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Birthing Cave

4.7 (11 reviews)

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Sarah M.

A fun detour for us while hiking the Mescal and Deadman trail. It is very steep to get into the cave but a great view and place to chill. It is not marked and we found it by accident. Depending which way you came you will go west when you come to open spot near some fencing out on Mescal Mountain not too far from Long Canyon trail. We parked at Boynton Canyon but instead of going towards the canyon we took a right to Deadman Pass. From there we hooked up with Long Canyon and head towards the trailhead. That opening I mentioned earlier is what you will watch for and hang a right. After the cave continue heading towards Long Canyon trailhead to Mescal. Great seven mile loop.

Tim W.

Amazing trail and views, so underrated. Although please be wary the path to the cave can be dangerous and you can get a little lost.

Alexis H.

Not a bad hike here, once you get close to the base of the rock it goes straight up pretty much but it was100% worth it. Great place to sit up there and eat lunch and soak in nature.

Divot in the cave.
Nancy G.

This is a fairly easy hike, until you get about 20 feet away from the cave. At that point, you are climbing up over rocks, at a fairly steep angle, but there are lots of bigger rocks to grab on to. Park at the Long Canyon trailhead on Long Canyon road. When you get to the map board, on the west side of the road, head straight, not off to the left. You will walk on fairly flat, mostly sandy ground, in and out of shade, for maybe a mile. Iron wood shrubs/trees, with their beautiful red rubbed bark, line the trail, along with various species of cacti, agave and yucca. You'll come upon a sign pointing you to the left. Continue following the trail for about a half mile until you come out to a sort of clearing. To the right, you will see what looks like fencing, and a clear trail. You don't want this. You want to head off to the left across the clearing. Somewhere over to the left you will see a trail. THIS is the trail you want. Follow this for about another half mile to the cave. I recommend the AllTrails app for a downloadable map. Total length of the trail is almost 2 miles, one way. This particular trail (Long Canyon trail connecting to Birthing Cave trail) is not a loop, but it links up with several other trails for even longer hikes. If you're looking for a fairly easy, scenic trail, this is it. The cave is a nice place to rest before heading back, and the views are truly beautiful. 54/2023

Emily S.

This place is awesome! Pretty easy hike! - Go left when the trail signs say go right (right is for long canyon trailhead). - the top of the trail looks like a half dome, not a cave - there is a tiny bird nest looking "hole" at the top of the half dome and you do NOT need to climb up there to get the photo - sit on the ledge at your comfort level and select the 0.5 panoramic option on your cell phone photo app and take the pano vertically from bottom to top to get the iconic photo you're looking for - we went at 3-4pm and the sun was in our eyes the whole way up but beautifully illuminated the scenery looking out from the top - the trail is really not hard even at the steepest part at the top. There are lots of rocks to use as steps and to hold onto.

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3 years ago

Such a fun hike, easy hike. The only time it gets more difficult is in the cave it gets a little slippery on the rock

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Review Highlights - Birthing Cave

- Go left when the trail signs say go right (right is for long canyon trailhead).

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Devil's Bridge Trail

Devil's Bridge Trail

(478 reviews)

NEED TO KNOW: If you want a picture on the bridge, you will wait at LEAST an hour in line. So,…read moregive this some consideration before you head out. This is a VERY popular hike. We got to the parking lot around 7:00 a.m. on a WEEKDAY and the lot was already full. Thankfully, there are signs which direct you to the overflow parking lot at the Mescal trailhead. Parking here will add to the distance you hike but you can eat more Cheetos afterward, so there is that. There is very little to no shade on this trail so plan accordingly. It is not a particularly difficult hike except there is a little bit of climbing up some rocks in some areas (although I certainly wouldn't categorize this as "rock climbing"). Overall, I would say this is a moderate hike. If you are terribly unfit, you may not make it all the way. Sorry about that. If it were not for the hourlong wait in line for the photo opp, we probably would have been up and back within about two hours. Th bridge itself looks scarier and skinnier than it actually is. But if you were to fall, I don't think it would go well for you. The views are gorgeous but the views from just about everywhere in Sedona are gorgeous. You can be standing at the gas station and see amazing views. This was an enjoyable hike, and I would probably do it again, but I already got my picture on the bridge, so I ain't waiting in another hourlong line again.

This is a popular trail with shuttles to and from the designated parking lots and trailhead…read more Because we went midday on a Saturday, we ended up waiting in line for an hour at the end of the trail for the scenic photo. We knew ahead of time that this may happen, but we weren't expecting a full hour of waiting, so keep that in mind!

Airport Mesa

Airport Mesa

(146 reviews)

Most places give you a sunset. Airport Mesa apparently felt that was underachieving…read more Sharon and I headed up there in the evening to catch the famous Sedona sunset, which on its own would have been worth the trip. The sky started doing that Sedona thing -- layers of orange, pink, and gold spreading across the horizon while the red rocks glowed like they had their own internal lighting system. Just when we thought the show had hit peak beauty, we turned around. And there it was. One of the most majestic moonrises I've ever seen slowly lifting over the horizon like it had been perfectly scheduled to steal the second act. The sunset painting the sky one direction... and the moon rising bright enough in the other that I briefly wondered if I should've brought sunglasses. It felt like Sedona decided to give us the best of both celestial worlds. Sunset in front of us. Moonrise behind us. Nature's version of surround sound. The overlook itself is easy to access and well worth the stop. People gathered quietly, cameras out, everyone sharing that universal look that says, "Are you seeing this too?" Moments like that remind you why places like this are special. Beauty that stops you mid-sentence. The kind that makes everyone pause, breathe, and just take it in. Pro tip: arrive a little before sunset and stay a little after. You never know when the universe might decide to put on an encore. Five stars, no question.

Airport Mesa is located near the airport, but has a viewing area to see…read more panoramic views of Thunder Mountain, Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. It's one of Sedona's vortexes. There is an overlook area and a trail. The trail is moderate and not very difficult. A easy stop in Sedona to see beautiful views. There is parking lot and the fee is $3.

Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon

(9 reviews)

Oak Creek Canyon is the gateway to Sedona. Take SR89A for a scenic tour of the beautiful red rock…read moreformations and into the town of Oak Creek. You will ohhh and ahhh at the view that is just breathtaking. Pull outs along the way.

Every summer we come up north because Phoenix is just too hot for my mother after her heat stroke…read morein 2024. We were parked off the side well away from the road and had just eaten a lovely lunch when 3 vehicles(2 trucks. One was black and one was silver. An SUV dark gray with a man and woman) with Nevada plates pulled off and blocked the road and the flow of traffic and practically on top of us. I'm beginning to see and understand the very real complaints from people who live in Sedona when they talk about entitled and aggressive behavior from tourists. My mother exited the vehicle and spoke to the small man in the SUV(around 4'2 and he was very aggressive) I didn't hear that conversation and was on the phone when all of the sudden the small angry man popped up in front of my window spouting off about delusional scenarios where I'm taking pictures of his kids(I saw no children) and acting unhinged. I verbally ripped into the person because I don't respond well to unhinged weirdos standing right next to my window. He kept rambling incoherently about his delusions and then mentioned the litter box for the cat(yes, I bring my cat when I leave for 6 months). Apparently the lunatic thought depriving a cat of a bathroom while traveling seemed reasonable. His delusions were all over the place because he was mad for being called out for dangerously blocking traffic, being entitled and acting like an unhinged lunatic because they said they just needed to take a minute. And that's another thing I'm tired of is tourists peeing all over this area when there are bathrooms and rest stops!! Definitely the weirdest behavior I've seen up north and that's saying a lot. But!!! They are from Nevada so this can't be blamed on Arizonans. But the scenic drive is still spectacular.

Bell Rock - Daily Pass

Bell Rock

(237 reviews)

I'm not saying Bell Rock called my name... but if you'd heard it too, you probably would've shown…read moreup. There's something about Bell Rock that pulls you in. Maybe it's the shape. Maybe it's the energy. Maybe it's just that classic Sedona magic. Whatever it is, I felt it. Now let's start with the one challenge: parking. Limited spots and a bit of patience required. It took a while to find a place, but I decided to call that my warmup. Pro tip: arrive early or later in the afternoon if you want better odds at a spot. Once you hit the trail, everything changes. The path is wide and welcoming. No punishing climbs. No technical scrambling. Just an easy walk surrounded by those famous red rock views that make Sedona feel like another planet. And the quiet. That's the part that sticks with you. Step onto the trail and the noise of the world fades away. You're left with open sky, towering rock, and that peaceful stillness that reminds you why people come here in the first place. Whether you're a seasoned hiker chasing summits or someone who just wants a beautiful walk through nature, this trail delivers. Put this one on your Sedona list. Because sometimes the best hikes aren't the hardest ones... they're the ones that simply make you stop, breathe, and look around. Some places you visit... and some places feel like they were waiting for you. Bell Rock might just be one of those.

Bell Rock is the best place to hike in Sedona. It's a flat and easy trail for about half way up,…read moreand the signage makes it's easy to follow the path. The views are absolutely spectacle from all angles and places on the mountain and trail. There's truly nothing more beautiful than the red rocks in Sedona and Bell Rock is a place to see the true beauty. Parking can be tricky but patience is key, as people are always coming and going. Whether you're an avid hiker or a true rock climber, this mountain is for you!

Broken Arrow Trail

Broken Arrow Trail

(62 reviews)

Another trip up and back on the famous Broken Arrow Trail. This is my 4th time running this trail…read moreand it never disappoints. It's a short trail but a really fun trail. We saw a stock Tacoma and a stick Jeep getting dirty today. Nit recommend but they made it. I was in a Raptor today with 37" tires and I think we bottomed out two or three times. Keep in mind that if your vehicle is stock make sure you have a short wheel base and absolutely must have 4 wheel drive.

Overall a delightful hike-…read more We arrived early, so parking was easy (they had about 14 set spots)- however when leaving we noticed the lot was beyond packed & people were circling for spots (bit of advice) As we walked along the bumpy trails there was an element of rock climbing & inclined spots Also note- watch out for the Pink Jeep Tours; professional intense driving (they look like a great time) but their roads intersect with the trail a fair amount & they drive up certain viewpoint walks- The trail started off well marked, then hit a viewpoint area, and signage dropped off-while we thought we were scrambling up Chicken Point, we discovered we were just scrambling for fun & were able to view the real Chicken Point from the top of our mountain Then we wanted to take Hog Wash trail back-but couldn't find the loop connect at the end of Broken Arrow I still rate the trail very high because our random scrambles were quite challenging & entertaining- it's a great area to explore based on your capability- and offers many varying side paths

Boynton Canyon Trail

Boynton Canyon Trail

(99 reviews)

We hit Boynton Canyon Trail early. And I mean early enough that the air still had a chill to it and…read morethe light was just starting to spill over the rock. That's not a suggestion, it's the move. Give this place a head start on the day or it'll make you pay for it later. The trail opens gently, almost deceptively so. Wide path, easy footing, a kind of calm that makes you think you're in for a casual walk. Then the landscape starts to shift. The canyon walls rise, the color deepens, and the space narrows just enough to pull your attention forward. It's not a straight shot either. The trail has a rhythm to it. It bends, it reveals, it hides just enough to keep you moving. What stands out is how the environment changes as you go. You're not just walking toward a viewpoint. You're moving through layers. Open desert gives way to pockets of shade, then back out into sun where the red rock feels almost alive under that early light. The contrast is constant, and it keeps the whole thing interesting without needing anything artificial. We went as a group, mixed pace, different levels of enthusiasm, and it worked. Some pushed ahead, some took their time, but nobody felt like they were struggling to keep up or being held back. That's a rare balance. It's approachable without being boring, and it gives you just enough challenge to feel like you earned the views. And the views are worth it. There's a moment where the canyon really opens up, and you get that full Sedona effect. Towering formations, deep reds, shadows cutting across the rock in ways that change minute by minute. It's the kind of scene that makes people stop mid-conversation and just look. Phones come out for a second, then go right back into pockets because you realize it doesn't translate. Silence shows up out there in a way that's hard to find. Not total silence, but a kind of quiet that feels intact. Wind moving through, the occasional bird, footsteps on the trail. That's it. It clears your head whether you planned on it or not. By the time we were heading back, the temperature was climbing fast. That early start paid off. You could feel the shift, the desert reminding you who's in charge once the sun gets high. If you go later in the day, it's a different experience entirely, and not in a good way. A few practical things. Bring more water than you think you'll need. Wear real shoes. This isn't the place to test your balance in something flimsy. And pace yourself. It's not a race, and the trail is better when you let it unfold. There are a lot of hikes around Sedona that get attention, and for good reason. This one earns its spot. It's not just about the destination. It's the progression, the way the landscape pulls you in and keeps revealing itself piece by piece. Get there early, take your time, and let it speak for itself. Five stars without hesitation.

Started this hike a little later than planned (around 10AM), but it still turned out to be such a…read moregreat experience. If you're heading to the Subway Cave, I highly recommend downloading AllTrails beforehand. Once you're on the trail, it's not very clear where to turn off. We saw a few people along the way, but no one nearby when it actually mattered... which led to a little confusion. I only went off track for a few minutes, but my friends ended up going about a mile too far before turning back The hike is about 5 miles round trip. You'll spend roughly 2 miles on the Boynton Canyon Trail before reaching the turnoff for the Subway Cave. Overall, it's a pretty easy and enjoyable hike - mostly flat and shaded through beautiful forest scenery. The final stretch up to the Subway Cave involves some rock scrambling, but it's manageable. Once you're there, you've got a couple options: you can climb up to the left for an incredible view or head to the right and climb up a different way for another great vantage point. I saw some people (even toddlers!) navigating around the rocks, but personally that part felt a little nerve-racking for me. Parking fills up quickly so plan ahead. That said, there's plenty of street parking nearby off the street, and they run shuttles on weekends, which helps a lot. Definitely bring water. It can get hot, especially later in the day. Even though this is a popular hike, I didn't have to wait at all for photos. People were hanging out and soaking in the views, but it never felt crowded or rushed. Total time for me was about 2.5 to 3 hours, including time spent relaxing and exploring at the cave. Overall, such a beautiful and rewarding hike. Just don't miss that turn!

Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park

(180 reviews)

We took the whole family out to Red Rock State Park, and it ended up being one of the most balanced…read moredays we've had out here. Not overwhelming, not chaotic, just... right. If you've spent time around Sedona, you know how quickly things can feel crowded and overrun. This place is the opposite. It feels more intentional, more preserved. You're still surrounded by those iconic red rock formations, but here they're framed by open meadows, clusters of trees, and the steady presence of Oak Creek winding through the park. We set out as a group, a mix of adults and kids, and found trails that worked for everyone. That's the beauty of this place. You don't have to be chasing a summit to enjoy it. The trails are well-marked, manageable, and still interesting enough to keep you engaged. You're moving through changing terrain the whole time. One minute you're walking through sunlit grass, the next you're tucked into shade near the water, then you turn a corner and the red rock rises up again like it's been waiting for you. The creek pulls you in. There's something about moving water in the desert that makes you slow down without realizing it. We stopped more than once just to sit for a minute, let the kids explore a bit, listen to the sound of it moving over rock. No rush, no pressure to keep pushing forward. Wildlife shows up if you're paying attention. Birds moving through the trees, the occasional lizard darting across the trail, subtle signs that this isn't just a scenic backdrop, it's a living system doing its thing. What stood out most was the pace. This isn't a place that demands anything from you. It lets you take it in at your own speed. Some of us pushed a little farther down the trail, others hung back and soaked it in. Nobody felt like they were missing out. It's also one of those rare parks that feels curated without feeling artificial. You can tell it's cared for. Trails are maintained, signage is clear, and there's a quiet respect for the environment that seems to carry over to the people visiting. By the time we looped back, nobody was checking the time. That's usually a sign you picked the right place. If Sedona at its busiest feels like a spectacle, this feels like a conversation. Same landscape, different tone. And sometimes that's exactly what you want.

A beautiful state park in Sedona, often overlooked by nearby popular trails. Make sure you drive…read morethe loop road through the park! The best thing you could do when you first come to Sedona to get a feel for the area is come to red rock State Park! You could see many of the famous sites from here as well as get a really good feel for the area. Sunsets cannot be beat up here also! The one other thing you should do first when coming to Sedona area for the first time is to stop at the chapel of the Cross on your way to Sedona from Phoenix. The state park is beautifully maintained with plenty of parking! They even have their own gift shop there. Plenty of bathrooms, and lots of trails. Some of them are very easy for all ages right next to the parking lot. You can also take a more moderate trail called eagle nest, which I loved, which is also very close to the parking lot. Highly recommend adding red rock State Park as a must when visiting the area in addition to other popular areas!

Birthing Cave - hiking - Updated May 2026

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