Did you know that you can hike to a collection of secret caves in Sedona? We visited 7 amazing hidden caves during our week long visit to Sedona in December 2021 and in this guide we’ll show you exactly how to find each cave for your own visit, based entirely on our own experiences.
Let’s begin.
Our Sedona Caves Experience
Our goal was not just to find the most popular caves but also the lesser known caves in Sedona. So we poured over maps and researched. By the end of our trip, we had managed to find 7 caves and 1 stunning cave-like arch that are definitely worth including on your itinerary.
Based on our extensive experience in Sedona we would say that along with driving fun Jeep trails, hiking awesome trails through red rocks and photographing sunrises and sunsets, we think finding hidden caves is among the most unmissable things to do in Sedona.
What Are The Sedona Caves?
Here’s a summary of the 7 caves and 1 arch you can hike to:
- Subway Cave – Best for photography and instagram
- Kachina Tree Cave – Best for being a well hidden secret
- Birthing Cave – Best for a striking cave entrance
- Soldier Pass Cave – Best overall trail with more to see
- Keyhole Cave – Best cave for adventure
- Hideout Cave – Best for getting off the beaten path
- Raven Caves – Best multi chamber cave
- Fay Canyon Arch – Best bonus cave-like formation
Further Reading: The 50 best hikes in the US
Sedona Caves Map
Click or touch the map below to activate. Zoom in and out, move around Sedona and find each trailhead location leading to the caves.
Map key:
- Blue Icons – Trailheads to use for each cave
- Orange Icons – Locations of the 7 caves and 1 arch
You will notice Ravens Caves is the only cave to the south of Sedona and Shaman’s Cave is a long way out to the northwest of Sedona. All other caves are located in the most popular hiking areas of Sedona and remain busy year round.
About This List
What can you expect to learn about the 7 secret caves and bonus arch in Sedona?
Each cave listed below features:
- Hiking statistics
- Cave description
- Hike description
- How to access the cave
- Where to park
- Best time to visit the cave
- List of pros and cons
We’re kicking things off with the popular instagram favorite, Sedona Subway Cave!
1. Subway Cave
Hiking Statistics
- Trail Distance: 5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: 3 hours
- Trailhead: Boynton Canyon
- Parking: Limited and busy
- Best Time: Early morning
- Pass Required: Yes
About Sedona Subway Cave
Sedona Subway Cave is a tunnel shaped sandstone formation located on Boynton Canyon Trail. The tunnel has a 5-foot gap from top to bottom as though it has been sliced in half by the blade of a thick knife.
Subway Cave is one of the most photogenic caves you can access in the Sedona area, which explains its popularity on social media and with photographers. In our experience we would say that Subway Cave is the most famous and busiest cave in Sedona.
Hiking Boynton Canyon Trail
Boynton Canyon Trail without the cave is flat and easy with a steep final section at the end of the canyon. However, to reach the Subway Cave you will turn off the main trail and join a spur trail around half way into the canyon.
Not long after you will climb a steep bank, walk around a curving ledge and access the Subway Cave. This section of the hike is more challenging but perfectly doable for most hikers.
How To Access Subway Cave
From Boynton Canyon Trailhead, walk 2 miles until you reach a huge black and gray tree trunk on the left side of the trail. It’s more obvious than it sounds! Look for a lightly beaten spur trail to the right side and follow it until you reach a steep bank.
You can climb directly into Subway Cave but we strongly recommend going left up the bank instead. At the top of the bank you turn right and follow the smooth right curve before stepping left into the cave.
Further Reading: How to hike Subway Cave Trail in Sedona
Subway Cave Parking
The best place to park for the Subway Cave is Boynton Canyon Trailhead parking lot.
Your best alternative is nearby Fay Canyon Trailhead parking lot because you can easily hike back to Boynton Canyon along Aerie Trail.
Best Time To Visit Subway Cave
Subway Cave is east facing which means you should try to access the cave as early in the day as possible for best light. Later in the day the cave will be in deep and dark shadows.
The bonus of an early start for best light is that you will arrive to the Boynton Canyon parking lot early which means you should get parked without issue.
Subway Cave Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Subway Cave is one of the most photogenic landmarks in Sedona
- Perfect for families with older kids
- Four other popular hikes nearby with connecting trails
Cons:
- Parking is almost always a problem
- Have to figure out the right place to turn onto spur trail
- The Subway Cave is often overcrowded
2. Kachina Tree Cave
Hiking Statistics
- Trail Distance: 3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: 2 hours
- Trailhead: Boynton Canyon
- Parking: Limited and busy parking lot
- Best Time: Mid morning
- Pass Required: Yes
About Kachina Tree Cave
Kachina Tree Cave is a teardrop shaped cave in Boynton Canyon. Through the cave you will find a lone tree with green leaves standing tall. This lone tree illuminates under sunlight around mid morning when sun beams burst into the narrow cave chamber.
Kachina Tree Cave is the best kept secret of all the hidden caves in Sedona because almost everyone hikes straight to the Subway Cave and misses this second stop along Boynton Canyon.
Hiking Boynton Canyon Trail
Boynton Canyon Trail without the cave is flat and easy with a steep final section at the end of the canyon. However, to reach Kachina Tree Cave you will turn off the main trail and join a spur trail around one-third of the way into the canyon.
Note that Kachina Tree Cave is not listed on Google Maps, All Trails or Gaia GPS maps. This one takes a bit of figuring out and feels like a real adventure.
How To Access Kachina Tree Cave
From Boynton Canyon Trailhead, walk for around 1.3 miles until you reach a left turn onto a spur trail. This one isn’t so obvious but you can look for a collection of tree branches on the ground not long after passing the residential area.
You will walk through a wash and climb a steep unmarked bank to reach the cave area. The hike to Kachina Tree Cave is not recommended after rain or during snow and icy conditions in winter.
Kachina Tree Cave Parking
Similarly to Subway Cave, the best place to park for Kachina Tree Cave is Boynton Canyon Trailhead parking lot.
Again, your best alternative is nearby Fay Canyon Trailhead parking lot because you can easily hike back to Boynton Canyon along Aerie Trail.
Best Time To Visit Kachina Tree Cave
Kachina Tree Cave is best visited between 9:00am and 11:00am when sunlight will penetrate into the cave and light up the standalone tree.
We recommend you hike to the Subway Cave first and then take the spur trail to Kachina Tree Cave on the way back to the trailhead. This way you will time it perfectly for both caves at their optimal light conditions.
Kachina Tree Cave Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Unique cave with lone tree
- Most will miss it in favor of Subway Cave
- Close to trailhead
Cons:
- Very limited parking
- Spur trail not marked
- Steep climb to gain access to cave
3. Birthing Cave
Hiking Statistics
- Trail Distance: 2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 270 feet
- Hike Difficulty: Easy but moderate cave climb
- Time Required: 1.5 hours
- Trailhead: Long Canyon
- Parking: Very limited spaces roadside
- Best Time: Early to mid afternoon
- Pass Required: No
About Birthing Cave
Birthing Cave on Long Canyon Trail appears like it is more of a depression in the rocks than a traditional cave. But when looking out over Sedona from the back of the depression you will see that it is a cave and it has a stunning flame shaped entrance.
We think the Birthing Cave is one of the best bang for your buck caves you can visit in Sedona. You can climb into a sphere shaped like a tennis ball sliced in half at the back of the cave for the best views looking out.
Hiking Long Canyon Trail
Long Canyon Trail is a very easy and flat hike. We recommend you only hike the first portion of Long Canyon to the Birthing Cave and back. Do not continue along Long Canyon after the cave because there are far better hikes in Sedona.
How To Access Birthing Cave
From Long Canyon Trailhead, you will hike 0.6 miles on Long Canyon until you reach a broken wooden fence crossing the main path. A beaten trail leads to the right, but you must fork to the left here instead.
Take the spur trail which gradually climbs for 0.3 miles into Birthing Cave. The final approach is steep and rocky but most hikers will be fine. Just take care and wear a good pair of shoes.
Further Reading: How to hike the Birthing Cave Trail in Sedona
Birthing Cave Parking
The best place to park for Birthing Cave is on the roadside around Long Canyon Trailhead. There are some spaces hidden in the trees and on the opposite side of the road at Chuck Wagon Trailhead.
Your best alternative is nearby Mescal Trailhead parking lot because you can easily hike back to Long Canyon along Mescal Trail.
Best Time To Visit Birthing Cave
Birthing Cave is east facing and wide open, so you could choose to visit when the sun is shining directly inside around 8:00am. However, we think this cave is best visited between midday and late afternoon after the sun moves around to the south so you’re not looking directly into the sun.
We suggest arriving inside Birthing Cave anytime between 12:00pm and 3:00pm for optimal light conditions.
Birthing Cave Pros And Cons
Pros:
- 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
Cons:
- Parking is extremely limited
- Getting into the sphere is difficult
- Not the most exciting trail in Sedona
4. Solider Pass Cave
Hiking Statistics
- Trail Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 750 feet
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: 3 hours
- Trailhead: Soldier Pass
- Parking: Extremely limited
- Best Time: Afternoon
- Pass Required: No
About Soldier Pass Cave
Soldier Pass Cave is a uniquely shaped cave on the Soldier Pass Trail. Instead of one single cave opening, Soldier Pass Cave has 3 small but completely separate light sources.
It looks like an arch from the outside. But once you climb up onto the arch and access a hidden upper chamber through a narrow gap, you will be standing inside a tunnel-like cave.
Hiking Soldier Pass Trail
Soldier Pass Trail is one of the most action packed hikes in Sedona in terms of natural attractions. You will pass by Seven Sacred Pools and Devils Kitchen sinkhole on the way to Soldier Pass Cave, which is perfect for families with older kids.
You can continue hiking on Brins Mesa Trail to complete a loop, or you can simply go back on yourself to the trailhead after exploring Soldier Pass Cave.
How To Access Soldier Pass Cave
From Soldier Pass Trailhead, walk 0.2 miles to Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, followed by a further 0.5 miles hike to reach Seven Sacred Pools. Continue for another 1 mile through a wash to a very obvious fork in the trail.
You must take the right turn at the split and climb a steep gradient to reach Solider Pass Cave. Walk through the arch and climb up through the narrow gap on the right side.
Further Reading: How to hike Soldier Pass Trail in Sedona
Soldier Pass Cave Parking
The best place to park for Soldier Pass Cave is Soldier Pass Trailhead. However, it is almost impossible to park because there are just 14 spaces. You can take the Sedona shuttle on certain days from Posse Grounds park and ride which has plenty of parking.
Your best alternative is nearby Jim Thompson parking lot because you can easily hike to Soldier Pass along Cibola Trail. You will have to display a pass if you park at Jim Thompson.
Best Time To Visit Soldier Pass Cave
Soldier Pass Cave is west facing and it is enclosed. We recommend visiting later in the day when light will directly hit the cave entrance and illuminate the chamber.
The cave will be dark if you visit earlier in the day. Aim to be inside Soldier Pass Cave between 1:00pm and 5:00pm for the best light.
Soldier Pass Cave Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Soldier Pass Cave is uniquely formed
- Devil’s Kitchen and Seven Sacred Pools are fantastic additions to the hike
- The new shuttle should significantly improve parking issues
Cons:
- Very popular trail means it is always busy
- The cave is a little tricky to climb into
- There’s not a lot of room inside the cave if it is busy
5. Keyhole Cave
Hiking Statistics
- Trail Distance: 2.3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate but cave climb is hard
- Time Required: 3 hours
- Trailhead: Sugar Loaf
- Parking: Limited lot with 12 spaces
- Best Time: Mid morning to mid afternoon
- Pass Required: Yes
About Keyhole Cave
Keyhole Cave is the best cave for adventure seekers to visit in Sedona. It’s the biggest cave, it has a huge chamber and the hike is mostly off-trail. The cave entrance is massive and you will have to climb with your hands and feet to access the upper chamber.
Very few know about Keyhole Cave and even fewer take it on once they hear about having to forge a path through unmarked and rough terrain. But that means you get an even stronger sense of satisfaction when you are standing inside the crescent moon shaped cave.
Hiking The Unmarked Keyhole Cave Trail
Keyhole Cave is accessed via Teacup Trail to begin with, but you will spend three quarters of this hike on unmaintained land with rough vegetation and no clear path. From experience, we recommend wearing boots with thick hiking socks and pants to combat aggressive prickly plants.
You have to forge your own path through the wilderness. There are several lightly beaten paths but there is no designated route. You can go direct by sticking to higher ground or you can slalom through a deep dry river bed.
How To Access Keyhole Cave
From Sugar Loaf Trailhead, walk up Teacup Trail for 0.3 miles until it joins with Thunder Mountain Trail. Look for a wooden trail sign and head directly behind into the rough vegetation. Heading north, you will carve your own path through the wash or directly through bushes and across obstacles.
Entering Keyhole Cave isn’t easy. You can climb up a steep left or a steep right approach and you will need to use your hands. We took the right approach both on the way up and down. There may or may not be rope left by other hikers that you can use to help with climbing inside.
Further Reading: How to hike the Keyhole Cave Trail in Sedona
Keyhole Cave Parking
The best place to park for Soldier Pass Cave is Sugar Loaf Trailhead. There aren’t a huge amount of parking spaces but it’s a lesser known hiking area so you should be fine. This trailhead is located in a residential area, so please don’t park on the roadside if there are no spaces in the lot.
Your best alternative is nearby Andante parking lot because you can easily hike to the unmarked Keyhole Cave hike via Andante Trail.
Best Time To Visit Keyhole Cave
Keyhole Cave is southwest facing which means it will fill with light in the afternoon. However, we think the cave is easier to photograph during the morning or later in the day when there is no light inside the cave.
Please do not attempt to hike the Keyhole Cave Trail for sunrise or sunset. This is not a place you want to find yourself in the dark, it’s hard enough to navigate in broad daylight!
Keyhole Cave Pros And Cons
Pros:
- One of the most impressive caves in Sedona
- Adventurous off-trail hike
- Not many know about this cave
Cons:
- Parking is very limited
- Rough vegetation can hurt
- Accessing the cave isn’t easy
6. Shaman’s Cave
Hiking Statistics
- Trail Distance: 3 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 450 feet
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: 2.5 hours
- Trailhead: Intersection of FR 525C / FR 9530
- Parking: Plenty of space
- Best Time: Early morning
- Pass Required: No
About Shaman’s Cave
Shaman’s Cave, also known as Hideout Cave, is by far the quietest and most secluded cave in Sedona. The cave is located on Robbers Roost Trail in northwest Sedona. It features one large east facing oval window and one much smaller south facing circular window known as Robbers Roost.
It’s a 45 minute drive on gravel roads to reach Robbers Roost Trailhead from Sedona. You are almost guaranteed to have this cave to yourself because it is so far out of the popular hiking areas. For us, the views from Shaman’s Cave are among the best of any cave in Sedona.
Hiking Robbers Roost Trail
If you have a 4WD vehicle, Robbers Roost is a short and easy hike with a moderately difficult approach into Shaman’s Cave. But if you have to hike the additional mile each way up FR 9530 because you have a 2WD vehicle, Robbers Roost is longer and more exposed.
How To Access Shaman’s Cave
Drive your Jeep or walk up FR 9530. From the 4WD parking area, the trail drops and rises gently in a V shaped valley before it arcs round a grouping of rocks to Shaman’s Cave entrance.
You must carefully cross a narrow ledge with a drop off. Don’t try to cross this ledge in icy or overly wet conditions and wear shoes with good grips.
Further Reading: How to hike Robbers Roost Trail to Shaman’s Cave
Robbers Roost Parking
The best place to park for Robbers Roost Trail is the wide open 4WD only parking area close to Shaman’s Cave. However, it is only accessible with a 4×4 vehicle.
Your only alternative is the 2WD parking area at the beginning of Forest Road 9530. This will mean hiking up the forest road before reaching Robbers Roost Trailhead.
Best Time To Visit Shaman’s Cave
From experience we think sunrise or early morning is the best time to visit Shaman’s Cave, when its larger east facing window allows the most light in. We arrived into the cave at 11:30am and it was already covered in deep shadows.
Some of the Sedona caves are better with sunlight inside and others without. Shaman’s Cave is definitely one of the caves that looks better when filled with light.
Hideout Cave Pros And Cons
Pros:
- One of the quietest caves you can visit in Sedona
- Stunning views from inside the cave
- Easy short hike with 4WD vehicle
Cons:
- Long way out of Sedona
- Accessing the cave can be a little tricky
- Longer hike without 4WD
7. Raven Caves
Hiking Statistics
- Trail Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 50 feet
- Hike Difficulty: Easy
- Time Required: 45 minutes
- Trailhead: Raven Caves
- Parking: 4 or 5 spaces
- Best Time: Late afternoon or sunset
- Pass Required: No
About Raven Caves
Raven Caves is a small network of joining caves very easily accessed via Sedona Caves Trail. It is made up of various tunnel-like chambers overlooking Oak Creek.
Don’t expect Raven Caves to be as striking as Birthing Cave or as exciting as Keyhole Cave. But this small and lesser known cave will be quiet and it is uniquely photogenic.
Hiking Sedona Caves Trail
The short and easy Sedona Caves Trail to Raven Caves should take you no longer than 10 minutes each way. But it’s completely exposed and you will have to climb down a rocky section which is steep and may require you to use your hands at times.
At first we didn’t think the trail was legit! But it definitely is, so you can hike this short trail with confidence that it ends at a series of caves.
How To Access Raven Caves
From the unmarked parking area on the side of Highway 179, follow the only clear path to the left and drop down through the rocks.
At the bottom of the rocky area, turn right and you will find the first cave. Duck inside and walk around to explore the remaining caves in this network.
Raven Caves Parking
The only place to park for Raven Caves Trail is a very small dusty pull-off along Highway 179. There’s room for just 4 or maybe 5 cars.
It’s not obvious at all, so keep your eyes peeled for a right turn which quickly leads to a row of boulders with a big tree to the right side and power lines behind.
Best Time To Visit Raven Caves
Raven Caves is west facing overlooking Oak Creek, so we recommend visiting later in the day for the best photos as light will pour inside the cave network. If you visit Raven Caves in the morning you will find the caves to be very dark inside.
Due to the more complex maze-like structure of these caves, you can use the lights and shadows to take fun silhouette photos with people.
Raven Caves Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Shortest trail to reach a cave in Sedona
- Extremely quiet and unknown
- West facing so you can visit later in day
Cons:
- Comparatively less exciting cave
- Only 4 parking spaces
- Have to duck to get through chambers
8. Fay Canyon Arch
Hiking Statistics
- Trail Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 250 feet
- Hike Difficulty: Moderate
- Time Required: 1 hour
- Trailhead: Fay Canyon
- Parking: Larger lot than usual
- Best Time: Late afternoon
- Pass Required: Yes
About Fay Canyon Arch
Fay Canyon Arch is a gigantic sandstone arch which has formed at the base of a towering red rock cliff. You can walk through and behind the arch to look directly up at gaps in the cliff, which feels a bit like stepping inside a cave.
So it’s not a cave in the traditional sense of the word. But the landscape can be framed perfectly looking out from behind the arch, just like some of the other caves in Sedona.
Hiking Fay Canyon Trail
Fay Canyon Trail is a popular hike in Sedona. The trail is flat and easy, and it leads to an end of trail marker at the end of the canyon. However, you can actually continue by climbing up steep rock formations to open up mesmerizing views over Fay Canyon.
We hiked to the arch first and then climbed half way up one of those tall formations after reaching the end of trail marker. Both are worth it if you have time.
How To Access Fay Canyon Arch
From Fay Canyon Trailhead, hike the flat trail for 0.6 miles keeping your eyes on the rock formations to your right side. When you see a huge arch where the rock wall meet the hillside, this is where you need to turn right and begin climbing directly up the bank.
Once you reach the top of the steep bank, you can walk underneath and through Fay Canyon Arch. Look back over the magical landscape below and use the arch to create a perfect natural photo frame.
Further Reading: How to hike Fay Canyon Trail in Sedona
Fay Canyon Parking
The best place to park for Fay Canyon is Fay Canyon Trailhead parking lot, which has more spaces than the typical trailhead lot in Sedona.
Your best alternative is nearby Boynton Canyon Trailhead parking lot because you can easily hike back to Fay Canyon along Aerie Trail.
Best Time To Visit Fay Canyon Arch
Fay Canyon Arch is southwest facing, which means it remains in total darkness if you arrive any time between sunrise and late morning.
We recommend arriving during the afternoon when sunlight will illuminate the arch directly. The sun will be high enough that you won’t be looking straight into it, but you will get the orange glow behind the arch.
Fay Canyon Arch Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Strikingly impressive natural arch
- Less than a mile to reach the arch
- More parking spaces vs nearby trails
Cons:
- Steep gradient to reach the arch
- Not much room to maneuver at the formation
- Very deep dark shadows in the morning
Sedona Caves Itinerary
So how do you decide which caves to visit in Sedona?
Well, Subway Cave is the most popular Sedona cave for instagram and tik-tok. 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.
So you’re spoiled for choice really!
But with just one day in Sedona, we would suggest doing Subway Cave, Kachina Tree Cave and Birthing Cave as a 3 cave hiking tour in that exact order. Put Soldier Pass Cave and Keyhole Cave down as a maybe for the afternoon if you still have time.
Here’s how to visit these Sedona caves with just one day:
- You can start at Subway Cave as close to sunrise as possible so you get the best light and beat the crowds.
- Stop at Kachina Tree Cave on the way back to the trailhead which will also be in best light between 9:00am to 11:00am.
- Drive to Long Canyon Trailhead and hike the much quieter Birthing Cave to arrive just after lunch time, which is plenty of time to be inside the cave during optimal lighting before the sun goes too far round to the south.
- If you still have time, take a shuttle and hike to Soldier Pass Cave or if you’re up for adventure take on Keyhole Cave.
Further Reading: How to plan the perfect Sedona itinerary
Leave No Trace
When you hike to these hidden caves you will be exploring the natural environment around Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness areas of Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Arizona.
Please take great care not to disturb formations, ancient sites or wildlife in any area you hike. Sedona is a beautiful place to visit and we have to keep it that way for future generations to enjoy.
Remember and follow these 7 principles of leave no trace when hiking to caves in Sedona:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
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.
It is important to know the trails you are hiking so you can safely navigate to caves around Sedona.
Parking Passes
At this list of trailheads and parking lots in Sedona, you must display either a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass on your vehicle dashboard.
You will need to display a pass for the following caves:
- Soldier Pass Cave – If you park at Jim Thompson Trailhead
- Subway Cave and Kachina Cave – Boynton Canyon parking requires a pass
- Keyhole Cave – Parking at Sugar Loaf Trailhead requires a pass
You can buy a Red Rock Pass at this recreation.gov site in advance, or you can buy one from a ticket machine at select Sedona trailheads.
Red Rock Pass options include:
- 1 Day Red Rock Pass – $5
- 7 Day Red Rock Pass – $15
- Red Rock Annual Pass – $20
Alternatively, you can buy an America The Beautiful Pass which can be used in place of a Red Rock Pass in Sedona.
What To Pack
Let’s take a quick look at the key things you need to pack:
- Footwear – Footwear with good grips and traction are going to help you climb up steep slick rock banks. Many of the caves are challenging to access but a robust pair of hiking shoes will help significantly.
- Water – Many of the hikes to reach caves in Sedona are open and exposed so you need to pack water. Summer months require more water and even electrolyte drinks.
- Sun protection – Sunglasses, sun hats, long layers and sunscreen are vital if you are visiting Sedona in summer. A lot of exposed hiking means you are prone to the effects of weathering and sunburn.
- Winter – Mornings and evenings are chilly in Sedona during winter months. You may need to pack layers, gloves and hats for early hikes, but take an empty backpack so you can pack your layers once the day warms up.
Further Reading: Best things to bring on a day hike
Hiking Apps
Do you use any of the best hiking apps for navigation on new or unmarked trails?
In Sedona, we used our Gaia GPS offline maps navigation to find all of the hidden caves and track our live location so we didn’t lose any time by going off-trail.
If you’re interested in learning more about Gaia, you can sign up to Gaia GPS premium with our Where Are Those Morgans exclusive 20% off link.
Our Top 5 Tips
Here are our 5 most important tips to help with your visit:
- Know your backup parking options for each cave in case the main lots are full.
- Try to group certain caves together so you can visit them efficiently.
- Take your favorite pair of shoes with good grips and traction to get inside caves.
- Consider the time of day each cave is best for light and photography.
- Use a hiking navigation app like Gaia GPS to help find the caves.
Further Reading: Best places to visit in Arizona
Are The Sedona Caves Worth It?
Yes! Finding caves is definitely one of the most fun things you can do in Sedona. It’s free, exciting and leads you through stunning red rock landscapes. Plus, you can take home fantastic photos from the caves.
More Sedona Hikes
- Cathedral Rock Trail
- Bell Rock Courthouse Butte Trail
- Devil’s Bridge Trail
- West Fork Trail
- Birthing Cave Trail
- Soldiers Pass Trail
- Airport Mesa Sedona View Trail
More From Sedona
- Top things you can’t miss in Sedona
- Plan the perfect Sedona itinerary
- Best hiking trails in Sedona
- Most popular Sedona vortexes
- Best jeep trails in Sedona
- Where to stay in Sedona
Want more Arizona content? Head over to our Arizona Travel Guides to explore the best of Grand Canyon, Sedona and beyond.
We hope this guide to finding the secret caves helps with planning your visit to Sedona, Arizona!
Please let us know if you have any questions about how to find any of the Sedona caves in the comments below.
Happy Hunting,
Mark and Kristen
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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.
Their work has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications.