9 Top Secret Caves in Sedona: Everything You Need to Know

(Last Updated On: October 4, 2023)

Are you looking to find the best caves in Sedona on your next trip? You’re in the right place. Keep reading to find our list of the top secret caves in Sedona and everything you need to know to access them. 

Amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of northern Arizona, you’ll find the vibrant town of Sedona. The area is celebrated for its striking red rock formations, serene canyons, and an unmistakable air of mystique that envelops the entire region.

Among the plentiful things to do in Sedona, the area boasts another world hidden from view, a world of hidden chambers, ancient secrets, and geological wonders – the various caves of Sedona. 

From popular Sedona cave hikes like Subway Cave and Birthing Cave to fairly unknown secret caves like Shaman’s Cave or Wolf Cave, there are so many off-the-beaten-path spots to discover. 

In this blog post, find out everything you need to know about visiting the best caves in Sedona. These are our curated picks for the top popular and secret caves in Sedona.

We’ll detail everything you need to know about the hiking trails to access them, where to park and our top tips to make the most of your trip. 

*This ‘ secret caves in Sedona az ’ guide contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.

Read More: Our Curated 3 Days in Sedona itinerary

The Best Sedona Caves, AZ

Birthing Cave, Sedona AZ

Birthing Cave is one of the more well-known caves in Sedona and it’s a popular and easy hike, taking under 2 hours to complete.

It’s a large, almond-shaped, shallow cave. It’s more like a depression carved back into the rock rather than a traditional cave you might be able to crawl into. 

Once you reach the Birthing Cave, you’ll notice a small hollow and a ledge to which you can scramble up at the back of the cave. It’s not an easy climb but it’s from here you’ll be able to get the best photos of the cave. 

If you’ve already seen photos online of the Birthing Cave hike Sedona you may have seen the entire perimeter of the cave in the shot. To take this kind of photo you’ll need a wide-angle lens. The wide-angle lens on your iPhone will do it, but if you’ve got a camera you’ll need more than 24mm.

I used my Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 to get the perfect shot of the Sedona Birthing Cave- right before I went and accidentally deleted them all before backing up. 

The Birthing Cave is a site of profound significance to the indigenous peoples of the area. Its name alone invokes images of rebirth, renewal, and the mysteries of creation.

Hiking the Birthing Cave in Sedona

The Birthing Cave trail Sedona is fairly easy and suitable for most. You can park at the trailhead on the side of Long Canyon Road but note that parking here is limited, especially in high season. 

Follow the Long Canyon Trailhead for about half a mile until you get to a wooden fence that crosses the path. Long Canyon Trail with veer to the right but you want to take the spur trail to the left. This will lead you straight up to Birthing Cave. 

The best time to hike the cave is during the early afternoon when light conditions are at their best. However, if you’re hiking in summer, this might not be ideal. Also, to beat the crowds, you might also want to hike this trail earlier in the day too. 

Soldier Pass Cave

Located in the heart of Sedona’s Red Rock Country, Soldier Pass is a wonderful hiking trail filled with natural beauty and ancient history.

This captivating trail, known for its iconic rock formations and picturesque landscapes, leads to one of Sedona’s best-kept secrets – Soldier Pass Cave.

As you begin your hike you’ll be treated to stunning vistas of Sedona’s famous red rock formations. You’ll also pass (when taking Soldier Pass Trail) several of Sedona’s well-known spots including the renowned Seven Sacred Pools and Devil’s Kitchen.

Upon reaching Soldier Pass Cave, you’ll be greeted by a natural alcove with a high, arched ceiling. The cave itself is not very deep but provides a welcome respite from the sun’s warmth. The climb into the cave itself isn’t difficult. 

While Soldiers Pass Cave may not be a sprawling cavern, the unique beauty and peaceful ambience of Soldier Pass Cave make it a wonderful spot to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Hiking the Soldier Pass Cave in Sedona

The hike to Soldier Pass Cave is approximately 1.2 miles one way, making it accessible to hikers of various skill levels. 

The trailhead is easily reached by taking Soldier Pass Road, which leads to a parking area at the trail’s entrance. It’s advisable to arrive early, as this trail is quite popular, and parking spaces can fill up quickly.

If you find the parking lot to be full, try Jim Thompson Trailhead parking. You can then access Soldier Pass Cave via Brins Mesa Trail- around the back of the cave. 

After about 1/4 mile you’ll get to Devil’s Kitchen and soon after 7 Sacred Pools. When you reach the fork in the path with branches blocking one of the forks, you’ll need to ignore them and continue over the branches toward Brins Mesa- a large rock cropping. 

Continue straight, keeping left and you’ll soon find the main trail again that leads straight to the cave. 

Subway Cave

Subway Cave or Boyton Subway as it’s sometimes called, is a tunnel-shaped, sandstone cave located along Boyton Canyon. The Cave looks like a Subway-tunnel that’s been sliced in half. A 5 ft gap separates each of the two halves. 

Recent attention and popularity on social media channels mean that this now not-so-secret cave is one of Sedona’s most popular hikes. 

Boynton Canyon Subway Cave is small and the ledges are narrow so I’d highly recommend visiting this one early in the day to make the most out of your day and to avoid the crowds. It’s also one of the most photogenic caves in Sedona so it’s well worth visiting for some great pictures. 

Hiking Subway Cave in Sedona

The trail to Subway Cave begins at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead. Find the trail and follow all signs to Boyton Canyon. To get to Subway Cave you’ll need to take an unmarked spur trail into a corner of Boyton Canyon. As this is a fairly hidden and unmarked trail, it’s not easy to find. 

After about 2 miles on the Boynton Canyon Trail, be on the lookout for a big burnt black tree trunk. Turn right onto the spur trail at the tree trunk. 

After about a half mile you’ll reach the base of the cave. It’s a steep climb into the cave but there are two different ways to climb in. At the base of the cave, you’ll see the rock face going directly up into the tunnel. You can scramble up this way but this is the most challenging way. 

For an easier alternative, you can veer left and hike up the path a little to the left of the cave. From there follow the ledge that goes around to the right to get to the cave. This is the slightly easier way up.

There isn’t much space for many people in the cave but you’ll also get some of the most beautiful views of Boynton Canyon from the top. 

Kachina Cave

Kachina Cave is one of the more secret caves in Sedona and it’s not very popular to visit. However, that doesn’t make it any less picturesque. In fact, for those looking to explore some hidden caves in Sedona or off-the-beaten-path trails, this is a great one!

The cave is unique for its lone green tree standing just outside the main chamber of the cave. The cave has an almond shape but only resembles a cave from a certain perspective. It also has some arch-like qualities to it too. 

Kachina Cave can be easily combined with Subway Cave as their spur trails are both located close to each other on the Boyton Canyon Trail. 

Kachina Cave is best visited at around 12.00 when the single tree gets beautifully illuminated by the midday sun. 

Hiking Kachina Cave in Sedona

Park at Boyton Canyon Trailhead and begin hiking into the canyon on the Boyton Canyon Trail. At around 1.3 miles keep a lookout for a spur trail going left. It should have branches on it blocking the access. 

Once on the spur trail, you’ll descend through a narrow wash, past a large rock into a cacti-filled area. You’ll need to pay close attention to the unmarked bank trail that takes you to the cave as it’s pretty easy to get lost here and there are no trail markers. 

Once you get to the base of the cave, there’s quite a steep climb to get into it. 

Keyhole Cave

Keyhole Cave is probably one of my favourite of Sedona’s secret caves. It’s also the perfect hike for those looking for something a little more challenging. 

The trail leading to Keyhole Cave is picturesque. As you hike along the red rock formations and through scenic desert terrain, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Sedona’s iconic landscape.

Even though the cave looks nothing like a keyhole, it features a spacious interior with high, vaulted ceilings adorned with intriguing rock formations. Sunlight filters through the giant entrance, creating a mesmerising interplay of light and shadow within the cave.

With Keyhole Cave’s unique geological features and tranquil ambience, it makes the perfect spot for off-the-beaten-path exploration in Sedona. 

Hiking to Keyhole Cave

After you’ve parked, walk up Teacup Trail until it meets Thunder Mountain Trail. You don’t want to take the Thunder Mountain trail, however- you’ll want to walk right past, behind the sign and head north. 

There isn’t really a proper trail leading to the cave. There are some part-trodden paths and a wash that you can follow but as long as you keep heading north through the vegetation you’ll get to the cave. 

The scramble into the cave isn’t easy. It’s a steep and sheer rock face you’ll need to climb using both your hands and legs. 

The best time to visit Keyhole Cave is at mid-morning when the sunshine isn’t shining directly inside. If you want to see the cave illuminated, it does receive sunlight early afternoon but the direct sunlight makes it difficult to photograph the cave. 

Raven Caves

Raven Caves in Sedona is another great, short cave hike in Sedona. As the name suggests, this isn’t actually one cave, but a series of openings in the sandstone rocks. There are about 5 separate Sedona caverns that look out onto the surrounding Oak Creek area. 

These Sedona caverns are small, yet large enough for you to get into and explore. The whole area is quite maze-like- ideal for older children or dogs to explore too. 

As this Sedona cave hike is short and easy, it’s best combined with other hikes in the area. To get some ideas for other Sedona hikes, read 13 Epic Easy Hikes in Sedona with the Best Views.

Hiking Raven Caves in Sedona

Park at the parking area along the side of Highway 179 near the trailhead and follow the descending path toward the visible cave area. 

You’ll soon see the first cave in the network which you can head inside and start exploring. 

Altar Cave

Altar Cave is a small, unpopular, secret cave in Sedona. It’s one of the easiest to access as it doesn’t involve a long through hike. It’s located on the popular Mescal Mountain trail, on the cliffs on the south side of Mescal Mesa.

At the opening of the cave, you’ll find a large, flat rock that gives the cave its name. I doubt the name comes from any religious meaning but the rock may have been used as a workbench of some sort in the past. 

From inside the cave, there’s an incredible, sweeping view of the surrounding red rock scenery of Sedona. It’s one of the best places to just sit down, relax and enjoy the view.

Hiking to Altar Cave in Sedona

The easiest way to access Altar Cave is via the Boynton Canyon/Deadman’s Pass Trails. After parking at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead, begin on the Boynton Trail until you come to Deadman’s Pass Trail. Soon after that, you’ll get to the Mescal Mountain trail. 

Once on the Mescal Mountain Trail, follow it for another half mile and you should be able to see the entrance to the cave on your left. You’ll then need to come off the trail in the easiest place possible and head up the rock face, up to the cave. The climb is a little steep. 

Altar Cave is located in the same area as Birthing Cave Sedona so the two can be seen together on the same hike. It can also be combined with Subway Cave if you are looking for a way to extend that cave hike. 

Shaman’s Cave

Shaman’s Cave, also known as Hideout Cave, is another secret cave in Sedona. It’s a gorgeously deserted cave area, perfect for those really wanting to escape the crowded trails for something picturesque and hidden. 

The cave has two openings, one large oval opening- almost like a beautiful natural window on the red rock landscapes of Sedona as well as a smaller circular window facing south. 

Hiking Shaman’s Cave in Sedona

The trailhead is located 50 minutes outside Sedona. Once you get to the trailhead, find parking on the side of the road just past the intersection with Forest Road 525. If you have a 2WD you’ll need to leave your vehicle here. 

For those with a 4WD, you can continue along the road to the packing a mile up the road close to the Robbers Roost Trailhead. 

From the parking area, follow the trail that descends down into the valley and comes back onto the other side. Veer left and you’ll reach Shaman’s Cave. 

Wolf Cave

The Doe Mountain Trail is one of the most beautiful trails in Sedona, offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding desert landscape. At the top of Doe Mountain, you’ll find an extraordinary secret cave in Sedona that not many know about. 

Hiking Wolf Cave in Sedona

Park at Doe Mountain Trailhead and follow the Doe Mountain Trail upwards as it zigzags up the mountain. Near the top, directly above the parking area, you’ll find Wolf Cave. It’s just to the left of the trail summit. 

To access the trail to the cave you need to walk along a narrow ledge that’s about 25 ft long and only a foot wide. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart and this is why many hikers come up to Doe Mountain but they never get to the cave. 

Do not try to walk along the edge to get to the cave in wet, windy or icy conditions as it makes the trail extremely dangerous. 

As there is limited parking at the trailhead, make sure to do this hike early in the day. 

Hiking Sedona Caves Tips

Parking and Parking Passes in Sedona

When visiting popular hiking spots in Sedona, it is important to keep parking regulations and fees in mind.

Parking at popular trailheads in Sedona is relatively difficult due to the high demand and limited amounts of parking spaces. There is some parking at almost all trailheads but as it is so limited I recommend getting to popular trailheads early. 

When visiting in off-peak season, i.e. winter, parking won’t be much of a problem. 

To park at many popular trailheads you’ll need a parking pass. You can use a Red Rock Pass or America The Beautiful Pass. 

A Red Rock Pass costs $5 per day/$10 per week and can be purchased either online or at the trailhead parking lots.

Alternately, an America The Beautiful Interagency Pass can also serve as a valid replacement for the Red Rock Pass. This annual pass will grant entry to all national parks and is cost-effective if visiting a few parks within 12 months of purchase.

Sedona Shuttle

Due to limited parking, Sedona recently created a free shuttle system–known as Sedona Shuttle–which assists visitors with parking and provides more access to trails.

If you’re planning to visit popular hiking spots during peak times, taking the shuttle can help you avoid the hassle of finding parking. The shuttle runs from Thursday through Sunday. 

Packing List

So, what to pack for hiking caves in Sedona? When hiking in Sedona, make sure to pack the below items to ensure a comfortable and safe hiking experience:

–Water – You’ll need to pack plenty of water for your cave hikes in Sedona. How much you take will depend on the season you hike in so take plenty of water in a reusable water bottle. For summer hikes I recommend a larger water reservoir and even some electrolyte sachets that go a long way to prevent dehydration. 

– Hiking Backpack – You’ll need a good hiking backpack to carry all the essentials. This one is my go-to when I don’t hike with all my camera gear. 

– Footwear – You don’t need hiking boots for the secret caves in Sedona but you do need good hiking shoes with superior grip for the trails and for the steep rock climbs. 

–Sunscreen– The sun in Arizona is fierce so don’t forget some good non-toxic mineral sunscreen for maximum sun protection. 

–Snacks– Natural trail mix and GoMacro bars are my go-to. 

– Layers – If hiking in the winter months as we did you’ll need plenty of warm layers, a hat, and gloves, especially for sunrise and sunset hikes. 

–Headlamp– They are really useful when starting sunrise hikes and finishing sunset hikes. 

Leave No Trace

When hiking the Sedona caves, or anywhere for that matter, it’s important to respect the natural environment and leave no trace. The Leave No Trace principles help us to promote responsible outdoor recreation and minimise the impact of human activities on natural environments.

The Leave No Trace Guidelines to consider are:

-Plan Ahead and Prepare

-Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

-Dispose of Waste Properly (Which includes packing out all trash)

-Leave What you Find

-Minimise Campfire impact

-Respect Wildlife

-Be Considerate to Other Visitors

Which Sedona caves will you hike to? Have any questions or comments about your trip? Let me know in the box below.

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