When we first find out about this off-the-beaten-path place, we had no idea what to expect. Since it was a short hike, we decided to do a quick run between our hike in Boynton Canyon and the Bell Rock climb. I’m so glad we did! For such a short hike, it has an awesome paid off. Sedona Caves Trail is a super short hike in Sedona that will take you to an amazing sandstone cave system.
Note: Please make sure to respect this beautiful place and the surround areas. Always practice LEAVE NO TRACE. This means no loud music, no graffiti and pack out what you pack in! Please help us protect this place for generations to come!
Stats
Where
Sedona Caves Trail Trailhead:
Parking
Small, dirt parking on the side of the road. Probably fit about 5 or 6 cars.
Restroom
There is no restroom
Fee
Free
Weather
Distance
0.5 miles R.T.
Elevation Gain
55 ft
Level
The hike is easy but exploring the caves is consider moderate. It can get steep and technical depends on how far you go in.
Time:
1 hour
Pet-friendly
Dog are allowed but they need to be on leashed. We wouldn’t recommend bring your pups into the caves.
Ideal Weather
Falls and Springs are the best seasons to go.
Ideal Time
Mornings or afternoons. You want to have some sunlight to explore the cave.
Video
The Adventure
Getting to Sedona Caves Trail
Sedona Caves Trail is located right off the side of AZ-179. It is a short distance past Poco Diablo Resort, coming from Sedona. There is a small turnout on the right side of the highway if you’re coming from Sedona. It is easy to miss so make sure you keep an eye out for it. It is a small dirt area that has big rocks blocking what looks like a dirt road. There won’t be any signs marking the trailhead but you are at the right place. Even though the trail is easy, the caves can be steep and slippery. Please make sure to wear shoes with good traction.
Hiking Down to the Caves
The trail to the cave is super short and with some minor up and down the hill. It is a pretty hike with the surrounding red rocks. You’ll see a lot of the buildings and homes in the background as well, however, they are not intrusive. Sedona Caves Trail will lead you toward the creek at the bottom.
Near the end of the trail, there is two way down. The left is a longer, less steep walk down. The right side is a super steep climb down. We decided to climb down instead. It wasn’t as bad if you’re not afraid to use your hands. As you round the corner, there is a metal sign next to a dead tree. The metal sign states to not deface the area. At this point, if you look to your right, you’ll see the caves. If you continue down, it is a steep but short way down to the creak.
Exploring the caves on Sedona Caves Trail
Getting into the caves can be a bit tricky since the ground slopes down but it’s not too difficult. At first, we thought it was just one or two cave chambers inside. It was cool regardless. However, once we went inside, we realized there are a few other caves connected to this one.
It was so much fun trying to figure out where the cave leads to next. At one point, it looks like that’s the end of the cave system. However, once I got a closer look outside one of the entrances, I realized that you can get out on the narrow ledge, carefully walk across the sloping cliff to get over to another cave. This spot can be a bit technical. If it is something you’re not comfortable with, then please don’t do it. But if you are capable, it is not that bad. This cave here is the last of the cave system. However, it is pretty neat because leads to a few smaller chambers.
Once you’re done exploring the caves, you can always go down and check out the creak and have another view of this cave system. This area near the creak can be beautiful in the Spring or Falls. When we were there in the winters, the trees are mostly dead so it wasn’t the most photogenic spot. Don’t forget to check out our related posts below for more exciting adventures in Sedona.
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
Good hiking shoes are recommended on these adventures. Vy uses the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 hiking boots
Dustin’s shoes are Targhee III Waterproof
There isn’t a lot of shade in the desert. Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should always bring plenty of water. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
Always good to bring some snacks with you. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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2 Comments
Trizzy
thank you V & Dustin for this. heading to sedona soon for the third time but never heard of this trail.
this post is what i needed – simple, convincing, and detailed. loving the content! keep it up
Vy
Thank you! Hope you’ll have fun there!