We LOVE wind caves! Especially the ones in Sedona, AZ. Sedona is full of all these super amazing caves, if you know where to look. One of our favorite caves is the one on Robbers Roost Trail. Robbers Roost Trail is a short hike (if you have 4WDs) that will take you to one of the most beautiful caves in Sedona. If you’re afraid of height, this one might not be for you. Feel free to watch the video and read through the blog to see if you’re comfortable with some of the sketchy part before attempting this hike.
Note: Please make sure to respect this beautiful place and the surround areas. Always practice LEAVE NO TRACE. This means no loud music, no graffiti and pack out what you pack in! Please help us protect this place for generations to come!
Stats
Where
Main trailhead:
34°55’51.7″N 111°58’19.4″W
Robbers Roost Trail NON 4WDs parking:
34°54’56.7″N 111°58’41.6″W
4WDs parking:
34°55’52.0″N 111°58’19.8″W
Parking
If you have 4WDs, you can park directly across from thee main trailhead for Robbers Roost trail. If you don’t, we recommend parking at the NON 4WDs parking and hike in. Both parkings are empty dirt clearing on the side of the road. Make sure you pull all the way over and don’t block the road.
Restroom
There is no restroom
Fee
Free
Weather
Distance
- 3.4 mi R.T. from NON 4WDS parking.
- 0.3 miles from 4WDS parking.
Elevation Gain
560 ft
Level
Easy to moderate near the cave due to steep ledges.
Time:
1 – 3 hours
Pet-friendly
Dog are allowed but they need to be on leashed. We wouldn’t recommend bring your pups though.
Ideal Weather
Falls and Springs are the best seasons to go.
Ideal Time
There is something magical about that morning sun lighting up the cave…
Video
The Adventure
Getting to Robbers Roost trail trailhead
Robbers Roost trail is located toward the west of Sedona, on Forest 525C Rd. To get there from downtown Sedona, head south and follow AZ-89A. Turn right onto Forest 525 Rd/Loy Butte Rd. About 2.8 miles, turn left to follow Forest 525C Rd. Stay on this road for about 7 miles to get to the NON 4WDs parking lot.
These forest dirt roads can be bumpy. Make sure you take your time along the way. If you go early in the morning, you might be able to see all these hot air balloons in this area. They were quite a treat for us to see.
If you don’t have 4WDs, we recommend parking your car at the NON 4WDs parking and hike in. There are tons of gravels and big boulders along the way. It is about 1.2 miles each way to the main trailhead. If you do have 4WDs, you can drive straight to the 4WDs parking space. From here, it’s about 0.3 miles each way to the cave. We put the coordinates for these spots up in the stats section.
From the Main Trailhead
We started our adventure bright and early. Since we brought Butternut, the adventure Jeep, we decided to drive straight to the main trailhead. As we pulled up to the 4WDs parking lot, there was another badass jeep there already. We couldn’t help but strike a conversation with its owner. Unfortunately, we completely forgot to ask for his name. However, our new friend was gracious enough to give us tips on how to find this awesome cave.
Before parting way, our new friend said he left us a present at the cave. We all laughed and he said he knew that sounded creepy but he promised that we will like it. After saying bye to our new friends, both of us proceed to the main trailhead.
The trail started flat and very quickly drop down the hill. After a slight left, the trail goes back up, almost even with the parking lot. This area can gets a bit confusing because there are other trails here. Your objective is to go left and around the big rocky outcrop.
Eventually, you’ll come up to a split. If you follow the trail, it will go down to the open valley. At this point, you’ll want to go right and go up the rocky steps.
To the Cave on Robbers Roost Trail
From here, follow the worn trail to circle around the outcrop. You’ll quickly come up to a super narrow ledge. This ledge looks like it’s impassable. However, it is not that bad as long as you don’t have fear of height and you have good shoes with tractions. Luckily, these sandstones are pretty grippy, unlike polished granite. If you are careful and lean toward the rock wall, you shouldn’t have any problem crossing it.
As soon as you cross over the ledge, you can see the cave ahead. A couple more steep ledges and you will get there. The cave is fenced off by a brick walls, however, there is an entrance in the middle to get in.
The Hideout Cave
It was an incredible, and almost spiritual experience being inside this cave. As soon as we got in, we immediately noticed the present our new friend left us. There is a small crystal, sitting in the middle of the round window in the cave. The morning sunlight hit it so perfectly, we could almost see the energy radiate off of it. With this incredible views, no wonder people believe that there is vortex here.
After spending our time here, soaking in the views and the magic, we were ready to head back. To go back, just follow the same way out.
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
Good hiking shoes are recommended on these adventures. Vy uses the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 hiking boots
Dustin’s shoes are Targhee III Waterproof
There isn’t a lot of shade in the desert. Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should always bring plenty of water. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
Always good to bring some snacks with you. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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2 Comments
Allison
Hi! Can this 4wd road be done with any 4wd suv or does it need high clearance/a jeep?
Vy
Hi Alison, we definitely recommend high clearance vehicles. The last part of the road is very rocky so it can mess up your car.