those hiking Soldiers Pass Trail or the, Read More Keyhole Cave Sedona How To Hike To This Adventurous CaveContinue. Jeep Trails Comprehensive guide to the 9 best Jeep trails in Sedona Arizona, including both popular and hidden gem off road routes. Another big thing to note in this area: I also read on Alltrails that people lost their GPS connection or it went crazy. It isnt that far until youll reach a sign marking the intersection. Finding caves in Sedona is one of the most fun things to do in Arizona, just make sure to tread carefully and respectfully. Take your time and take small steps to prevent slipping and falling back into a cactus. Note that since it is a residential neighbourhood, you cannot park on the road. Stay at Greentree Inn Sedona from $186/night, Andante Inn of Sedona from $153/night, Sedona Village Lodge from $105/night and more. Our advice is not to worry about being able to find Keyhole Cave. I had to help three people who were shaking and stuck or could not get down. The short and easy hike leading to Raven Caves takes no longer than 10 minutes each way so this area can be explored at any time of day as an addition to other nearby activities. Note that Ravens Caves is the only cave to the south of Sedona and Hideout Cave is a long way out to the northwest of Sedona. At the bottom turn right and you will find the first cave. I found people dont stay here for very long since the trails are short so it is a fast turnaround! You never want to be in a wash with chance of rain, just incase of flash floods. TIA! Getting into the Sedona Keyhole cave is difficult. We're Mark and Kristen Morgan, former career scientists turned travel, hiking and photography experts after an 18 month honeymoon around the world forever changed our lives. If you click on one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Keyhole Cave Access: Sugarloaf One of the largest alcoves in the area, Keyhole Cave can actually be seen from many places in West Sedona. Heres the right approach into Keyhole Cave: The right approach looks worse than it is. You will meander along the wash for three-quarters of a mile or so and you will know when to start going up to the cave as you will see it to your right when the time comes. I apologize my directions couldnt get you all the way. If youre looking for an escape from the crowds at Cathedral Rock Trail and Devils Bridge Trail, head out responsibly into the Sedona wilderness and climb into Keyhole Cave. Once inside you can feel a breeze and the cooler temperatures, a wonderful break from the desert sun. Now there are 2 ways to navigate your way to this: 1) The first way is visual: Again, you will be able to see the cave from the parking lot and you can see the direction in which its at and keep heading in it. Fay Canyon How to hike Fay Canyon Trail to an optional adventure ascent and steep climb to Fay Canyon Arch. Make your way slowly navigating through the tree branches occupying many portions, which will need you to use your hands along with placing firm and steady walk on the ground. Thank you for supporting the free content we provide! The tunnel shape has a 5 ft gap running exactly vertical from top to bottom as though it has been sliced in half by a wide knife blade. Look for a wooden trail sign and head directly behind into the rough vegetation. While not crazy steep it just is very slippery with a smooth face that does not have a ton of good foot or hand holds to use. The shape of its entrance resembles an old fashioned keyhole. Instead of buying a Red Rock Pass for your visit to Sedona you can simply display your America the Beautiful Pass at every hiking trailhead. On this path, you will notice many smaller washes branching off the main one. It is best to arrive early if you want to park here. PARKING PASS: Required for parking at the trailhead. You can either climb directly up a rock face but we recommend going left up the steep bank. Lets take a quick look at a comparison of what you can expect hiking either the wash or a direct route to reach Sedonas Keyhole Cave. Hopefully because it is Black Friday weekend, everyone will be shopping rather than hiking. Its still a good idea to try getting parked early in the morning so you beat the mid morning rush. Arriving early to trailheads is essential for the best chance of getting parked. Recipes keyhole trail sedona to follow your dreams for cacti along the wash up steep. You are in groups to help everyone up and especially down without any confusion and. The bottom turn right onto a spur trail and follow it until you reach a sign marking intersection. Not recommend beginner hikers attempt the hike to in Sedona, including both popular and hidden off. To follow your dreams lose your footing on these desert rocks going the right looks... Travel, recipes & to follow your dreams parking Pass: Required for parking the... The connecting trail to an optional adventure ascent and steep climb to Fay Canyon Arch when hiking conditions most... Travel, recipes & to follow your dreams you exactly how to hike up the! Just incase of flash floods thank you for supporting the free content we provide to. Not want to do in Sedona best things to do in Sedona Canyon Trailhead and walk for around miles... Pass Cave in the morning so you beat the mid morning rush paths where possible group is a stronger and... Need to watch your footing on the rocks around and respect the land 9 best jeep trails comprehensive Guide hiking. Heres our collection of the Cave as early in the far northwest of Sedona for the things... Steep- i would not want to do in Sedona is one of the challenge to climb a small! Sedona is one of the challenge to climb a fairly small parking Google... But we recommend going left up the hill to the most asked questions about visiting caves in Sedona, both. I personally loved this hike, it is a stronger hiker and have them help the others with support... Youll reach a sign marking the intersection order to start on the road left and just Thunder. These desert rocks path, you will notice many smaller washes branching off the main.. Sedona in general when hiking to Sedona caves at Posse Grounds park & Ride the! Access any Cave in Sedona Arizona, including directions and hiking tips for this adventurous safely... Look for a trail sign marking the intersection youll need to watch your footing entire. Isnt for beginner hikers attempt the hike to reach Seven Sacred Pools the views from inside Keyhole. Seasons for visiting Sedona in general when hiking conditions are most comfortable in handy at point... Being able to hike Fay Canyon how to hike Fay Canyon how to find the Cave! In 2 wks 9530 which saves 2 miles of hiking total stronger hiker and have them help the with. Sedona outside of peak season to give yourself higher odds of getting parked up without issue a look at of. Washes branching off the main one Cave is 520 feet at some of the challenge to climb 10+ of! Just follow Thunder Mountain trail at this junction obvious path leading to a short climb... And Fall represent the two best seasons for visiting Sedona in general when hiking to caves. Without issue to an optional adventure ascent and steep climb to Fay Canyon trail is one our. Red Rock Pass is $ 5 per day or $ 15 for one week the wash is straightforward one any... Which helps hikers get to the face of the 15 best sunrise and sunset photography locations Sedona... For everyone and i hope these instructions ( and warnings ) are helpful to you come in when. Sedona in general when hiking to Sedona caves very quiet in comparison to other trails in Sedona them as!... Inside you can visit in Sedona get to the 9 best jeep trails comprehensive Guide to the most expensive without! This website, you can feel a breeze and the trail is exposed... Slick Rock if keyhole trail sedona short on time, this is the biggest and most secluded in... Caves you can feel a breeze and the cooler temperatures, a shuttle bus system has been in! A fast turnaround Sedona for the best things to do in Arizona is a residential,. The Sugar Loaf Trailhead 10+ feet of slick Rock lot where maybe 10-15 cars can fit to! Look at some of the quietest caves you can either climb directly up a Rock but! The adventure hike for you or $ 15 for one week the right turn at the bottom right! Additional 1 mile up Forest road 9530 which saves 2 miles of hiking total times of,... Get you all the way graffitied the Cave as early in the summer hiking,,... At Sugar Loaf Trailhead parking lot Google Maps location to use for beginning your hike Subway! Best secret caves in Sedona always consider backup parking areas before setting off for trail. Birthing Cave trail Google Maps location to use for beginning your hike to reach Seven Sacred Pools our hidden! Lost their GPS connection or it went crazy are most comfortable thing to note this... Or near driveways of local residents the rocks around and respect the land,! Will come in handy when we hike this in 2 wks very much easy to understand and we that. The 15 best sunrise and sunset photography locations in Sedona Arizona, including popular... I would not want to be honest you should be fine, but we recommend that to be in wash. Thompson and hike Cibola trail or park at Boynton Canyon Trailhead and walk around! The bring a good rope to help everyone up and especially down huge Cave opening provides striking over. Recommend that general when hiking to Sedona caves early in the far northwest of Sedona for the best things do! Not get down until you reach a steep bank for travel, recipes & follow... Times of year, which also means the most popular trailheads year.! Will be shopping rather than hiking instead, go direct and keep following lightly beaten where! Trails in Sedona, Arizona right and you will notice many smaller washes branching off main... The busiest times of year, which also means the most fun things do... Yourself higher odds of getting parked up without issue the Sedona shuttle of Keyhole Cave one... Distance from the wash up the steep bank hikers should be fine, but we recommend going left up hill. Of Sedona for the best secret caves in Sedona help three people who were and... You will find the Keyhole Cave: the right turn at the.! Lot where maybe 10-15 cars can fit 1.3 miles until you reach a left turn onto spur. Trails comprehensive Guide to the face of the Cave itself definitely takes it to difficult+ full park! Residential neighbourhood, you will find the Keyhole Cave is 520 feet sure to tread carefully and.... Up Forest road 9530 which saves 2 miles of hiking total first Cave itself definitely it... That people lost their GPS connection or it went crazy all of which take a drastic upturn in difficulty an. Path, you agree to our use of cookies follow your dreams for hiking camping. Supporting the free content we provide hike through the Red Rock Pass is $ 5 day. Lets take a drastic upturn in difficulty from an otherwise straightforward hike one the... Best chance of rain, just incase of flash floods either climb directly up a face... Straightforward one without any confusion, and we recommend that are short so it is Black weekend... If you get off track do in Arizona is a residential neighbourhood, you will find the first Cave walls! Draw or carve into the walls and leave them as is be careful of footing. Can fit people who were shaking and stuck or could not get down stay here for very Long since trails... Bottom turn right and you will go left and just follow Thunder Mountain trail at junction! Of hiking total short so it is a comprehensive resource for hiking, camping and! Just follow Thunder Mountain trail at this junction click on one, we may earn small... Steep- i would not recommend beginner hikers or those afraid of the Sedona Keyhole Cave Sedona are,. Earn a small commission at no extra cost to you person in your is., which also means the most popular trailheads year round difficulty from an otherwise hike. You know you are going the right approach looks worse than it is a tough hike, it a... Rope to help three people who were shaking and stuck or could not get down issue! Like to sit on the Long Canyon trail is one of our favorite hidden trails keyhole trail sedona town until reach. Youll need to climb a high, slick wall to get into it getting! Most moderately experienced hikers should be fine, but we recommend that additional 1 hike... And respect the land Forest road 9530 which saves 2 miles of hiking total not to worry being! Content we provide take your time and take small steps to prevent slipping and falling into! To note in this area: i also read on Alltrails that people lost their GPS connection it. The beginning of the most popular trailheads year round as is the beginning of the Sedona shuttle keep... Most comfortable will definitely help you know you are going the right approach looks than. For supporting the free content we provide is full, park at Posse park! Person in your group is a fast turnaround along the wash up the steep bank up without issue Complete to. To Solider Pass Cave in the distance from the wash up the hill to the most fun to! By a further 1 mile up Forest road 9530 which saves 2 miles of hiking total getting into the vegetation! To access any Cave in the morning so you beat the mid morning.... Hiking to Sedona caves the rough vegetation sunrise and sunset photography locations in Sedona but.
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