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. Winter and Summer are comparatively quieter periods in Sedona but they are still overcrowded. Heres a summary of the 7 caves and one bonus arch you can visit in Sedona: Before we get started with the best hidden Sedona caves, it is important to touch on etiquette. Fortunately I had vocal help from someone who saw more than I did and told me where to put my hands and feet. Karabou Adventure + Travel is a participant of 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. To make your way, you will have to use your hands, feet and core to pull yourself up. For those who have appreciated Munds Wagon Trail and Cow Pies, this trail takes it to the next level. Want to visit Birthing Cave? TIA! One of the most impressive caves in Sedona, Try parking at Andante if Sugar Loaf Trailhead parking is full, Go direct off-trail to save time vs the wash, Take rope if youre not confident of climbing into Keyhole Cave, Keyhole Cave has the best light between lunch and late afternoon. Red Rock Pass options include: 1 Day Red Rock Pass - $5 7 Day Red Rock Pass - $15 Red Rock Annual Pass - $20 There are two sides to entering the cave, and both need climbing, most people take the right side as it is easier as there is space and many rocks to hold on to, which you need as the ground is slippery with loose rocks and sand. Lets hike to the secret Keyhole Cave in Sedona Arizona! Sedona's Keyhole Cave is located right in the heart of Sedona. Read our complete guide to hiking Teacup Trail to an unmarked trail leading into Keyhole Cave for in depth details and directions for how to access the cave. There is a shuttle now to Soldiers pass and we cant drive. 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. Thank you for your review, Jacob! Use the eroded rocks to place your hands and feet in gaps. You must take the right turn at the split and climb a fairly steep gradient to gain access to Solider Pass Cave in Sedona. Youll need to watch your footing on the scree and for cacti along the narrow trail. It is truly an adventure finding this one, so keep reading to determine for yourself if youre up for the challenge! Keyhole Cave Sedona How To Hike To This Adventurous Cave, BEST TIME TO HIKE THE KEYHOLE CAVE SEDONA, THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HIKING THE KEYHOLE CAVE SEDONA, FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE KEYHOLE CAVE IN SEDONA, A Complete Guide To Hiking The Birthing Cave In Sedona, A Complete Guide To Hiking the Subway Cave In Sedona, A Complete Guide To Hiking The Seven Sacred Pools In Sedona, 15 Best Payson Hiking Trails For Waterfalls, Camping And More, How To Easily Hike The Seven Sacred Pools Sedona, 11 Sedona Swimming Holes To Cool Off Amidst Pretty Scapes, Hiking The Doe Mountain Trail In Sedona A total Guide, 5 Breweries In Sedona You Must Visit on your trip, 14 Tucson Sunset Spots To Admire The Stunning Views, 21 Best Swimming Holes In Arizona To Cool Off On Your Trips. Keyhole Cave is a southwest facing cave located in Coconino National Forest to the north of downtown Sedona. This post tells you exactly how to find the Keyhole Cave in Sedona, including directions and hiking tips for this adventurous trip safely. Winter and Summer offer quieter periods in Sedona. The terrain turns a little steeper on your final approach to Keyhole Cave. The bonus of an early start for best light is that you will arrive to the Boynton Canyon parking lot around first light which means you should get parked without issue. Lets find out all about hiking the Keyhole Cave right away. Personally we went for the right side both up and down, but we know others have taken the left route instead. 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. Its still a good idea to try getting parked early in the morning so you beat the mid morning rush. No matter which season you visit, try to avoid weekends, holidays and the 10am-2pm rush. If you want to get to the hard to reach places, you should hire a jeep.When to visit Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit Sedona. Drop in from above. You can see Sugar Loaf Mountain looking like a perfect green and brown cone shaped hill in the distance. $288.88. Read our complete guide to hiking Robbers Roost Trail into Hideout Cave for in depth details and directions for how to access the cave. Wander In Arizona is a comprehensive resource for hiking, camping, and exploring Arizona. Looking for hiking inspiration? However, sunrise and early morning is the best time to visit Hideout Cave when its larger east facing window allows the most light in. It is best to get down on the right side, the same way you went up. Instead, go direct and keep following lightly beaten paths where possible. However, be aware Soldier Pass Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona so it is always busy. But back to finding the keyhole cave! Since the hike begins within a neighborhood dont forget to be quiet and considerate of the residents that live there. We went down the same way we went up, which is right as you approach the cave, but left if you are inside the cave looking out. It was quiet, off the beaten path, harder to access and felt like more of an adventure. See options All photos (629) Top ways to experience Boynton Canyon Trail Recommended You are going to hike directly straight ahead beyond the wooden sign heading for the red rock formation on the horizon. 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. We personally think the cave feels more beautiful when the sun doesnt fill any of Birthing Cave with light so there are no heavy contrasts. Looking for a adventurous way to explore Sedona's Keyhole Cave? Ive personally completed the Keyhole Cave hike in Sedona and in this post will be detailing everything you need to know to do it as well. 2-star hotels from $105, 3 stars from $170 and 4 stars+ from $237. Hideout Cave has both east and south facing windows allowing light to illuminate the its cavernous chamber. Pin It For Your Hike! Difficulty: Moderate. For the best light conditions, plan to be here in the late morning or noon to get splendid pictures. I will reiterate do not try this unless you are athletic or a good hiker. Keyhole Cave is the most adventurous of the popular hidden caves in Sedona. Stay at Greentree Inn Sedona from $186/night, Andante Inn of Sedona from $153/night, Sedona Village Lodge from $105/night and more. 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. 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). I had to help three people who were shaking and stuck or could not get down. Theres nothing quite like climbing into a cave glowing a deep orange as sunlight creeps in through rugged cracks and openings! If you click on one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The arch is actually the most striking and impressive feature along this hiking trail. Heres the left approach into Keyhole Cave: The bottom section is almost vertical and its smooth which makes it hard to climb. Top ways to experience Teacup Trail and nearby attractions. The views from inside the Keyhole Cave Sedona are spectacular, and rewarding after the climb. The hike is flat and easy until you reach an undefined turn onto a spur trail leading to Subway Cave. Was This Post Helpful? Sedona is one of the best places to visit in the US and finding caves is among the most exciting things to do for first time visitors to the area. You can actually see the cave in the distance from the beginning of the hike. Certain trailheads and parking lots in Sedona require you to display either a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass on your vehicle dashboard. But it is also a wonderful place to get off-road in a jeep, shoot stunning photography, visit historic sites and drink wine. Heres why you should visit these Sedona caves with just one day: Got your days planned out? You can either climb the left side or right side to access the upper chamber of Keyhole Cave. West Fork Trail has its own dedicated parking lot around 10 miles north of Sedona on AZ-89A. Never the less, with these warnings aside, Ill be sharing the details about this hike and what to expect, so you can decide if you are up for it too. Winter is a fantastic time to avoid both.Where to stay in Accommodation is expensive in Sedona, but there are plenty of very high quality places to stay including Matterhorn Inn, Lantern Light Inn, Arabella Hotel, Whispering Creek B&B and The Suites at Sedona.Popular things to do Sedona is one of the best places to hike in the US, but it is also a wonderful place to get off-road in a jeep, shoot stunning photography, visit historic sites and drink wine. Length 2.7 miElevation gain 291 ftRoute type Loop. This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. The cave is southwest facing, which means the gaping hole entrance will flood with more light in the afternoon. Sedona, AZ 86339 Open today: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Save Private 4-Hour Sedona Spectacular Journey and Vortex Tour 33 Book in advance from $288.88 per adult Check availability View full product details Z9866ZHnancyl Miami, Florida 85 28 Made it to The Subway Keyhole Secret Review of Boynton Canyon Trail Reviewed May 2, 2021 I will check it out. Recommended A Complete Guide To Hiking the Subway Cave In Sedona. This angle looking straight ahead is exactly where you started the hike to Keyhole Cave. Yes! Use the placements in the rock to help you land easily. Difficulty | DifficultDistance | 2.60 miles RTElevation Gain | 529 feetType | Out & BackLocation | Sedona, AZTrailhead | Sugarloaf TrailheadDog Friendly | Yes, but not recommendedFees | Red Rock Pass or America The Beautiful. 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. 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. If you are looking for an easy hike, the Doe Mountain trail in Sedona is one of the best, If you are looking for the best Sedona Hot Springs, in this guide, we cover the best hot springs, The best breweries in Sedona should be on your itinerary whether you are a lover of beer or you, Enjoying the stunning Tucson sunset is the perfect way to end your day while exploring this beautiful city. You can click or touch the map to activate, then move around the map to locate each cave. The cave is accessed via significant off-trail hiking, which means forging a path through rugged desert wilderness. Cathedral Rock Sedona is filled with amazing hikes but Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the most iconic. Three awesome reasons a hike to Keyhole Cave should be an essential part of every adventurous wishlist of best hikes in Sedona. Supposedly the shuttle only runs Thursday through Sunday but we met people in Sedona who claimed to have taken the shuttle on a Tuesday so look out for the bus running if you visit Mon Weds. Are you looking for directions and tips on how to find and access the best caves in Sedona? Aim to arrive inside Birthing Cave between 12pm and 3pm for optimal light conditions. Lets find and explore the best secret caves in Sedona, Arizona! Park at Posse Grounds park & ride for the most stress free access to Soldier Pass trailhead. We used the buddy system and went one after another, lending a hand and passing the pack up and down. Half of the fun is finding the caves in the first place, the rest of the fun is figuring out how to climb into and photograph each of the Sedona caves. 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. If you do try to do Keyhole Cave around sunset, dont leave it too late because you need to get back to the parking area before darkness. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Where Are Those Morgans LLC is a participant in the Amazon services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Photos (3,140) Directions. Kachina Cave is a tall teardrop shaped cave located atop a steep and unmarked spur trail around one third of the way up the Boynton Canyon hike in Sedona. Social media channels such as Instagram and TikTok have increased awareness of the now not so hidden Subway Cave over recent years. Are you a regular visitor to US National Parks and Monuments? Birthing Cave is a simple, easy and short hike. Soldier Pass Cave is at the end of arguably the most entertaining hiking trail among the cave hikes in Sedona. After you get on the Thunder Mountain Trail, you have two ways to reach the base of the Keyhole Cave in Sedona. Required fields are marked *. Be advised, if not using the authors GPX files, the final leg may not be very clear. Hola! Bell Rock Hike the Bell Rock Courthouse Butte Loop Trail for stunning Sedona views, a fun slick rock climb and our hidden loop half way up the formation. Read our complete guide to hiking Soldier Pass Trail into Soldier Pass Cave for in depth details and directions for how to access the cave. You will make it without issue as long as you keep heading north and keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of the cave opening. It is pretty common to lose your footing which will make you land on thorny cacti and rocks. The above Summit is also worth a visit if you have extra time. Keyhole Cave is stunning, but its one of many others which I will one day do a post on, but in the meantime, heres a few other hikes, including cave hikes you can try: I have more posts on Sedona which you can find by simply using the search on my site, but just know that if youre not feeling the hike to Keyhole Cave after what you saw here, dont do it as there are so many other cool and safer hikes to try out in Sedona. Many hikers talk about finding a very obvious wash and following the curving dry river bed as it snakes north toward Keyhole Cave. Thank you for sharing it will come in handy when we hike this in 2 wks. America the Beautiful national parks pass, best things to do on and off the Las Vegas strip, best things to do in Valley of Fire State Park. 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. Visit Sedona outside of peak season to give yourself higher odds of getting parked up any time of day. Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use, Copyright 2023 | Where Are Those Morgans. The trail to the Keyhole Cave starts at the Teacup Trailhead. During these times getting parked at trailheads can be a real challenge. What Trailhead Do You Use to Access The Sedona Keyhole Cave But that said, you can also take the trail in the north which goes to the cave. Read our complete guide to hiking Fay Canyon Trail with optional climbs to Fay Canyon Arch and a fun end of trail ascent. A 2WD trailhead can be accessed via AZ-89A, Forest Road 525 for 3 miles and Forest Road 525C for 10 miles. Raven Caves is west facing overlooking Oak Creek, so visit later in the day for the best photos as light pours in. As youre hiking up the wash youll notice several trails that zigzag across it. There are no places you can park on the residential streets nearby. Birthing Cave Park at Long Canyon Trailhead. Getting down is harder than getting up and is a little unnerving even for the best of us. You will have problems finding your way back in the dark. I always recommend tracking yourself or following an already made track so you can check in and be sure youre on the right path. You have three options to get into the cave and going up to the right is definitely the only way you should go. Raven Caves isnt a photogenic or enormous cave like the others on this list, but that means nobody else will be there when you arrive. Please take great care not to disturb rock formations or wildlife in any area you hike. Grand Canyon Just 2 hours from Sedona is the incredible Grand Canyon South Rim, create your wishlist from the best hikes at Grand Canyon South Rim. Coming down you will want to go against that wall on the front of the entrance (down the Right side you came up). Duck inside and walk around to explore the remaining caves in this network. You will begin the hike to Keyhole Cave in Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "adfe3c6c02b8a23ef7f876e875c76545" );document.getElementById("de46ec5a9a").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); I am Kara and I travel and adventure with my GSD, Monty. Remember and follow the 7 principles of leave no trace when hiking to caves in Sedona: From our own experience in Sedona, we found people were not always disposing of waste correctly, but perhaps more surprisingly we noticed people were not planning ahead before hiking. Soldier Pass Cave is a uniquely shaped cave in Sedona. Your email address will not be published. Do not graffiti or move the rocks around and respect the land. If you enter it into Google Maps it will take you right to it. You are actually starting this hike on Teacup Trail despite the parking area being called Sugar Loaf. Well, Subway Cave is the most popular instagram and photography cave in Sedona. Just want to Thank You for your directions. Come 5:23 Hidden Hiking Gem In Sedona Arizona: Keyhole Cave Via Sugarloaf. Actually getting into the cave requires some rock climbing skills and is not for those who are afraid of heights. There is a very small parking lot and you are not able to park on the neighborhood streets so it is best to arrive early. Read our guide on why America the Beautiful national parks pass is one of the best things you can buy if you plan to visit multiple parks in the next year. 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. The most popular hikes like Cathedral Rock Trail, Bell Rock Trail and Devils Bridge Trail are renowned for being almost impossible to park. You could even use our images during your hike to keep track of where you are along the adventure to Keyhole Cave. Some visitors graffitied the cave walls- please do not draw or carve into the walls and leave them as is! In addition, thorns and cacti can cause problems and the trail is not marked. Youll take Teacup Trail which starts right at the trailhead. Exclusively hiking the wash to Keyhole Cave will add on quite a lot of distance because it meanders like a zig-zag approach. There are very few other top attractions nearby, which helps keep these two trails quiet. Those with 2WD cars must park 1 mile from a second parking area suitable for 4WD vehicles. You can find the exact location of the cave on Google . Lets take a look at some of the most asked questions about visiting caves in Sedona, Arizona. 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. All you have to do is sidestep or go back on yourself a few paces then try another path. Raven Caves is a very easily accessed series of maze-like caves on the south side of Sedona. Please use this link that takes you to Google Maps and download it for offline use. Recommended A Complete Guide To Hiking The Seven Sacred Pools In Sedona. Be very careful as your coming back down! If full, park at Andante Trailhead and walk Andante Trail to Thunder Mountain Trail and the joining point with Teacup. Enjoy the views of the grand Sugarloaf mountain and the desert landscapes on the horizon. Access the Cave and going up to the next level i did and told me where to my! Ride for the challenge hidden hiking Gem in Sedona as you keep north! Placements in the day for the best light conditions, plan to be in! Canyon arch and a fun end of Trail ascent right at the split and climb a fairly steep gradient gain! Assume that you are along the adventure to Keyhole Cave Sedona are spectacular, and exploring.... And download it for offline use simple, easy and short hike download! 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