Robbers Roost Trail

Southwest > Arizona > Sedona > Robbers Roost Trail

Coconino National Forest, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

A large sandstone cave tucked into a canyon wall featuring a broad, shaded chamber that offers expansive views across rugged red rock terrain.

General Information
Length:
Approximately 2–3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:
About 300–500 feet
Difficulty:
Moderate
Hours:
Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Fees:
Red Rock Pass required: $5 per vehicle per day
Weekly pass: $15
Annual pass: $20
Pet Policy:
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash; use caution due to rocky terrain
Closest cities with hotels:
Sedona (4 mi)
Seasons:
Fall, winter, and spring are best; summer can be very hot with minimal shade
Location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Wq9jF6h1YbT2kE89Robbers Roost Trailhead, Sedona, AZ 86336
Website:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/fs.usda.gov

How to Get There

From Sedona (4 mi): Take AZ-89A west, turn right onto Dry Creek Road, then follow Boynton Pass Road to the trailhead and access the route leading to the cave.

Overview

Carved into the weathered cliffs of Sedona’s red rock backcountry, Robber’s Roost is a broad, cave-like formation that offers a welcome contrast to the exposed desert landscape surrounding it. The approach follows a network of sandy and rocky paths winding through juniper and cactus, gradually guiding hikers toward a canyon wall where the cavern emerges as a sheltered recess in the sandstone. The final approach involves a moderate climb over uneven terrain, adding a sense of adventure to the otherwise approachable journey.

Inside, the cave opens into a spacious chamber with a natural overhang that provides shade and a striking vantage point over the valley below. The interplay of light across the rock surfaces highlights the texture and color variations characteristic of the region, while the elevated viewpoint gives a sweeping perspective of mesas, cliffs, and desert expanses beyond. Less crowded than many nearby destinations, this hidden alcove offers a quieter experience that combines scenic beauty with a sense of discovery.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Robbers Roost, AllTrails, and regional hiking guides, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.