10 Best Sedona Caves & How to Visit Them

Looking for the best Sedona Caves? You’ve come to the right place!

Sedona is home to some incredible red-rock landscapes and one of the coolest parts of this landscape is that there are hidden caves scattered all around!

On our most recent trip to Sedona we set out to find and explore as many Sedona caves as we could.

In this article we’re going to tell you how to find 10 of the coolest caves in Sedona and exactly what to expect when you head out to look for these caves.

So pack your backpack and let’s explore the best caves in Sedona, Arizona!

Map of Sedona Caves

#1 Best Sedona Cave You Must Visit

1. Soldier Pass Cave

Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Soldier Pass Trailhead
Parking Pass: Not needed Posse Grounds Park & Ride / Needed at Jim Thompson Trailhead

Soldiers Pass Cave in Sedona is a unique red rock cave-like formation that has 3 small openings which give this cave an interesting light source.

Not only is the cave itself beautiful, but the trail leading to the cave offers even more things to see.

Along the Soldier Pass Trail, you will get a chance to see the Seven Sacred Pools and Devils Kitchen Sinkhole.

This area is also a super popular off-roading Jeep trail in Sedona since there are so many amazing things to see!

How to Visit Soldier Pass Cave
In order to get to Soldier Pass Cave in Sedona, you will want to park at Posse Grounds Park & Ride which is a free parking lot with a shuttle service. Going this route will reduce the stress of an overly busy parking situation!

Once you arrive at the Soldier Pass Trailhead, you will walk for approximately 0.2 miles to find the Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole. Another 1 mile will lead you to the Seven Sacred Pools, and then 1 more mile north where you will find a wash and then a fork in the trail. Turn right at the fork split and climb a steep gradient until you access the cave.

2. Birthing Cave

Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trailhead: Long Canyon Trailhead
Parking Pass: No

The hike to the Birthing Cave in Sedona is quickly becoming one of the more popular hikes in Sedona.

This cave is also nontraditional in the sense that it’s more of a basin in the side of the rock, but this feature is what gives it the spectacular views that people come for.

At the back of the Birthing Cave of Sedona is a small hole that you can access to get the best and most popular view.

How to Visit Birthing Cave Sedona
To visit the Sedona Birthing Cave, you will park at Long Canyon Trailhead along the trees or even on the roadside depending on how busy it is. After parking, you will then go on a Birthing Cave hike in Sedona for about 0.6 miles until you come across a wooden fence that crosses the main trail.

Upon this landmark, you will turn left and follow the spur trail for approximately 0.3 miles until you reach the Birthing Cave in Sedona, AZ. A steep bank climb is at the end of this trail, but it is pretty easily manageable if you aren’t scared of heights and are in good shape. 

3. Subway Cave (Boynton Canyon)

Distance: 5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Boynton Canyon Trail
Parking Pass: Yes

Located in Boynton Canyon, Subway Cave is a unique sandstone formation that takes the shape of a tunnel.

This 5 foot vertical gap creates amazing photo opportunities making the Subway Cave in Sedona one of the most famous caves near Sedona.

With the increased popularity of the Sedona Subway Cave, it is likely to be the busiest cave that you can visit, but it’s worth the trip especially if you take some pictures home to remember it by! 

How to Visit Subway Cave Sedona
To get to the secret Subway Cave in Sedona, AZ, you will need to park at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead which is almost always likely to be busy since this is a popular scenic drive in Sedona as well as hiking trail.

Then to hike to Subway Cave in Sedona, you will walk for 2 miles until you come across a large gray tree trunk. At this landmark, turn right onto a spur trail. Follow the trail until you come across a steep bank.

At this point in the Subway Cave hike in Sedona, you could climb the rock face or go left up the bank. At the top, turn right and follow the sandstone ledge which will bring you directly to the canyon Subway Cave.

Note: You have to walk along a narrow ledge with a steep drop-off to access this cave. If you’re afraid of heights at all this probably isn’t the best cave in Sedona for you to visit. 

4. Keyhole Cave

Distance: 2.3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to hard
Trailhead: Sugar Loaf Trailhead
Parking Pass: Yes

Keyhole Cave is going to be one of the biggest caves near Sedona, AZ! It features a large chamber with an even larger opening along with a uniquely UFO shaped upper cave chamber.

Despite the uniqueness of this beautiful hidden cave of Sedona, not many people know about it let alone visit it especially due to the unmarked trail and steep climb up into the cave.

This Sedona cave hike is definitely for the adventurers looking for a challenge!

How to Visit Keyhole Cave Sedona
To visit the Keyhole Cave, head to the Sugar Loaf / Teacup Trailhead, but keep in mind this parking lot is small and fills up quickly just like the other lots in Sedona!

Once at the parking area, hike up Teacup Trail for about 0.3 miles until you reach Thunder Mountain Trail. At the wooden trail sign in this area, you will actually just go directly behind it into the vegetation.

At this point, there isn’t really a straight forward path, so you’ll have to kinda just forage your own path to Keyhole Cave. Keep going directly north and follow any lightly beaten path that you come across that still heads north.

Once you come up to Keyhole Cave, you can climb up the left or the right side. There are rocks that you can use as hand/foot grips, but you will need to climb straight up to get inside.

Some people will even bring a rope to help the others in the group get up into the cave. If you are at all afraid of heights or your climbing abilities, please do not attempt climbing into Keyhole Cave!

5. Raven Caves

Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Raven Caves Trailhead
Parking Pass: No

Raven Caves is one of the easiest to access Sedona, AZ caves. This cave features a series of 5 to 6 caves that almost seem like mazes that overlook Oak Creek.

While Raven Caves aren’t going to be the most impressive cave on this list, that just means that you won’t have to work to beat the crowds. When we went we were the only car in the parking lot.

It’s worth visiting just for the fun photos that you can get here and the neat adventure that’s just a short hike from the parking lot.

If you’re looking for something else to do in this area, there is actually a really neat Sedona swimming hole down the same trail these caves are located on. 

How to Visit Raven Caves Sedona
Accessing Raven Caves is super simple. You will park at the parking area on the side of highway 179 which only has 4 parking spaces, but it shouldn’t ever be busy. Follow the Sedona caves trail leading to a short downhill climb.

At the bottom of the climb, you will turn right and immediately find the cave. At this point you can just duck inside and explore this secret cave in Sedona!

6. Hideout Cave (Robbers Roost Cave)

Distance: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Intersection of FR 525C / FR 9530
Parking Pass: No

Hideout Cave, also known as Robbers Roost Cave or Shaman’s Cave, is one of the best caves in Sedona if you are looking for a quiet, secluded experience. This cave actually features some round windows inside.

There is an east facing window and also a south facing window which is called the Robbers Roost in Sedona which is where the alternate name comes from.

The Shamans Cave in Sedona is going to be approximately 50 minutes away from the city which is what makes it more secluded and less trafficked. Being that far out also gives the Shaman’s Cave in Sedona beautiful red rock country scenery.

How to Visit Hideout Cave Sedona
In order to visit the Hideout Cave or Shaman Cave in Sedona, you should consider renting a Jeep which will help you cut the hike down to 1 mile since you won’t have to walk up the 4WD road.

Once at the 4WD parking area, the Sedona caves trail dips into a valley and comes up on the other side. This trail will lead you to a short climb up some rocks.

After the climb, turn left and you will find the north side of the cave. Finally cross a narrow ledge, but be extremely careful due to the slick rock and never cross in icy conditions.

7. Kachina Cave

Distance: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Boynton Canyon Trail
Parking Pass: Yes

Kachina Cave is the secret cave of Sedona since most travelers overlook this cave for Subway Cave. This means the Kachina Cave is hardly ever busy, so you can get the entire teardrop cave to yourself!

Another unique aspect of this cave is the green leafed tree that stands completely alone right beyond the chamber. This tree becomes illuminated under a mid morning sun and gives the cave its alternate name of Kachina Tree Cave.

How to Visit Kachina Cave Sedona
To visit Kachina Cave in Sedona, you will park at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead similarly to if you were visiting Subway Cave. After parking, you will walk for about 1.3 miles until you come across a left turn. Take that turn onto the spur trail.

Then you will walk through a wash and also climb up a steep bank trail in order to reach the cave.

8. Fay Canyon Arch

Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Fay Canyon Trailhead
Parking Pass: Yes

While Fay Canyon Arch isn’t technically a cave, it still makes its way on this list because it is a beautiful sandstone formation that mimics the opening of a cave.

The arch perfectly frames the red rock landscape making it an impressive photography spot.

How to Visit Fay Canyon Arch Sedona
To visit Fay Canyon Arch, you will park at Fay Canyon Trailhead. After parking, follow the trail for approximately 0.6 miles. Keep tabs on the rock formations to the right!

Once you come across a large arch that is located by where the rock meets the green trees on the hillside, you will then climb directly up the bank to see Fay Canyon Arch. 

9. Patio Cave

Distance: 1 mile from parking lot
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trailhead: Boynton Canyon Trailhead
Parking Pass: Yes

The Patio Cave is one of several small Sinagua cliff dwelling sites. This cave is accessible from Deadman’s Pass and is only about 1 mile from the parking lot.

The best part about this cave is that it is easily overlooked while most people are searching for more popular caves like the Birthing Cave.

With the lack of visitors, the Patio Cave has a nice remote feel and gives visitors plenty of solitude!

How to Visit Patio Cave Sedona
After parking at Boynton Canyon Trailhead, you will hike straight north at the junction with Deadman’s Pass. Deadman’s Pass Trail climbs up high and then drops down to connect with the Long Canyon Trail.

As you hike up the hill to the high point, you will want to look up and to the left. You should see a ledge and a large alcove that will lead you to Kokopelli’s Cave. You will pass the Patio Cave on your way to the ledge to Kokopelli’s Cave.

Note: Since this is an ancient archeological site please respect the area and practice Leave No Trace principles and never take anything and or leave anything. Also please be mindful of touching the walls and rocks in the area to not disturb the cave so others can continue to visit this cave for years to come.

10. Kokopelli’s Cave

Distance: 1 mile from parking lot
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trailhead: Boynton Canyon Trailhead
Parking Pass: Yes

Like Patio Cave, Kokopelli’s Cave is another one of the several small Sinagua cliff dwelling sites along Deadman’s Pass. This cave is also sometimes referred to as the “Smokehouse Ruin” or “The Green Room”.

Kokopelli’s Cave gets these other names because the walls of the cave are green with mineralization and the roof is blackened from the smoke of cooking fires.

This cave is overlooked by hikers of Boynton Canyon, so similarly to the Patio Cave, it is the perfect secluded spot to get away from the crowds.

How to Visit Kokopelli’s Cave Sedona
After parking at Boynton Canyon Trailhead, you will follow the same hike as the one for Patio Cave. Head north at the junction with Deadman’s Pass and climb up the hill. Look up and to the left to find a ledge and a large alcove. Following this ledge will lead you past Patio Cave and to Kokopelli’s Cave.

Once you reach the first ledge, stay on the same contour as you would use to double back to Boynton Canyon. There will then be a faint social trail through the brush that will bring you directly to the cave.

Hiking to Sedona Caverns Tips

• Start Early: If you are visiting these caves in Sedona, AZ, during the busy seasons and/or during the summer, you should start your hike early. This way you will be able to avoid peak time crowds and beat the midday heat.

• Find Parking: Parking at trailheads can sometimes be challenging with limited parking spots and even more so during busy seasons, so have alternate parking in mind. But we’ll discuss parking in more detail below.

• Utilize the Shuttle: Sedona has implemented a shuttle system to help travelers get to the popular trailheads. This shuttle is particularly convenient for Soldier Pass Cave.

• Group Caves Together: Some caves are located along the same trails or are generally located in the same area. So if you want to visit multiple caves, you should plan ahead and group the caves that are close by together.

• Bring Hiking Gear: Always pack the appropriate hiking gear and wear supportive hiking boots. We’ll discuss hiking gear in depth below. 

• Leave No Trace: In order to protect these trails and caves, it is important to practice the Leave No Trace principles while visiting any nature area.

Sedona Cave Trail Requiring a Parking Pass

In order to park at many of the Sedona caves trailhead parking lots, you will need to have a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass. This parking pass is a conservation tool that is used to protect, enhance, and maintain these nature areas that require the pass.

The Sedona cave hikes that require a Red Rock Pass include: Subway Cave, Keyhole Cave, Kachina Cave, Fay Canyon Arch, Patio Cave, and Kokopelli’s Cave. If you plan on visiting multiple caves or other nature areas, it is worth it to have the Red Rock Pass handy especially if you have to find alternate parking options like with Soldier Pass Cave. 

Where to Park to Visit Sedona Caves

When visiting popular Sedona caves, you will most likely be utilizing trailhead parking lots. These parking lots can be notoriously busy especially with the more popular caves and hikes.

When visiting Subway or Kachina Caves, you can use the Boynton Canyon Parking Lot. If this lot is full, parking at Fay Canyon is an option.

For Birthing Cave, park at Long Canyon Trailhead. If this roadside parking area is full, try Mescal Trailhead and walk the connecting trail.

To access Soldier Pass Cave, use the Soldier Pass Trailhead Parking Lot. This lot only has 14 spots though, so if it fills up use Jim Thompson and hike Cibola Trail or use Posse Grounds Park & Ride and take the shuttle.

Keyhole Cave has parking available at Sugar Loaf / Teacup Trailhead which also only has 14 spots. If these spots fill up, you can try Andante Trailhead which leads to Thunder Mountain Trail which meets up with Teacup Trail.

The lesser known caves like Raven Caves, Hideout Cave, Patio Cave, and Kokopelli’s Cave  should have way less stressful parking experiences since people tend to overlook them. 

Best Time of Year to Hike Sedona Arizona Caves

Spring: The Spring season is one of the best hiking seasons because it offers the most favorable hiking conditions especially with cooler temperatures. This season being one of the best means it’s also one of the busiest, so be prepared for crowds, especially at the best Sedona campgrounds and higher prices.

Summer: The Summer season is quieter than Spring and Fall, but it’s still a peak travel season especially with Sedona being a year-round destination. Summer will present uncomfortably hot temperatures, so if you are hiking in the summer it is best to get out early to beat the midday heat.

Fall: The fall season is another one of the best hiking seasons due to it having those nice cool temperatures making it comfortable to hike. This season, similarly to spring, is going to be the busy season for hiking meaning crowds and higher pricing. Try visiting Sedona in October to get the fall weather but fewer crowds.

Winter: The winter season, like summer, is the low season for hiking. However, despite being the off season, winter can still be busy. Sedona in November is a perfect time to visit or even try visiting in December before Christmas.

Caves in Sedona Arizona Hiking Gear

• Proper Footwear: You should wear supportive hiking boots when going out on any trail, but especially when visiting caves. Make sure the shoes have good traction and grip for when you have to climb.

• Water: Always pack water so that you can stay hydrated while hiking. It is especially important to drink enough water on hotter, sunny days.

• Sun Protection: Make sure to wear sunscreen and even bring sunglasses and a hat. Some trails can leave you in direct sun for miles, so it is best to come prepared so that you don’t end up sunburnt.

• Clothing Layers: The weather can always change up on you, and if it doesn’t, these caves can actually be chilly. So you should consider wearing some light layers that you can add or remove as needed to remain comfortable in any temperature.

• Snacks: Looking for a hidden cave in Sedona, AZ, can take a while so you should definitely consider packing some snacks or a lunch. Try to make it healthy too so that you don’t feel sluggish during the rest of the hike.

• Camera: These secret caves of Sedona are beautiful and provide some amazing photo opportunities, so make sure to bring a camera to capture the moment!

• Backpack: With all of these supplies, it is best to bring it all in a backpack so that your hands can be free for climbing support.

Visiting Caves in Sedona AZ Itinerary

Each of these Sedona caves has something different to offer you. If you aren’t completely sure what you want to prioritize, we have an itinerary that might help out.

If you are looking to snap some Instagram worthy pictures, then you should consider checkin out Subway Cave. Keyhole Cave is the best option for those with adventurous souls.

The Birthing Cave is known to be the quietest, so it might be good if you want a relaxing trip. Then Soldier Pass Cave is going to have a hike that offers amazing views on top of the picturesque cave!

If you still can’t pick one, you can group the Subway Cave, Kachina Cave, and Birthing Cave together. Visiting these 3 caves in that particular order will allow you to cover as many caves as possible in one trip.

So our recommendation for your Sedona Caves Itinerary is:

• Start your day with a Sedona sunrise hike through Boynton Canyon to Subway Cave. You’ll beat the crowds and get amazing sunrise pictures!

• After checking out Subway Cave, you will then head to Kachina Cave on the way back to the Boynton Canyon Trailhead. Kachina Cave often has the best lighting around 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

• Once you are done at Kachina Cave, you will drive to Long Canyon Trailhead to get to the Birthing Cave trail in Sedona. Hike up to the Birthing Cave right after lunch time to catch the best lighting. You could even have a lunch picnic at the cave!

• If you want to squeeze in one more cave to this itinerary, you could take the shuttle from Posse Grounds Park & Ride to get to Soldier Pass Cave in enough time for a spectacular Sedona sunset.

Sedona Caves FAQs

Wrap-Up: 10 Best Sedona Caves to Visit 

We hope that this guide helps you unearth all of the best Sedona caves that you can visit!

Whether you are looking for a challenging adventure or a relaxing short hike to a picturesque cave to enjoy, we hope this guide helps you choose exactly which adventure to go on.