keyhole trail sedona

But back to finding the keyhole cave! I would strongly recommend you wear fully covered clothing like pants because theres a good chance you may have this problem too, not to mention that there are animals like snakes in the area and just wearing more protective clothing is safer in general here. Kachina Cave is the best kept secret of all so called hidden caves in Sedona. Other hikers simply head due north using multiple paths which all twist and intertwine like a maze. It has an unobstructed views stretching miles over desert vegetation with nothing to block sunlight. Heres the right approach into Keyhole Cave: The right approach looks worse than it is. Explore Keyhole, Sedona - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Certain trailheads and parking lots in Sedona require you to display either a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass on your vehicle dashboard. Birthing Cave on the Long Canyon Trail is one of the quietest caves you can visit in Sedona. Take your time and take small steps to prevent slipping and falling back into a cactus. Raven Caves is west facing overlooking Oak Creek, so visit later in the day for the best photos as light pours in. One way to do this is with a GPS system or app. This is a year round destination and supposed low seasons arent much quieter than peak season. Recommended A Complete Guide To Hiking The Birthing Cave In Sedona. This small hole is accessible and it is from this point you will get the best view looking out of the flame shaped cave entrance. Hi I'm Vitaliy, creator of TheNatureSeeker.com, thanks for stopping by! Most people are parking at Sugar Loaf Teacup Trailhead to hike the Sugar Loaf Loop Trail and climb Sugarloaf Mountain. 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. You just never know when youll lose your footing on these desert rocks. This is one of the 4 main Sedona vortex sites. Set your Google Maps or Apple Maps to "West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead" or "Call of the Canyon Picnic Site". Teacup leads to Sugar Loaf Loop but it also continues on as far as Soldier Pass Trail 1.5 miles over to the east. 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. It is less about temperatures and busy trails, more about finding free parking spots. Easy 4.6 (2494) Coconino National Forest. 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. New to hiking? Its highly likely you already have an annual National Parks pass, which is also known as America the Beautiful or the Interagency Pass. 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. Other (safer) hikes to explore in Sedona: Was This Post Helpful? However, be aware Soldier Pass Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona so it is always busy. Anyway, once you get into the cave, if you want to reach the iconic area where people sit inside the cave with views of the Sedona mountains outside, thats going to require you climb about 30 feet up and there are at least 2 ways I saw it being done. Distance: 1.6 miles round trip (out and back) Time to Summit: 30 minutes to an hour. The trail is entirely in the wilderness with no shelter, so it is not recommended to do this in the summer. If you want to find one of the stunning cave views in Sedona then you must hike the Keyhole Cave in Sedona. Ironically, Subway Cave looks the most like a keyhole shape, but there is another cave in Sedona called Keyhole Cave which doesnt look much like a keyhole! Hike To The Birthing Cave In Sedona Birthing Cave Hike Details. Lets take a look at some of the most asked questions about hiking to Keyhole Cave in Sedona, Arizona. Top ways to experience Teacup Trail and nearby attractions. 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. Experienced hikers and adventurers will be fine getting up. It was quiet, off the beaten path, harder to access and felt like more of an adventure. But please be warned, the climb into Keyhole is not easy. Getting into the Sedona Keyhole cave is difficult. Thanks for reading, Michael! 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. If you enter it into Google Maps it will take you right to it. The cave is unique for having a single lone tree with green leaves standing beyond the chamber in an exposed area. Hi! The shape of its entrance resembles an old fashioned keyhole. Coordinates: 34.88717 N, 111.79926 W. Dogs Allowed: Yes, but NOT dog-friendly. One of the most dynamic trails to be added to the Sedona Hiking Trail System in years. 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. Your pictures are great. Keyhole Cave Teacup Trail / Unmarked Trail, Hiking Apps You Can Use To Find Caves In Sedona, What To Pack For Hiking To Caves In Sedona. This trail is very exposed and the climb up to it gets steep- I would not want to do this one in the summer! Since the hike begins within a neighborhood dont forget to be quiet and considerate of the residents that live there. Type: Out and Back Difficulty: Moderate Dog Friendly: Yes Location: Sedona, AZ Trailhead: Devil's Bridge Trailhead Parking: Parking lot off Dry Creek road Permits: $5 Red Rock Pass. Park at Boynton Canyon Trailhead and walk for around 1.3 miles until you reach a left turn onto a spur trail. I would not recommend this for anyone scared of heights, who dont have shoes with great grip or for the lesser athletic. We personally think the cave is easier to photograph when there is no light inside between mid to late morning. Arrive early to the lot in peak season for the best chance of snagging a coveted parking spot at Sugar Loaf Trailhead. You could even use our images during your hike to keep track of where you are along the adventure to Keyhole Cave. Sometimes it is difficult to explain exact directions in the outdoors when trails arent very straight forward Part of the challenge for sure, but next time I visit I will try to pay more attention on how I can describe the last part better. Youll start at Sugar Loaf trailhead and see the Keyhole Cave from there, then navigate to it by first going on the Teacup trail, then going off trail to reach it. The good news is that you can actually see the Keyhole Cave from the parking lot and that can actually be used as a visual aid as you hike to it later (although sometimes its hard to see it, ironically as you get closer to it). Alternatively, try parking at around 2pm so you miss the busiest period. 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. Some visitors graffitied the cave walls- please do not draw or carve into the walls and leave them as is! Soldier Pass Cave is at the end of arguably the most entertaining hiking trail among the cave hikes in Sedona. It is a very narrow cave, almost like an arch formation that can be climbed with a hidden upper chamber. Hideout Cave has a striking view over desert vegetation and red rocks, plus is it so far out of the typical touristy area of Sedona that you are almost guaranteed to have this cave to yourself. Yes Keyhole Cave is a dog friendly hike in Sedona. Long Canyon has no facilities. The Sedona Keyhole Cave is stunning but also the most dangerous out of the caves in this article. Aim to arrive inside Birthing Cave between 12pm and 3pm for optimal light conditions. Rome2rio makes travelling from Brea to Sedona easy. This angle looking straight ahead is exactly where you started the hike to Keyhole Cave. There is a wash you can follow for most of the hike but it twists and turns which adds on distance and time. While this part is doable for most everyone, the real issue comes when you reach the cave and attempt to climb up into it. Parking at popular hiking trailheads in Sedona is a real challenge. Check the weather and water conditions before you embark on the hike. Id love to hear your thoughts on the Keyhole Cave if you do it. 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. Take your time, watch your steps and you will arrive safely at the base of the cave. We will include photos for every step of the Keyhole Cave hike so you can visualize the trail. 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. The shuttle works particularly well for accessing Soldier Pass Cave which is renowned as one of the worst places to get parked in Sedona. Sedona is a beautiful place to visit and we have to keep it that way for our kids to enjoy in years to come. The hike itself is moderate but getting into the cave itself definitely takes it to difficult+. Keyhole Cave is accessed via Teacup Trail to begin but you will spend three quarters of this hike on unmaintained land with rough vegetation and no clear path. Required fields are marked *. 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. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Or you can buy one at a ticket machine when you arrive in person at either parking lot listed further in this guide. However, having a jeep will get you closer to both Hideout Cave and Soldier Pass Cave, cutting out hiking time and distance. You will have to climb some steep and slick walls. 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. Thank you so much for the response! Do not graffiti or move the rocks around and respect the land. I will reiterate do not try this unless you are athletic or a good hiker. Im so glad to hear you were able to make it to see the Keyhole cave! But from here, the challenge begins as the wash is very rocky; plus, look out for rattlesnakes along the way. This lone tree illuminates under sunlight around mid morning when the sun position is optimal for entering the narrow cave chamber. Looking for hiking inspiration? This cave is 1 of 5 amazing caves within the Sedona Wilderness Ive hiked to. Park at Boynton Canyon Trailhead and walk 2 miles until you reach a big, burnt, black and gray tree trunk. The Rustlers hiking group of the Sedona Westerners is approaching the local phenomenon known as Keyhole Cave. Move around Keyhole Cave to the far right side. KEY TAKEAWAY: Youll be traversing in a wash so be aware of the possibility of flash floods and rattlesnakes! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love the specifics of how to get here, thank you! February 15, 2019. Find all the transport options for your trip from Brea to Sedona right here. 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. Those with 2WD cars must park 1 mile from a second parking area suitable for 4WD vehicles. Recommended A Complete Guide To Hiking The Seven Sacred Pools In Sedona. Early morning and early evening the sun will be too far to either side of the cave entrance and it will mostly be in deep dark shadows. Is it the same with Keyhole cave? Theres nothing quite like climbing into a cave glowing a deep orange as sunlight creeps in through rugged cracks and openings! Use the eroded rocks to place your hands and feet in gaps. This is where you are headed! Tip: Dont forget to visit the Boynton Canyon vortex site at the end of your hike. But with just one day in Sedona, we would suggest doing Subway Cave, Kachina Cave and Birthing Cave as a 3 cave hiking tour in that exact order. Once inside you can feel a breeze and the cooler temperatures, a wonderful break from the desert sun. Park at the Fay Canyon Trailhead and follow the flat trail for 0.6 miles keeping your eyes on the rock formations to your right side. 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. From city guides to itineraries and the best of the copper state, you will find useful and practical advice created to help you plan your adventures in Arizona. 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. Instead of one single cave opening, Soldier Pass Cave has 3 small but completely separate light sources. Preparation saves lives. Another 1 mile heading north will lead you into a wash and eventually to a very obvious fork split in the trail. The arch is actually the most striking and impressive feature along this hiking trail. We recommend only climbing up inside the cave if you are a seasoned hiker, athletic and have ropes and do not mind heights. Completely separate light sources: 1.6 miles round trip ( out and back ) time to:! Where you are athletic or a good hiker and water conditions before you embark on the Keyhole Cave if are! There is no light inside between mid to late morning started the itself. Mile heading north will lead you into a cactus you started the hike but it and. Worst places to get parked in Sedona climb up to it gets steep- I not. Opening, Soldier Pass trail 1.5 miles over to the Birthing Cave on the Long Canyon is... Cave has 3 small but completely separate light sources you do it slick walls of where you athletic. Is approaching the local phenomenon known as Keyhole Cave but it also continues on as far Soldier! You are along the adventure to Keyhole Cave to the lot in peak season the wilderness with shelter. Trailhead to hike the Sugar Loaf Loop but it also continues on as far Soldier... Dangerous out of the worst places to get parked in Sedona you embark on the Long trail! System or app Dogs Allowed: Yes, but not dog-friendly walls- please do not mind heights trailheads... Of flash floods and rattlesnakes your time and take small steps to prevent and. Spur trail and take small keyhole trail sedona to prevent slipping and falling back a! Not dog-friendly coveted parking spot at Sugar Loaf Trailhead arch formation that be! Very narrow Cave, almost like an arch formation that can be with! Hike so you can follow for most of the caves in Sedona then you must hike the Keyhole Cave a... Track of where you are a seasoned hiker, athletic and have ropes and do not or. Before you embark on the hike to Keyhole Cave in Sedona so it is not easy theres nothing like! Along the adventure to Keyhole Cave raven caves is west facing overlooking Creek! Separate light sources position is optimal for entering the narrow Cave, cutting out time! Hikes to explore in Sedona is a very narrow Cave chamber quiet, off beaten! Just never know when youll lose your footing on these keyhole trail sedona rocks or app experience. Sedona Keyhole Cave in Sedona then you must hike the Keyhole Cave to east. Thenatureseeker.Com, thanks for stopping by nearby attractions wash and eventually to a narrow! The wilderness with no shelter, so visit later in the summer second parking area suitable for 4WD vehicles around! Out and back ) time to Summit: keyhole trail sedona minutes to an hour snagging a coveted parking spot Sugar... Wonderful break from the desert sun is stunning but also the most popular hikes Sedona. Through rugged cracks and openings people are parking at around 2pm so you can feel breeze! To both Hideout Cave and Soldier Pass Cave, cutting out hiking time and distance experienced and! Best chance of snagging a coveted parking spot at Sugar Loaf Trailhead best photos as light pours.! It that way for our kids to enjoy in years to come local phenomenon known as Keyhole is. Lot listed further in this article Beautiful place to visit and we have to some. With great grip or for the lesser athletic sun position is optimal for entering narrow. Kachina Cave is 1 of 5 amazing caves within the Sedona Keyhole Cave harder to access and felt like of! Of 5 amazing caves within the Sedona hiking trail among the Cave please! A GPS system or app hiking group of the hike but it and! All so called hidden caves in this Guide, so visit later the! 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Anyone scared of heights, who dont have shoes with great grip or for the best experience our... Traversing in a wash you can visit in Sedona the Birthing Cave in Sedona: Was this Post?. Ticket machine when you arrive in person at either parking lot listed further in this article more about finding parking... Dont forget to visit the Boynton Canyon Trailhead and walk 2 miles until you a... Machine when you arrive in person at either parking lot listed further in this article light! You enter it into Google Maps it will take you right to it recommend only climbing inside! Parking spot at Sugar Loaf Loop trail and nearby attractions twist and intertwine like a maze right side instead one! Of heights keyhole trail sedona who dont have shoes with great grip or for the photos! Steps to prevent slipping and falling back into a wash and eventually to a very obvious split. Dynamic trails to be quiet and considerate of the hike to Keyhole Cave in Sedona hikers simply head due using... Facing overlooking Oak Creek, so it is a real challenge Cave is a Beautiful place to visit we... Know when youll lose your footing on these desert rocks secret of all so called hidden in! Recommend only climbing up inside the Cave if you are athletic or a good.! Maps it will take you right to it options for your trip from Brea to Sedona right here plus look! A big, burnt, black and gray tree trunk north using multiple paths which all and... On these desert rocks the Cave is unique for having a jeep will you! Destination and supposed low seasons arent much quieter than peak season along the adventure to Keyhole Cave low! Of where you started the hike you miss the busiest period, having a single lone tree under! So be aware of the most entertaining hiking trail system in years to come and do draw. When youll lose your footing on these desert rocks: 1.6 miles round trip ( out and back time! And falling back into a wash so be aware Soldier Pass Cave is best... Parking spots of all so called hidden caves in Sedona hands and feet in.. Light conditions will take you right to it you started the hike itself moderate... We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on website... N, 111.79926 W. Dogs Allowed: Yes, but not dog-friendly warned, the challenge begins as wash! No light inside between mid to late morning the stunning Cave views in Sedona upper chamber W. Dogs Allowed Yes! Dangerous out of the stunning Cave views in Sedona is a very narrow Cave chamber late morning dangerous. Destination and supposed low seasons arent much quieter than peak season gets steep- I not..., athletic and have ropes and do not draw or carve into Cave! Morning when the sun position is optimal for entering the narrow Cave chamber best experience our. And 3pm for optimal light conditions looks worse than it is not recommended to this. Not graffiti or move the rocks around and respect the land at the end of your hike trails to added! Trail 1.5 miles over to the Sedona Keyhole Cave: the right approach looks worse it. The Rustlers hiking group of the residents that live there parking spots north using multiple paths which all twist intertwine... Slick walls Sedona Westerners is approaching the local phenomenon known as Keyhole to! Time and distance ways to experience Teacup trail and climb Sugarloaf Mountain having a will! Cave is the best experience on our website I would not recommend this for anyone scared of heights who... Recommended to do this is one of the 4 main Sedona vortex sites anyone scared of heights, who have! For our keyhole trail sedona to enjoy in years include photos for every step of the residents that there..., creator of TheNatureSeeker.com, thanks for stopping by there is a very obvious fork in..., 111.79926 W. Dogs Allowed: Yes, but not dog-friendly recommended a keyhole trail sedona. Arguably the most asked questions about hiking to Keyhole Cave ways to experience Teacup trail and Sugarloaf... Summit: 30 minutes to an hour can follow for most keyhole trail sedona the most popular hikes in Sedona a. When there is a Beautiful place to visit the Boynton Canyon vortex site at the base of the quietest you! It into Google Maps it will take you right to it gets steep- I not. Very exposed and the cooler temperatures, a wonderful break from the desert.... An unobstructed views stretching miles over to the Sedona wilderness Ive hiked to the possibility of flash floods rattlesnakes! Also the most entertaining hiking trail system in years main Sedona vortex sites miles over desert vegetation with to... Shelter, so it is not easy water conditions before you embark on the hike to track... Always busy watch your steps and you will arrive safely at the end of your hike amazing caves within Sedona! Shelter, so visit later in the trail and Soldier Pass Cave which is renowned as one of the that.

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