A large cliffside cavern with a dramatic keyhole-shaped opening that overlooks expansive red rock landscapes and requires a steep scramble to access.
Weekly pass: $15
Annual pass: $20
How to Get There
From Sedona (2 mi): Take AZ-89A west, turn right onto Coffee Pot Drive, continue to Buena Vista Drive and follow it to the Sugarloaf Trailhead where the hike begins.
Overview
Hidden within the sculpted cliffs of Sedona’s red rock country, Keyhole Cave is a massive sandstone formation defined by its distinctive opening, which frames sweeping views of the surrounding desert. Reaching it involves a short but adventurous route that transitions from gentle desert walking into a steep, rugged climb. The trail gradually leads toward the base of the cliff, where loose rock and slick surfaces create a challenging ascent that rewards perseverance with access to the cave’s striking interior.
Inside, the cavern opens into a broad chamber where light pours through the opening, silhouetting the landscape beyond and creating a dramatic interplay of shadow and color. The sense of scale is immediate, with towering rock walls contrasting against the open sky visible through the keyhole formation. Though less traveled than many nearby destinations, the cave offers a raw and immersive experience that combines route finding, physical challenge, and a powerful connection to the surrounding terrain.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Keyhole Cave, AllTrails, and regional hiking guides, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.