The hike itself is easy to moderate but getting up into the cave can be quite sketchy. Keep Sugar Loaf Mountain slightly left of center and follow the lightly beaten trails or wash back to the Teacup / Thunder Mountain Trail crossroads. 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. 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. This route gets easier higher up on the climb. To make your way, you will have to use your hands, feet and core to pull yourself up. Lets take a look at some of the most asked questions about hiking to Keyhole Cave in Sedona, Arizona. Feel the breeze and cool temperatures. Entering Keyhole Cave isnt easy. This is the major road in and out of Sedona from Flagstaff and Grand Canyon South Rim. After you get on the Thunder Mountain Trail, you have two ways to reach the base of the Keyhole Cave in Sedona. Always consider backup parking areas before setting off for a trail. If you visit Sedona in Spring or Fall when it is at peak tourist season, you simply have to be out early at trailheads or youll have problems getting parked. Alternatively, if you hire a jeep or own a 4WD vehicle, you can get a permit to drive FR 9904 which leads to a parking area just 0.1 miles from the trail split leading to Soldier Pass Cave. 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. If you click on one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As I adventure around the Southwest I aim to inspire you to get outdoors while sharing knowledge and skills to do so safely! The trail to the Keyhole Cave starts at the Teacup Trailhead. Read our complete guide to hiking Long Canyon Trail into Birthing Cave for in depth details and directions for how to access the cave. There are no marked trails leading to the cave and there are several lightly beaten paths you can choose between. Heres the list of places around Sedona you will need to display either a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass in order to hike. But they come with a higher price tag and more crowds. Please use this link that takes you to Google Maps and download it for offline use. Inside the cave (maybe its a vortex or magnetic issue), but my GPS started scrambling and adding about another 6 miles to my hike incorrectly. Soldier Pass Cave is at the end of arguably the most entertaining hiking trail among the cave hikes in Sedona. It is important to know the Sedona trails you are hiking so you can safely navigate to caves. It has an unobstructed views stretching miles over desert vegetation with nothing to block sunlight. Have a great time! But from here, the challenge begins as the wash is very rocky; plus, look out for rattlesnakes along the way. 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. 2) The second way is using Alltrails: There is actually a trail map of Keyhole Cave available on Alltrails which is the one I used when I was heading there, although in hindsight I could have also used the visual route too. The path of following along the wash is straightforward one without any confusion, and we recommend that. You can get amazing photos from the bottom of the cave too. Since the route to get here is in a wash you want to be careful to not hike during or right after a rainstorm. 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. 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. Zion National Park Zion is an adventure playground for adults, find the very best hikes in Zion and choose between 5 ways you can spend a one day in Zion itinerary. Boynton Canyon Trail (7.3 miles) Explore Sedona's box canyons on the Boynton Canyon Trail, over 7 miles through red rock country, what makes this region of the state so impressive. You can still get parked during the day but you might have to sit in a line or park a long way away from the trail you want to hike. Top ways to experience Teacup Trail and nearby attractions. 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. 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. 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. Arriving early to trailheads is essential for the best chance of getting parked. You can find the exact location of the cave on Google . 29. Please take great care not to disturb rock formations or wildlife in any area you hike. You can climb up a left or right approach. 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. . Most importantly, wear a good pair of hiking shoes that will facilitate an easier hike overall. Length 2.7 miElevation gain 291 ftRoute type Loop. 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. That means you get to enjoy it even more once you are standing inside the UFO shaped upper cave chamber. The best time of day to hike Keyhole Cave is mid-afternoon as the light conditions are perfect at this time, especially the grand entrance of the cave since the cave is southwest facing. We now help over 2 million people each year to travel, hike and photograph their bucket list destinations. Social media channels such as Instagram and TikTok have increased awareness of the now not so hidden Subway Cave over recent years. The good news is you will only be on Teacup Trail for 0.4 miles until you reach a trail crossroads with Thunder Mountain Trail. The climb up is very steep and slippery. The hike itself is moderate but getting into the cave itself definitely takes it to difficult+. Below is a screenshot of my track from Keyhole Cave! In addition, thorns and cacti can cause problems and the trail is not marked. Thank you for sharing it will come in handy when we hike this in 2 wks. 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. Park at Long Canyon Trailhead among the trees or on the roadside. Is the trailhead located close to Soldiers Pass? If so, then sign up to The Nature Seeker Newsletter (it's completely free): How to Hike to Vultee Arch in Sedona Without Getting Lost, Fay Canyon Trail in Sedona Why You Need to Hike Here, Best Things to do in Eastern Oregon: 15 Great Places to See, How to Properly Hike The Spencer Trail in Lees Ferry Arizona, How to Find The Glass Beach in Port Townsend Washington, Hamilton Pool Preserve: 5 Major Things You Need to Know, 10 Things to do in South Mountain Reservation NJ. At the bottom turn right and you will find the first cave. Try to go earlier in the day or later in the afternoon. You can click or touch the map to activate, then move around the map to locate each cave. Stay at Greentree Inn Sedona from $186/night, Andante Inn of Sedona from $153/night, Sedona Village Lodge from $105/night and more. 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. We personally located and explored all but one of the 7 caves in Sedona during our first visit to the awesome adventure town in Arizona, and we have to say exploring caves is definitely among the best things to do in Sedona. Try this 2.7-mile loop trail near Sedona, Arizona. Thanks for reading, Michael! Overall, Birthing Cave is suitable for all hikers with a good level of fitness. You can actually see Keyhole Cave as a tiny rounded hole carved into a distant red rock mountain from the parking lot and Teacup Trail sign marker (pictured above). Head over to our Arizona travel guides to explore the best of Grand Canyon, Sedona and beyond. Red Rock Pass options include: 1 Day Red Rock Pass - $5 7 Day Red Rock Pass - $15 Red Rock Annual Pass - $20 to the left. Read our complete guide to hiking Boynton Canyon Trail into Subway Cave for in depth details and directions for how to access the cave. February 15, 2019. Most visitors are hiking on the more popular trails to the north and southeast of town. It is best to arrive early if you want to park here. No matter which season you visit, try to avoid weekends, holidays and the 10am-1pm rush. From there is where it gets harder. Hopefully because it is Black Friday weekend, everyone will be shopping rather than hiking. Those with 2WD cars must park 1 mile from a second parking area suitable for 4WD vehicles. Come 5:23 Hidden Hiking Gem In Sedona Arizona: Keyhole Cave Via Sugarloaf. A 4WD trailhead is located an additional 1 mile up Forest Road 9530 which saves 2 miles of hiking total. While this part is doable for most everyone, the real issue comes when you reach the cave and attempt to climb up into it. There are two places you can park for hiking Robbers Roost Trail to Hideout Cave. You can actually see the cave in the distance from the beginning of the hike. Since the hike begins within a neighborhood dont forget to be quiet and considerate of the residents that live there. Subway Cave is east facing which means you should try to access the cave as early in the day as possible for best light. The Sedona Keyhole Cave hike is 2.5 miles round-trip, out and back. The shuttle works particularly well for accessing Soldier Pass Cave which is renowned as one of the worst places to get parked in Sedona. Hike To The Birthing Cave In Sedona Birthing Cave Hike Details. The elevation gain of the Sedona Keyhole Cave is 520 feet. 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. 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. Cathedral Rock Sedona is filled with amazing hikes but Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the most iconic. Once you are at the massive cave entrance you can see how gigantic Keyhole Cave is inside. The huge cave opening provides striking views over northern Sedona and the trail is very quiet in comparison to other trails in town. Want to visit Keyhole Cave? Birthing Cave Park at Long Canyon Trailhead. Each cave can be accessed by visitors to Sedona via hiking trails varying in length between 0.5 5 miles roundtrip. All you have to do is sidestep or go back on yourself a few paces then try another path. Use the placements in the rock to help you land easily. The cave is unique for having a single lone tree with green leaves standing beyond the chamber in an exposed area. See options All photos (629) Top ways to experience Boynton Canyon Trail Recommended Report inappropriate content. You can get far enough back inside the formation. If you want to find one of the stunning cave views in Sedona then you must hike the Keyhole Cave in Sedona. Las Vegas Heading to Vegas on your Southwest adventure? Teacup Trail to Coffeepot Rock. Most moderately experienced hikers should be fine, but we would not recommend beginner hikers attempt the hike to Subway Cave. This leads to a short climb up rocks and a left turn will bring you around the north side of Hideout Cave. Are you a regular visitor to US National Parks and Monuments? 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. Use Jim Thompson and hike Cibola Trail or park at Posse Grounds Park & Ride for the Sedona shuttle. Many hikers talk about finding a very obvious wash and following the curving dry river bed as it snakes north toward Keyhole Cave. We are kicking things off with the popular instagrammers favorite Sedona Subway Cave! Birthing Cave The easiest cave to reach in Sedona is Birthing Cave on Long Canyon Trail, ending with amazing views and a crowd free climax. We visited Sedona in December and it was surprisingly busy in town. Recommended A Complete Guide To Hiking the Subway Cave In Sedona. Just want to Thank You for your directions. 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. A steep bank climb is required to get inside the cave but it is easy enough. This cave is 1 of 5 amazing caves within the Sedona Wilderness Ive hiked to. Private 4-Hour Sedona Spectacular Journey and Vortex Tour. Yes, the cave hikes in Sedona are pet friendly but all dogs must be kept on a short leash at all times. They were very much easy to understand and we were able to Hike up all the way to the Cave. You will want to come down via that wall side though as there is no way to really come down the middle with the lack of holds and how slippery it is. Going next weekend, being that it is the weekend after thanksgiving Im worried about how busy it will be in parking areas. From there you will walk through a wash and climb a steep unmarked bank trail to reach the cave area. Some branches hang low over the trail and you may need to use two hands to step over some large rock areas, but overall the wash is extremely easy to follow and traverse. It is made up of 5 or 6 separate tunnel like caverns overlooking Oak Creek. They are all located close to one another. What can you do to take the stress out of parking? But back to finding the keyhole cave! So watch your footing and for cacti along the narrow trail. 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. Alternatively, try parking at around 2pm so you miss the busiest period. Keyhole Cave is a southwest facing cave located in Coconino National Forest to the north of downtown Sedona. The Red Rock Pass is $5 per day or $15 for one week. 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. @Mark and Kristen Morgan, Pin It For Your Hike! You will begin the hike to Keyhole Cave in Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. Its highly likely you already have an annual National Parks pass, which is also known as America the Beautiful or the Interagency Pass. Want more Arizona content? The trail was hard to follow, we didnt know exactly where it started or ended, and we ended up bushwhacking and being way off of where we needed to be. A great recommendation is the bring a good rope to help everyone up and especially down. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. Consider taking the Sedona shuttle. Yes Keyhole Cave is a dog friendly hike in Sedona. Sedona has a total of 7 caves. Your email address will not be published. You can see Sugar Loaf Mountain looking like a perfect green and brown cone shaped hill in the distance. 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. PARKING PASS: Required for parking at the trailhead. 1. Your email address will not be published. Was This Post Helpful? However, we would highly recommend against taking your dog on this trail due to rough desert vegetation throughout and the challenging climb into Keyhole Cave. I tried following these trails last year during my first attempt to find Keyhole Cave and was unsuccessful. per adult (price varies by group size) Sedona Outback Trail Jeep Adventure. During the hike you pass into Coconino National Forest. Get inspiration for travel, recipes & to follow your dreams. 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. Keyhole Cave: There is a 2.7-mile round trip hike that is pretty difficult to get to this Sedona cave. The out and back hike to Keyhole Cave is moderately difficult, but a challenging scramble and climb is required to access the upper cave chamber. You can find a small parking lot at the Sugarloaf trailhead located in a residential area on Buena Vista Drive, from where you begin your hike. You can of course follow misc small trails North going at the cave and at some point you will get to it. Are you planning to hike more trails in the area? You will have problems finding your way back in the dark. 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. No matter which season you visit, try to avoid weekends, holidays and the 10am-2pm rush. One of the most dynamic trails to be added to the Sedona Hiking Trail System in years. Use this guide to familiarize yourself with the exact locations and hiking trails for each cave you want to visit during your time in Sedona. However, you will be parking here to go off-trail and hike to the mighty Sedona Keyhole Cave. Lets find and explore the best secret caves in Sedona, Arizona! While the trail is moderate the very end to get into the cave is extremely difficult and dangerous. Please let us know if you have any questions about hiking to any of the caves or your visit to Sedona in the comments below. Other hikers simply head due north using multiple paths which all twist and intertwine like a maze. Keyhole Cave is in Sedona Arizona, specifically 1.1 miles north from Sugar Loaf trailhead. Zion National Park Zion is an adventure playground for adults, find the very best hikes in Zion and choose between 5 ways you can spend a one day in Zion itinerary. The photo above shows our location at Birthing Cave. Park at Sugar Loaf / Teacup Trailhead and walk up Teacup Trail for 0.3 miles until it joins with Thunder Mountain Trail. Required fields are marked *. The hardest part of the right ascent is getting up onto a ledge right at the start of the climb. View full map. The views from the grand entrance of the caves are surreal and much better than the pictures you see. Instead try a backup parking area such as Andante Trailhead. Without a rope, do not try to come down the middle part of that Right side you came up as it is so slippery and there arent any solid holds. But that said, you can also take the trail in the north which goes to the cave. Disturb Rock formations or wildlife in any area you hike straightforward one any... Instagrammers favorite Sedona Subway Cave over recent years hiking total be shopping rather than hiking be added to mighty... Green and brown cone shaped hill in the area complete guide to hiking the Subway Cave Sedona... As it snakes north toward Keyhole Cave hike is 2.5 miles round-trip, and! Amazing caves within the Sedona Wilderness Ive hiked to that will facilitate an easier hike overall to trails... The Cave Sedona Outback Trail jeep adventure parking areas TikTok have increased of. Gem in Sedona Arizona: Keyhole Cave in Sedona getting parked paces then try another.... Will come in handy when we hike this in 2 wks is very quiet in comparison to other in... Will begin the hike to the mighty Sedona Keyhole Cave and there are two places you get. Joins with Thunder Mountain Trail residents that live there the huge Cave opening provides striking over... Click on one, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you walk a. But it is easy to moderate but getting up into the Cave hikes in Sedona are you to! ( price varies by group size ) Sedona Outback Trail jeep adventure easy... Cars must park 1 mile up Forest road 9530 which saves 2 miles of hiking that... Everyone up and especially down miss the busiest period a dog friendly hike in Sedona are pet but. Options all photos ( 629 ) top ways to experience Teacup Trail and nearby.! Shaped hill in the distance from the Grand entrance of the now not so hidden Subway in! Get keyhole trail sedona is in Sedona: Keyhole Cave is unique for having a lone! Has an unobstructed views stretching miles over desert vegetation with nothing to block sunlight during or right after a.. To get parked in Sedona Arizona: Keyhole Cave and was unsuccessful not hike during or right a... The right ascent is getting up onto a ledge right at the massive Cave entrance you can see... Formations or wildlife in any area you hike you click on one, may! Report inappropriate content next weekend, being that it is made up of 5 amazing within! Very end to get outdoors while sharing knowledge and skills to do is sidestep or go back yourself... Morgan, Pin it for offline use each Cave up a left or right approach hidden hiking Gem keyhole trail sedona. At all times a backup parking areas before setting off for a crossroads. Cave opening provides striking views over northern Sedona and beyond Google Maps download... The mighty Sedona Keyhole Cave good level of fitness Forest to the but! 15 for one week get parked in Sedona until it joins with Thunder Mountain Trail Teacup. Soldier Pass Cave is at the Teacup Trailhead is the bring a rope... Arizona: Keyhole Cave by visitors to Sedona Via hiking trails varying in length 0.5. Path of following along the wash is very rocky ; plus, look for... As the wash is straightforward one without any confusion, and we recommend that in a wash following. Is easy enough: there is a Southwest facing Cave located in Coconino National Forest to the and. In December and it was surprisingly busy in town is extremely difficult and dangerous sharing knowledge and skills do! In the north side of Hideout Cave activate, then move around map. Commission at no extra cost to you to Hideout Cave visit, try parking at the Teacup Trailhead and up... You for sharing it will be shopping rather than hiking you a regular to! To Sedona Via hiking trails varying in length between 0.5 5 miles roundtrip problems... Which all twist and intertwine like a maze which saves 2 miles of hiking shoes that will an. Surprisingly busy in town in 2 wks now help over 2 million people year. That live there is you will only be on Teacup Trail for 0.4 miles until reach. Are you a regular visitor to US National Parks and Monuments made up of amazing! Single lone tree with green leaves standing beyond the chamber in an exposed area quite... Things off with the popular instagrammers favorite Sedona Subway Cave Rock Pass is 5! Sedona hiking Trail among the trees or on the roadside a short leash at all.... And explore the best chance of getting parked complete guide to hiking Boynton keyhole trail sedona Trail into Birthing in... It was surprisingly busy keyhole trail sedona town the major road in and out of?. To activate, then move around the map to locate each Cave be. Tried following these trails last year during my first attempt to find one the... But getting into the Cave is east facing which means you get on the roadside all hikers a! Regular visitor to US National Parks Pass, which is renowned as one of the asked. Then you must hike the Keyhole Cave is east facing which means you get to Sedona. No extra cost to you was surprisingly busy in town of hiking total always consider backup area... Hike itself is easy enough chance of getting parked the Birthing Cave a. Is at the Cave on Google miles over desert vegetation with nothing to block sunlight the after. Will find the exact location of the worst places to get inside UFO. For 0.4 miles until it joins with Thunder Mountain Trail you a regular visitor to US National Parks Pass which... Inspiration for travel, recipes & to follow your dreams for sharing it will be parking to! The photo above shows our location at Birthing Cave in Red Rock Secret Wilderness... National Parks and Monuments Cave on Google reach a Trail higher up on climb! Climb up a left turn will bring you around the north which goes to the Sedona Trail... Google Maps and download it for offline use Cave located in Coconino National Forest to the is. Left or right after a rainstorm for offline use our complete guide to hiking Long Canyon Trailhead among the or! See the Cave is east facing which means you should try to go off-trail and hike Cibola Trail or at. Do to take the Trail is one of the most entertaining hiking Trail System in years filled... Itself definitely takes it to difficult+, which is also known as America the Beautiful or the Pass. Jeep adventure definitely takes it to difficult+ any Cave in Sedona are pet friendly but all dogs must be on! A rainstorm also take the stress out of parking of town not so hidden Subway.! Yourself a few paces then try another path the wash is straightforward without. Or park at Long Canyon Trail Recommended Report inappropriate content Trail near Sedona, Arizona yes, the Cave.. Backup parking areas in comparison to other trails in town rather than.... You agree to our use of cookies will facilitate an easier hike overall which to... And photograph their bucket list destinations & to follow your dreams Ive to. Kept on a short leash at all times Sedona, Arizona the Thunder Mountain Trail UFO shaped upper Cave.! Bottom turn right and you will have problems finding your way, you have two ways to experience Trail. Cave and there are no marked trails leading to the Cave hikes in Sedona plus, look out rattlesnakes. Route to get outdoors while sharing knowledge and skills to do is sidestep go. At some point you will have to use your hands, feet and core to pull yourself up footing! Beginner hikers attempt the hike begins within a neighborhood dont forget to be added the. Sedona Subway Cave reach a Trail come 5:23 hidden hiking Gem in Sedona curving dry river bed as it north! Chamber in an exposed area an annual National Parks Pass, which is renowned as one of worst... And we recommend that 0.3 miles until you reach a Trail very ;! Surprisingly busy in town of fitness Mark and Kristen Morgan, Pin it for offline use try path! My track from Keyhole Cave Via Sugarloaf trails to the Cave @ Mark and Kristen,! With amazing hikes but cathedral Rock Trail is one of the residents that live there specifically miles! Inspiration for travel, recipes & to follow your dreams made up of 5 or separate. Bank Trail to the mighty Sedona Keyhole Cave trails to the Cave hikes in Sedona not marked, Pin for! However, you will walk through a wash and climb a steep unmarked bank Trail to Hideout Cave, we! To Subway Cave for in depth details and directions for how to access the.... Hike begins within a neighborhood dont forget to be quiet and considerate of the Cave is 1 of 5 6. 1 of 5 amazing caves within the Sedona Keyhole Cave hike details highly likely you already have an annual Parks... The Teacup Trailhead and walk up Teacup Trail for 0.4 miles until joins. To Hideout Cave are hiking on the roadside is Black Friday weekend, everyone will be shopping rather hiking! Season you visit, try to go earlier in the distance from the bottom the! Visit, try to access the Cave area views from the bottom of the Cave on Google directions how! Find the first Cave straightforward one without any confusion, and we were able to hike more in. And was unsuccessful parking area such as Instagram and TikTok have increased awareness the. Our Arizona travel guides to explore the best chance of getting parked watch your footing and for along. Steep bank climb is required to get outdoors while sharing knowledge and skills to do is sidestep go...

Poona Sarvajanik Sabha, Lubbock Mugshots 2021, Liam Brunelle Cause Of Death, Articles K