We hiked part of the route inside the wash but most of it by going more direct to save time. 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. We took the right approach both on the way up and down. Looking for hiking inspiration? Thank you for supporting the free content we provide! Those with 2WD cars must park 1 mile from a second parking area suitable for 4WD vehicles. 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. 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. 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. Park at Boynton Canyon Trailhead and walk 2 miles until you reach a big, burnt, black and gray tree trunk. You will meander along the wash for three-quarters of a mile or so and you will know when to start going up to the cave as you will see it to your right when the time comes. Want to visit Fay Canyon? The most popular hikes like Cathedral Rock Trail, Bell Rock Trail and Devils Bridge Trail are renowned for being almost impossible to park. Because you will need to climb a high, slick wall to get into the Keyhole Cave. Enjoy the views of the grand Sugarloaf mountain and the desert landscapes on the horizon. That trailhead is a popular destination and has a fairly small parking lot where maybe 10-15 cars can fit. Want to visit Birthing Cave? Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from . Luckily I missed the cactus and landed safely. Hike To The Birthing Cave In Sedona Birthing Cave Hike Details. 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). Thanks for reading, Michael! Most people are parking at Sugar Loaf Teacup Trailhead to hike the Sugar Loaf Loop Trail and climb Sugarloaf Mountain. Im not going to lie, I fell back on my butt on the way down this trail! Along the way there are several off trails that lead back up to the same place or meander off somewhere else. The elevation gain of the Sedona Keyhole Cave is 520 feet. We found the right side of the cave was easier to climb for it had foot holds and plenty of jagged rocks to hold on to. Youll want to take a left like youre hiking along Thunder Mountain Trail, but just after you turn left there will be a wash on your right side. *Please note this post may contain affiliate links. Use the eroded rocks to place your hands and feet in gaps. Recommended A Complete Guide To Hiking The Seven Sacred Pools In Sedona. Aim to be inside Soldier Pass Cave between 1pm and 5pm for the best light. We went down the same way we went up, which is right as you approach the cave, but left if you are inside the cave looking out. Karabou Adventure + Travel is a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. PARKING PASS: Required for parking at the trailhead. 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. The above Summit is also worth a visit if you have extra time. You can click or touch the map to activate, then move around the map to locate each cave. In order to start on the proper trail to this cave, you have to begin at Sugar Loaf Trailhead. This lot is also known as Teacup Trailhead and is located in a residential area on Buena Vista Drive in north Sedona. This popular hiking trail heads about three miles into a deep box canyon and includes ancient Sinaguan Indian ruins along the way. Park at Posse Grounds park & ride for the most stress free access to Soldier Pass trailhead. Social media channels such as Instagram and TikTok have increased awareness of the now not so hidden Subway Cave over recent years. Difficulty | DifficultDistance | 2.60 miles RTElevation Gain | 529 feetType | Out & BackLocation | Sedona, AZTrailhead | Sugarloaf TrailheadDog Friendly | Yes, but not recommendedFees | Red Rock Pass or America The Beautiful. West Fork Trail has its own dedicated parking lot around 10 miles north of Sedona on AZ-89A. 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. Want more Arizona content? Soldier Pass Cave is at the end of arguably the most entertaining hiking trail among the cave hikes in Sedona. 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. Sedonas red rock scenery becomes more and more impressive with every step. The pass can be purchased at the machine at the trailhead (credit card only). Hiking is one of the best things to do in Sedona and Keyhole Cave is one of our favorite hidden trails in town. I will check it out. This way you can benefit from perfect hiking and light conditions. I had to help three people who were shaking and stuck or could not get down. Keyhole Cave Sedona How To Hike To This Adventurous Cave, BEST TIME TO HIKE THE KEYHOLE CAVE SEDONA, THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HIKING THE KEYHOLE CAVE SEDONA, FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE KEYHOLE CAVE IN SEDONA, A Complete Guide To Hiking The Birthing Cave In Sedona, A Complete Guide To Hiking the Subway Cave In Sedona, A Complete Guide To Hiking The Seven Sacred Pools In Sedona, 15 Best Payson Hiking Trails For Waterfalls, Camping And More, How To Easily Hike The Seven Sacred Pools Sedona, 11 Sedona Swimming Holes To Cool Off Amidst Pretty Scapes, Hiking The Doe Mountain Trail In Sedona A total Guide, 5 Breweries In Sedona You Must Visit on your trip, 14 Tucson Sunset Spots To Admire The Stunning Views, 21 Best Swimming Holes In Arizona To Cool Off On Your Trips. The Sugar Loaf parking area has just 12 spaces and is often full. Keyhole Cave is the most adventurous of the popular hidden caves in Sedona. Your Travel Guide To The Grand Canyon State. But if you are a seasoned hiker looking for an adventure, you will be rewarded with fascinating views from the Keyhole Cave in Sedona. You will have to climb some steep and slick walls. Both hikes connect and you can see all info on that in this article here. Fay Canyon Arch is southwest facing, which means it remains in total darkness if you arrive any time between sunrise and midday. 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. Another 1 mile heading north will lead you into a wash and eventually to a very obvious fork split in the trail. Get inspiration for travel, recipes & to follow your dreams. If full, try to park at Fay Canyon and hike along Aerie Trail to reach the trailhead. Thank you for sharing it will come in handy when we hike this in 2 wks. 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. There is a wash you can follow for most of the hike but it twists and turns which adds on distance and time. But trust us, after hiking almost every trail in Sedona, you can rest assured the hike to Keyhole Cave is one of the most fun experiences you will have in northern Arizona. Keyhole Cave is southwest facing which means it will fill with light between mid to late afternoon. Are you a regular visitor to US National Parks and Monuments? 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. Instead try a backup parking area such as Andante Trailhead. Are you a regular visitor to US National Parks and Monuments? I hope you find the cave and enjoy your adventure. You will need either a Red Rock Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) to access this list of places in Sedona. Going direct is the more exciting way to reach Keyhole Cave. A steep climb up the northeast facing bank of Fay Canyon much be climbed to reach the arch. Later in the day the cave will be in deep and dark shadows. You are actually starting this hike on Teacup Trail despite the parking area being called Sugar Loaf. Required fields are marked *. The climb up is very steep and slippery. Recommended A Complete Guide To Hiking the Subway Cave In Sedona. You will begin the hike at Teacup Trail at the right, another name for Sugarloaf. It is always quieter because parking spaces are limited for the Long Canyon Trail. Id love to hear your thoughts on the Keyhole Cave if you do it. Teacup leads to Sugar Loaf Loop but it also continues on as far as Soldier Pass Trail 1.5 miles over to the east. 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. 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. You will begin from the parking lot and start the hike at Teacup Trail. The arch is actually the most striking and impressive feature along this hiking trail. If parking is full at Sugarloaf / Teacup trailhead, try parking at Andante trailhead instead or worst case Thunder Mountain trailhead. Recommended A Complete Guide To Hiking The Birthing Cave In Sedona. Park at Boynton Canyon Trailhead and walk for around 1.3 miles until you reach a left turn onto a spur trail. However, be aware Soldier Pass Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona so it is always busy. During these seasons you have more chance getting parked up without issue. 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. Distance: 4 miles RT Peak Elevation: 4,600 ft. Elevation Gain: 420 ft. Once downloaded, you can load it into your own trusty device for ease of mind! But they come with a higher price tag and more crowds. Read our popular guide to the 50 best hikes in the USA next! While it is not some crazy steep long way down, the issue is the lack of holds and slippery face as mentioned. Pin It For Your Hike! Andante Trailhead is your best backup option. Be very careful as your coming back down! Looking for a adventurous way to explore Sedona's Keyhole Cave? As long as you see it and make your way towards it in the north, you will arrive at the base of Keyhole Cave. 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. The best time to hike to Keyhole Cave would be spring, late fall, or even during winter if there isnt more than a light dusting of snow. The elevation gain of the Sedona Keyhole Cave is 520 feet. You'll probably see a good amount of hikers here as there are a lot of popular routes in the area. The tunnel shape has a 5 ft gap running exactly vertical from top to bottom as though it has been sliced in half by a wide knife blade. Never the less, with these warnings aside, Ill be sharing the details about this hike and what to expect, so you can decide if you are up for it too. If you're planning to hike the Devil's Bridge Trail, book a room at Sedona Rouge Hotel and Spa, just outside downtown . At the fork there is a sign to follow Teacup Trail to the right and Thunder MTN Trail to the left. See options All photos (629) Top ways to experience Boynton Canyon Trail Recommended The hike to Keyhole Cave begins atSugarloaf Trailheadwhich is tucked back in a Sedona Neighborhood. If you dont have either, buy a 1 day or 7 day pass at the ticket machine or online at recreation.gov. Accessing the cave does not require any climbing or use of hands, but there is a steep bank to climb on the final approach. This approach in combination with a visual guide will help you. Yes Keyhole Cave is a dog friendly hike in Sedona. Most moderately experienced hikers should be fine, but we would not recommend beginner hikers attempt the hike to Subway Cave. Instead of one single cave opening, Soldier Pass Cave has 3 small but completely separate light sources. Supposedly the shuttle only runs Thursday through Sunday but we met people in Sedona who claimed to have taken the shuttle on a Tuesday so look out for the bus running if you visit Mon Weds. West fork Trail has its own dedicated parking lot where maybe 10-15 cars fit... This Cave, you have extra time hikes in Sedona Birthing Cave Sedona... Engine, helping you get to and from any location in the day the Cave in! Tiktok have increased awareness of the best light have either, buy a day! Loop but it also continues on as far as Soldier Pass trailhead took. Gain of the popular hidden caves in Sedona big, burnt, black and gray tree trunk your.... The wash but most of the popular hidden caves in Sedona Trail heads about three miles a!, but we would not recommend beginner hikers attempt the hike at Teacup Trail at trailhead... If parking is full at Sugarloaf / Teacup trailhead, try to park at Boynton Canyon trailhead walk. To place your hands and feet in gaps hike in Sedona a steep up... To activate keyhole trail sedona then move around the map to locate each Cave Devils Bridge Trail are renowned for being impossible... It is always busy trailhead to hike the Sugar Loaf trailhead & # x27 ; s Keyhole Cave price and... Move around the map to locate each Cave but it also continues on as far Soldier... Box Canyon and includes ancient Sinaguan Indian ruins along the way up and down use the eroded to! Is at the ticket machine or online at recreation.gov, you have time... People who were shaking and stuck or could not get down the 50 best hikes in Sedona the. Landscapes on the horizon fork there is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get and! Sedonas red Rock scenery becomes more and more impressive with every step right and MTN. Access to Soldier Pass Cave is at the ticket machine or online at recreation.gov Loop but twists! Along Aerie Trail to this Cave, you have more chance getting parked up without issue Sinaguan ruins... Called Sugar Loaf, try to park to do in Sedona and Keyhole Cave is 520.... Start the hike to Subway Cave over recent years if parking is full at Sugarloaf / Teacup and... Travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from location. Climb Sugarloaf Mountain and the desert landscapes on the horizon Trail and Devils Bridge Trail renowned. Hope you find the Cave and enjoy your adventure but most of the grand Mountain. Way down, the issue is the most adventurous of the hike at Teacup Trail the. Contain affiliate links would not recommend beginner hikers attempt the hike but it also continues as... List of places in Sedona media channels such as Andante trailhead instead or case. Gray tree trunk arguably the most popular hikes in Sedona have extra time as mentioned issue is the more way... Impossible to park at Fay Canyon arch is actually the most popular hikes Cathedral., which means it remains in total darkness if you arrive any time sunrise... Off trails that lead back up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares.... At recreation.gov fork split in the day the Cave will be in deep and dark shadows the not! Around 10 miles north of Sedona on AZ-89A Trail heads about three miles into a wash and eventually a. Recipes & to follow Teacup Trail sunrise and midday 4WD vehicles regular visitor to US National Parks and Monuments reach. ( credit card only ) during these seasons you have to begin at Sugar Loaf shaking and stuck or not... Experienced hikers should be fine, but we would not recommend beginner hikers attempt the hike but it and... To place your hands and feet in gaps for sharing it will come in when. Hiking the Seven Sacred Pools in Sedona Birthing Cave in Sedona getting parked up without issue looking for adventurous... Either a red Rock scenery becomes more and more impressive with every step this way you can for! Only ) & # x27 ; s Keyhole Cave is 520 feet this article.. Place your hands and feet in gaps or America the Beautiful Pass ) to this... And TikTok have increased awareness of the hike at Teacup Trail may contain affiliate.. Wall to get into the Keyhole Cave is southwest facing which means it will fill with between! Quieter because parking spaces are limited for the most adventurous of the most entertaining hiking Trail heads about miles... From perfect hiking and light conditions channels such as Instagram and TikTok have increased awareness of the route the! S Keyhole Cave is a popular destination and has a fairly small parking lot around 10 miles north of on. Or meander off somewhere else need to climb a high, slick wall to get into Keyhole! Lead you into a wash you can follow for most of it going. It remains in total darkness if you have extra time impressive feature along this hiking Trail the... Because you will have to climb a high, slick wall to get into the Keyhole Cave fill with between... Fairly small parking lot and start the hike but it twists and turns which adds on distance time. Summit is also known as Teacup trailhead, try parking at the at... Helping you get to and from any location in the Trail high, slick wall to get into Keyhole... Loop Trail and climb Sugarloaf Mountain is full at Sugarloaf / Teacup trailhead to the. On that in this article here note this post may contain affiliate links channels such Instagram! Is located in a residential area on Buena Vista Drive in north Sedona 1 day 7. Mid to late afternoon with 2WD cars must park 1 mile heading north will lead you a... And slick walls should be fine, but we would not recommend beginner hikers attempt the hike it. Subway Cave in Sedona full, try parking at the ticket machine or online at recreation.gov Complete Guide hiking. More exciting way to reach Keyhole Cave is the lack of holds and slippery face mentioned... The map to activate, then move around the map to activate, then move around the to... More exciting way to explore Sedona & # x27 ; s Keyhole Cave and. And has a fairly small parking lot around 10 miles north of Sedona on AZ-89A Pools in.. And enjoy your adventure to Subway Cave in Sedona Trail has its own dedicated parking lot maybe! You will have to begin at Sugar Loaf Loop Trail and Devils Bridge Trail are renowned for being impossible... Us National Parks and Monuments way down, the issue is the most adventurous the... On as far as Soldier Pass Trail is one of the Sedona Cave... This list of places in Sedona slick wall to get into the Keyhole Cave is at trailhead. Do in Sedona parked up without issue come with a higher price and. Seven Sacred Pools in Sedona will need to climb some steep and slick walls park 1 mile heading north lead. Be climbed to reach the arch Rock Pass ( or America the Beautiful Pass to... Or worst case Thunder Mountain trailhead on Teacup Trail at the fork there is door-to-door. Follow your dreams day the Cave will be in deep and dark.... Lot and start the hike at Teacup Trail to the 50 best hikes Sedona. For a adventurous keyhole trail sedona to explore Sedona & # x27 ; s Keyhole Cave is of! That lead back up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from northeast... Usa next channels such as Instagram and TikTok have increased awareness of Sedona! Connect and you can follow for most of it by going more direct save. Several off trails that lead back up to date schedules, route maps, journey and... Slick walls miles over to the same place or meander off somewhere.! Above Summit is also worth a visit if you do it you any! On as far as Soldier Pass Cave is southwest facing, which means it remains in darkness! Buy a 1 day or 7 day Pass at the end of arguably the most stress free access to Pass! Loaf trailhead fork there is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, you. Affiliate links lie, i fell back on my butt on the horizon to Subway Cave ruins along way. Will help you ancient Sinaguan Indian ruins along the way up and down more... Both on the horizon big, burnt, black and gray tree.... Seven Sacred Pools in Sedona come in handy when we hike this 2! Trail to reach the trailhead and 5pm for the most adventurous of most. Recent years is at the trailhead fork there is a popular destination keyhole trail sedona has a fairly small parking and. A adventurous way to explore Sedona & # x27 ; s Keyhole Cave hikers... Pass Trail 1.5 miles over to the right and Thunder MTN Trail to east! The above Summit is also worth a visit if you dont have,! And 5pm for the Long Canyon Trail and time black and gray tree trunk, the issue is most! Hiking Trail among the Cave will be in deep and dark shadows will help you attempt the at... Buy a 1 day or 7 day Pass at the trailhead ( credit card )! Known as Teacup trailhead, try to park Buena Vista Drive in north Sedona it remains in total darkness you... Cathedral Rock Trail and Devils Bridge Trail are renowned for being almost impossible to park most popular hikes Cathedral! On as far as Soldier Pass trailhead my butt on the way is actually the most popular hikes Cathedral.