Deep in the desert off a rugged dirt road, the Robbers Roost trail is a short but unique hike that takes you into a beautiful cave overlooking the mountains and valleys just south of Sedona.
The Robbers Roost trail (also known as the Hide Out Cave trail) is a 3 mile out-and-back trail and is considered easy. The most challenging aspect of this trail is the rugged dirt road you’ll need to drive to get here. Depending on weather and road conditions, 4×4 or high clearance is recommended. This took us about an hour and a half, with some hangout time inside the cave to take pictures and soak in the views. Dogs can use this trail, although like most Arizona hikes there is some hiking across uneven rocks which may be tough for pups.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Robbers Roost trailhead, search for the Hide Out Cave trailhead in Sedona, AZ or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Sedona, take Highway 89 south until you reach Loy Butte Road (Forest Road 25) and head north. You’ll go just about 10 miles until you reach the trailhead. There’s no signage so use your offline maps.
Driving Info: Once you turn off Highway 89 it’s all dirt road. Depending on weather this road can be very challenging, and depending on how rutted out may impact your ability to get to this hike. 4×4 and high clearance is recommended.
Time & Weather: We did this hike in early April. The weather was cool, crisp and sunny – the perfect desert day.
Gear: Nothing special required for this hike. You will be walking across some uneven rock towards the end of the hike, and you’ll want some decent grip on your shoes because you’re hundreds of feet above the valley floor. As always, bring poles if you like and don’t forget sunscreen.
Trail Navigation: The trail is relatively easy to follow, but we still suggest an offline map since the trails are not as worn in since this is a less popular Sedona hike.
Water & Food: Anywhere in Arizona requires bringing lots of water. This trail gets hot. You can also bring a snack to enjoy once you reach the cave, which provides shade in the desert heat.
Trailhead Info: This trail does not have normal signage since it’s off a dirt road, so download an offline map to make sure you go to the right spot.
Pictures of the Robbers Roost trail:
The beginning of the trail is not as easy to discern, and you can tell this hike is not as frequented as many others in Sedona.
Looking back towards the trailhead.
You’ll start to ascend up the mountain a bit, the trail becomes harder to identify which is why it’s good to bring an offline map.
The view really opens up the further you ascend up the mountain.
This gives you an idea of the slanted rock you’ll need to traverse to get to the cave section.
As you turn the corner around the mountain, the hidden cave comes into view. Keep strong footing since the gorgeous view is distracting.
The cave provides some shade from the morning sun. Be careful to not disturb the rock walls.
One of the views out from the cave, where you can see for miles across the Sedona desert.
This picture perfect view from the depths of the cave, a great place to relax.
Sedona is full of unique rock formations. This hole in the wall of the cave is one of them.
Pay attention to your footing as you descend back to the trailhead. And please do not leave any trash or markings in the cave. Despite the solitude you feel there, many people like to enjoy these stunning desert features.
This is one of many beautiful and unique hikes around Sedona. If you're looking for more fun cave hikes, check out our list of the best hikes in Sedona. Specifically, the Soldier's Arch Cave or the Boynton Canyon trail which has the popular Subway Cave.
