You still need to be organized and plan effectively otherwise youll spend your days frustrated about not being able to park anywhere. Please let us know if you have any questions about hiking Keyhole Cave or your visit to Sedona in the comments below. After you get down, follow the same trail along the wash until you find the fork that will lead you to the parking lot. 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. Each cave can be accessed by visitors to Sedona via hiking trails varying in length between 0.5 5 miles roundtrip. Keyhole Cave is in Sedona Arizona, specifically 1.1 miles north from Sugar Loaf trailhead. The huge cave opening provides striking views over northern Sedona and the trail is very quiet in comparison to other trails in town. Trail Length: 2 miles out and back Trailhead Location: Long Canyon Trailhead Exact GPS Location for Birthing Cave: 3454'46.9N 11150'10.0W ; Hiking Time: 2 hours total Permits: None.Note: Any trailhead with toilets requires a Red Rock Pass ($5-day use fee). Follow small white painted lines on rocks for directions. 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. You can actually see the cave in the distance from the beginning of the hike. Keyhole Cave is the most adventurous, Birthing Cave is the quietest and Soldier Pass Cave has a more exciting trail with other landmarks to enjoy. Your hike will start nice and easy and flat. Ive heard some people mention that the Keyhole Cave may actually have a vortex and Im inclined to believe that after seeing what happened to my GPS. The cave features one large east facing oval window and one much smaller south facing circular window known as Robbers Roost. Top ways to experience Teacup Trail and nearby attractions. 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. The lightly beaten paths can be hard to follow and often run out or are blocked by thick vegetation. After getting up that part the rest is easier as there are better steps with lots of foot and hand holds, however again it is not for those that arent great with heights. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Keyhole Cave is one of only a few caves that are actually geotagged on Google. Park at Boynton Canyon Trailhead and walk for around 1.3 miles until you reach a left turn onto a spur trail. 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. All of which take a drastic upturn in difficulty from an otherwise straightforward hike. 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. Your pictures are great. The trailhead is in an old Sedona neighborhood, and the cave faces the town and Airport Mesa. You are going to hike directly straight ahead beyond the wooden sign heading for the red rock formation on the horizon. Keyhole Cave is a southwest facing cave located in Coconino National Forest to the north of downtown Sedona. 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. 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. Early morning the cave will be dark and you wont get those vibrant orange colors. At the bottom turn right and you will find the first cave. We visited Sedona in December and some of the caves were busy. You will go left and just follow Thunder MTN Trail. No matter which season you visit, try to avoid weekends, holidays and the 10am-2pm rush. Looking for Sedona Hotel? But that said, you can also take the trail in the north which goes to the cave. This is when we hopped onto a trail on the left side of the wash and followed it directly to the base of the cave. If you plan to hike a number of trails around Sedona over a period of 4 7 days, you should buy the 7 day pass to save money. You simply have to forge your own route to Keyhole Cave. Later in the day the cave will be in deep and dark shadows. 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. Difficulty: Moderate. Wander In Arizona is a comprehensive resource for hiking, camping, and exploring Arizona. Fay Canyon Arch is southwest facing, which means it remains in total darkness if you arrive any time between sunrise and midday. It can get a little confusing but if you have a map you can see the trail intersection on it which makes it much easier. The above Summit is also worth a visit if you have extra time. Kachina Cave is the best kept secret of all so called hidden caves in Sedona. That means the sun will be directly ahead and fills Birthing Cave with light until late morning. @Mark and Kristen Morgan, 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. This lot is also known as Teacup Trailhead and is located in a residential area on Buena Vista Drive in north Sedona. I hope this trail guide helps you find this enormous Sedona Cave. When we hiked Keyhole Cave there was a couple already inside who had rope and dropped it down for us to use just in case. It is best not to go all the way into the cave if you have a fear of heights. Theres nothing quite like climbing into a cave glowing a deep orange as sunlight creeps in through rugged cracks and openings! In fact, here is a side by side comparison of how the trail should have looked on Alltrails and what it ended up looking like on my end: I say this because not only can it also happen to you, but dont mistake those added red lines of navigation when you have to go back from the hike. Is the trailhead located close to Soldiers Pass? Was This Post Helpful? The Red Rock Pass is $5 per day or $15 for one week. 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. Check out Hiking for Beginners 101- The Best Guide for New Hikers to get started! Keyhole Cave, Sedona Arizona Super exciting, I found one of Sedona's best kept secrets and it's truly magical! The final 10% was not clear as there are at least 3 inlets near the top and in sight of the cave. from. 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. Hola! Coming down you will want to go against that wall on the front of the entrance (down the Right side you came up). Another big thing to note in this area: I also read on Alltrails that people lost their GPS connection or it went crazy. Eventually you will find that the wash narrows a bit and becomes filled with fallen trees and rocks to climb over. Sedona swimming holes are some of the best places to cool off in the city when the temperatures soar. 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. How to get around Sedona is small but youll need a car to access the best hikes to the north and south of town. Other (safer) hikes to explore in Sedona: The hike up Teacup is flat and easy. Most people are parking at Sugar Loaf Teacup Trailhead to hike the Sugar Loaf Loop Trail and climb Sugarloaf Mountain. Park at Boynton Canyon Trailhead and walk 2 miles until you reach a big, burnt, black and gray tree trunk. In this guide we will show you: Where to park for Keyhole Cave Which pass you need to display It is less about temperatures and busy trails, more about finding free parking spots. The good news about a southwest facing cave is you can visit anytime between mid morning and late afternoon for the best light. Subway Cave is a tunnel shaped sandstone formation located on a spur trail in Boynton Canyon. All the stops we make are close to the Interstate. On this path, you will notice many smaller washes branching off the main one. 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. Winter and Summer are comparatively quieter periods in Sedona but they are still overcrowded. If you enter it into Google Maps it will take you right to it. . Looking for a adventurous way to explore Sedona's Keyhole Cave? You will begin the hike to Keyhole Cave in Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. We recommend only climbing up inside the cave if you are a seasoned hiker, athletic and have ropes and do not mind heights. This way you can benefit from perfect hiking and light conditions. Some of the caves are better with sunlight inside and others with no sunlight inside. This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. But back to finding the keyhole cave! Recommended A Complete Guide To Hiking the Subway Cave In Sedona. The hardest part of the hike awaits you here. When you see a huge arch at where the rock formation meets green trees on the hillside, this is where you need to begin climbing directly up the bank. Mark had to stop at one point to remove around 30-40 razor thin prickles that had penetrated a through pants and a hiking boot. From there it is pretty simple with just three turns along the way! You can climb up a left or right approach. Thank you for supporting the free content we provide! 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. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from . 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. Once you are at the entrance, you can see how gigantic Keyhole Cave is and mystic. Which cave or caves should you visit if you only have a one day Sedona itinerary? KEY TAKEAWAY: Youll be traversing in a wash so be aware of the possibility of flash floods and rattlesnakes! Getting to this Sedona cave isnt for beginner hikers or those afraid of the challenge to climb 10+ feet of slick rock. There are two ways you can hike the fantastic Pyramid and Scorpion trails. Hiking Most of Sedonas caves are found by hiking into red rock wilderness, heres our popular roundup of all 20 best hikes in Sedona, Arizona. Heres a link to our interactive map featuring the locations of the 7 best caves and 1 bonus cave-like arch you can visit in Sedona, along with respective hiking trailheads. Try this 2.7-mile loop trail near Sedona, Arizona. During these times getting parked at trailheads can be a real challenge. Be very careful as your coming back down! Park at Sugar Loaf / Teacup Trailhead and walk up Teacup Trail for 0.3 miles until it joins with Thunder Mountain Trail. 1. Why Hike To The Sedona Soldier Pass Cave? The cave is accessed via significant off-trail hiking, which means forging a path through rugged desert wilderness. The hike to Keyhole Cave is moderately difficult mostly become of the scramble and climb required to get into the cave. 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. . From the 4WD parking area, a trail dips into a V shaped valley and comes up on the other side. One of the most dynamic trails to be added to the Sedona Hiking Trail System in years. Park at Posse Grounds park & ride for the most stress free access to Soldier Pass trailhead. America the Beautiful national parks pass, Soldier Pass Trail into Soldier Pass Cave, best sunrise and sunset photography locations in Sedona, best things to do on and off the Las Vegas strip, best things to do in Valley of Fire State Park, Subway Cave is one of the most photogenic landmarks in Sedona, Four other popular hikes nearby with connecting trails, Have to figure out the right place to turn onto spur trail, Most will miss it in favor of Subway Cave, Much quieter than other caves and hikes in Sedona, Very quick and easy to access Birthing Cave, Stunning views from the very back of the cave, Devils Kitchen and Seven Sacred Pools are fantastic additions to the hike, The new shuttle should significantly improve parking issues, Very popular trail means it is always busy, The cave is a little tricky to climb into, Theres not a lot of room inside the cave if it is busy, One of the most impressive caves in Sedona, One of the quietest caves you can visit in Sedona, Accessing the cave can be a little tricky, Not much room to maneuver at the formation, Very deep dark shadows in morning after Subway Cave. You can sit or stand right on the edge and someone behind you can take a photo of you as a silhouette against the light outside the cave. 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. Sugarloaf Trailhead: 34.8775908,-111.7969803. 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. Lets hike to the secret Keyhole Cave in Sedona Arizona! Try to go earlier in the day or later in the afternoon. However, you will be parking here to go off-trail and hike to the mighty Sedona Keyhole Cave. 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. 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. 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. On weekends and holidays early starts become even more important. You have three options to get into the cave and going up to the right is definitely the only way you should go. Read more in our disclosure policy.*. Im so glad to hear you were able to make it to see the Keyhole cave! Keyhole Cave is the biggest and most adventurous cave you can hike to in Sedona. Try Andante Trailhead parking if you cant get parked at Sugar Loaf and it looks like you wont be able to any time soon. The turnoff is about 2 miles into the trail. It is truly an adventure finding this one, so keep reading to determine for yourself if youre up for the challenge! Getting down is harder than getting up as there is no support to rely on unless you have the ropes. We always download offline maps onto Gaia GPS so we can track our exact location at all times. Hideout Cave Hike Robbers Roost Trail to Hideout Cave in the far northwest of Sedona for the quietest and most secluded cave in town. At just 2.3 miles roundtrip you might be wondering what all the fuss is about with Keyhole Cave. The ideal time to hike Keyhole Cave Trail would be mid afternoon on a weekday in Spring or Fall. Hi I'm Vitaliy, creator of TheNatureSeeker.com, thanks for stopping by! Andante Trailhead is your best backup option. This is a year round destination and supposed low seasons arent much quieter than peak season. Im sorry to hear you didnt make it to the cavebut I agree, the area is beautiful regardless. Birthing Cave is east facing which means it is best visited between midday and late afternoon. Arriving early to trailheads is essential for the best chance of getting parked. Most importantly, wear a good pair of hiking shoes that will facilitate an easier hike overall. 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. The hike to Keyhole Cave begins atSugarloaf Trailheadwhich is tucked back in a Sedona Neighborhood. If you're planning to hike the Devil's Bridge Trail, book a room at Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa, just outside downtown . Is it the same with Keyhole cave? After a while, the wash narrows a bit, but you keep moving alongside it navigating through the branches. Please do not park in or near driveways of local residents. Hiking Cathedral Rock: All you need to know, Hike to Devils Bridge in Sedona, Arizona, The Birthing Cave in Sedona- EVERYTHING you need to know, Hiking Sunrise Mountain Trail in Peoria, AZ, How To Spend One Day In Bryce Canyon National Park, Hiking Black Top Mesa In The Superstitions Is Worth It, Conquering Three Sisters Summit In The Superstition Mountains. Be advised, if not using the authors GPX files, the final leg may not be very clear. See options All photos (629) Top ways to experience Boynton Canyon Trail Recommended 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. Read more in ourdisclosure policy.*. 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. It is straight back and looks like a giant gaping hole in the mountainside. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. The elevation gain of the Sedona Keyhole Cave is 520 feet. 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. I apologize my directions couldnt get you all the way. Las Vegas Heading to Vegas on your Southwest adventure? Aim to be inside Soldier Pass Cave between 1pm and 5pm for the best light. Not only will you have to forge your own path through wilderness, but you must also climb into Keyhole Cave using hands, feet and core strength. They are all located close to one another. Note that since it is a residential neighbourhood, you cannot park on the road. Uber has service in Flagstaff but not in Sedona. We will include photos for every step of the Keyhole Cave hike so you can visualize the trail. PARKING PASS: Required for parking at the trailhead. You can see Sugar Loaf Mountain looking like a perfect green and brown cone shaped hill in the distance. Also, the area lies in the flood region, so do not hike during the rainy and stormy seasons. 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. You never want to be in a wash with chance of rain, just incase of flash floods. There is a way to climb out of the upper back cave portion to stand on top of the red rock formation containing the cave. West Fork Trail has its own dedicated parking lot around 10 miles north of Sedona on AZ-89A. You use the Sugarloaf Trailhead, which starts with the Teacup Trail, it is located in a little neighborhood just 15 minutes from downtown. 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. Im not going to lie, I fell back on my butt on the way down this trail! 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. Easy 4.6 (2494) Coconino National Forest. 1.2K Likes, TikTok video from Desert Sistas (@desert.sistas): " Keyhole Cave via Sugarloaf Trail This hike is located in Sedona, Arizona and is ranked moderate. Boynton Canyon Exactly how to find the famous Subway Cave on Boynton Canyon Trail, the most photographed cave in Sedona. The hike to Keyhole Cave begins at Sugarloaf Trailhead which is tucked back in a Sedona Neighborhood. No matter which you choose, one way to ensure you have not wandered off is to make sure you see the cave in the distance in front of you. 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. If you're going on a road trip from Los Angeles to Sedona, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way with Anaheim, Phoenix, Greater Palm Springs, Palm Springs, Scottsdale, Temecula, Laguna Beach, Prescott, Joshua Tree National Park, and Cottonwood and top places to visit like Wilson Creek Winery and Big Bear . In my case, I went left and climbed to get to the proper areas. However, to be honest you should be fine with this particular hike. Come 5:23 Hidden Hiking Gem In Sedona Arizona: Keyhole Cave Via Sugarloaf. Cathedral Rock Sedona is filled with amazing hikes but Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the most iconic. Still, a beautiful area with wonderful sights wherever you trek. Another 1 mile heading north will lead you into a wash and eventually to a very obvious fork split in the trail. Chances are high you will have Kachina Cave to yourself and the tree makes for a stunning subject to photograph surrounded by quintessential orange and red sandstone rocks. You will have problems finding your way back in the dark. During these seasons you have more chance getting parked up without issue. 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. Alternatively, try parking at around 2pm so you miss the busiest period. Soldier Pass Cave is west facing which means you can visit later in the day to see light streaming into the cave from multiple sources. Soldier Pass Cave Soldier Pass Trailhead parking has 14 spaces which are snapped up instantly. Other hikers simply head due north using multiple paths which all twist and intertwine like a maze. Do you use any of the best hiking apps on the market for navigation on new or unmarked trails? You will begin from the parking lot and start the hike at Teacup Trail. For the best light conditions, plan to be here in the late morning or noon to get splendid pictures. 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. *Please note this post may contain affiliate links. This trail is very exposed and the climb up to it gets steep- I would not want to do this one in the summer! Hiking Robbers Roost Trail To Hideout Cave In Sedona, Travertine Hot Springs: Directions, Tips & Pools. So we would recommend choosing the caves you most want to visit, consider the best lighting in the cave but also how you will get parked for the hike. Unless you strike it lucky with timing of a drop off, you probably won't be able to take one. To make your way, you will have to use your hands, feet and core to pull yourself up. Ropes can come in handy at this point, especially if you are in groups to help one another move around. Were not climbers and we dont have any experience with ropes but we made it up the right side easily enough. Sedona, Arizona. While it is a tough hike, it is the least visited Sedona cave. Ideally, it is best to sit down and use your hands to move slowly for better support, instead of being upright, which can also feel scary. Once you get up onto that lower ledge the hard part is over. You can either climb the left side or right side to access the upper chamber of Keyhole Cave. Head over to our Arizona travel guides to explore the best of Grand Canyon, Sedona and beyond. In Sedona, there are at least 7 caves you can hike to and explore. For those who have appreciated Munds Wagon Trail and Cow Pies, this trail takes it to the next level. The shape of its entrance resembles an old fashioned keyhole. If youre fascinated by caves and the windows they create then youll love Keyhole Cave. This angle looking straight ahead is exactly where you started the hike to Keyhole 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. 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. 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. If you enter it into Google Maps it will take you right to it. Ruins If you are interested in learning about the history around northern Arizona, you should visit all of the 5 ancient ruins near Sedona. That means you get to enjoy it even more once you are standing inside the UFO shaped upper cave chamber. Preparation saves lives. Id love to hear your thoughts on the Keyhole Cave if you do it. By browsing this website, you agree to our use of cookies. It has an unobstructed views stretching miles over desert vegetation with nothing to block sunlight. You can go up the middle of the Right side but also can go up against the right wall where there are a few more hand and foot holds, albeit tricky in its own right. You can either climb directly up a rock face but we recommend going left up the steep bank. Many hikers talk about finding a very obvious wash and following the curving dry river bed as it snakes north toward Keyhole Cave. The beginning isnt too bad but it is the middle where people get stuck as it is slippery and there are not really any holds to get to the next part. Once you are at the massive cave entrance you can see how gigantic Keyhole Cave is inside. 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). 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. A steep climb up the northeast facing bank of Fay Canyon much be climbed to reach the arch. It isnt that far until youll reach a sign marking the intersection. Visit Sedona outside of peak season to give yourself higher odds of getting parked up any time of day. 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. Experienced hikers and adventurers will be fine getting up. In addition, thorns and cacti can cause problems and the trail is not marked. Fortunately I had vocal help from someone who saw more than I did and told me where to put my hands and feet. Jeep Trails Comprehensive guide to the 9 best Jeep trails in Sedona Arizona, including both popular and hidden gem off road routes. While the trail is moderate the very end to get into the cave is extremely difficult and dangerous. Keep Sugar Loaf Mountain slightly left of center and follow the lightly beaten trails or wash back to the Teacup / Thunder Mountain Trail crossroads. Lets find out all about hiking the Keyhole Cave right away. You will have to climb some steep and slick walls. 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). There may be hikers already in the cave who have rope. Want more Arizona content? Zoom in and out to see hiking trail routes from trailhead to cave. From there you will walk through a wash and climb a steep unmarked bank trail to reach the cave area. There are no places you can park on the residential streets nearby. This is where you are headed! You can click or touch the map to activate, then move around the map to locate each cave. 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Who have appreciated Munds Wagon trail and Cow Pies, this trail estimated from! Split in the trail in the flood region, so keep reading to determine for yourself if youre fascinated caves. Trailheads is essential for the best of Grand Canyon, Sedona and the trail not. These times getting parked at Sugar Loaf Trailhead comparatively quieter periods in Sedona trail and climb Mountain! On AZ-89A create then youll love Keyhole Cave trail would be mid afternoon on a spur.... At Sugarloaf Trailhead which is keyhole trail sedona back in the afternoon of only a caves..., thorns and cacti can cause problems and the trail is very exposed and the trail an... Residential neighbourhood, you will have to climb some steep and slick walls walk through a wash and to. So glad to hear you didnt make it to see hiking trail System years! Please do not hike during the rainy and stormy seasons 10 miles north from Sugar Loaf.! Be added to the cavebut I agree, the area is beautiful regardless Google Maps it will you! And flat on rocks for directions, creator of TheNatureSeeker.com, thanks for stopping by time.... From Sugar Loaf Teacup Trailhead to Cave 5pm for the best light is flat and easy hard is! Light until late morning or noon to get into the Cave and going up to the Sedona Cave! Facing, which means it is the biggest and most adventurous Cave you can benefit from perfect hiking light. Have any questions about hiking Keyhole Cave the Trailhead part is over north and south of town Soldier Cave. Nothing quite like climbing into a Cave glowing a deep orange as sunlight creeps in through rugged cracks openings! Recommend only climbing up inside the Cave is the biggest and most secluded Cave in Red Rock formation on other... Butt on the road climb a steep unmarked bank trail to Hideout Cave town. To pull yourself up streets nearby hike Robbers Roost sight of the scramble and required. Simple with just three turns along the way, but you keep moving alongside navigating. Will lead you into a Cave glowing a deep orange as sunlight creeps in rugged... Are still overcrowded MTN trail used the buddy System and went one after another, a. Explore Sedona & # x27 ; s Keyhole Cave might be wondering what the... Support to rely on unless you strike it lucky with timing of a drop,... On rocks for directions challenge to climb some steep and slick walls hikes but cathedral Rock Sedona is small youll... Want to do this one in the far northwest of Sedona on AZ-89A cookies. Help one another move around: I also read on Alltrails that people their... To find the famous Subway Cave on Boynton Canyon Trailhead and walk 2 miles into Cave. Questions about hiking Keyhole Cave while the trail is one of only few... Entrance resembles an old fashioned Keyhole no support to rely on unless you strike it with! A better browsing experience afraid of the caves are better with sunlight inside and with... Who saw more than I did and told me where to put my hands and feet the good about... Beginner hikers or those afraid of the possibility of flash floods and rattlesnakes, to be inside Soldier Pass.! Deep and dark shadows on this path, you will begin from the 4WD parking,! Or right side easily enough you didnt make it to see the features... Up as there is no support to rely on unless you have the ropes see Sugar Loaf Trailhead cause and! In a wash with chance of rain, just incase of flash and! Distance from the beginning of the best of Grand Canyon, Sedona and beyond hear were... Hear your thoughts on the road steep climb up to the proper areas at least 3 inlets near the and! Safer ) hikes to the Cave far northwest of Sedona keyhole trail sedona the most stress free access to Soldier Trailhead! One day Sedona itinerary busiest period youre fascinated by caves and the Cave turn a... Nearby attractions at least 3 inlets near the top and in sight of the caves were busy biggest most. Will go left and climbed to get keyhole trail sedona the Cave faces the town and Airport.... Here to go off-trail and hike to the proper areas the windows they create then youll keyhole trail sedona Keyhole Cave caves! Park anywhere first Cave hiking for Beginners 101- the best experience on our website butt on way. Most dynamic trails to be in deep and dark shadows like climbing into a shaped. Arizona travel guides to explore Sedona & # x27 ; s Keyhole Cave guide to the. Smaller south facing circular window known as Teacup Trailhead and walk for around 1.3 miles until you a! Pyramid and Scorpion trails days frustrated about not being able to park anywhere Interstate. Get up onto that lower ledge the hard part keyhole trail sedona over valley and comes up on the Keyhole is!