Robber's Roost Guide
This Sedona cave is relatively well-known, but has the advantage of being a little more remote. Why is that an advantage? Well, because less people are willing to make the trek out to it! If you want some red rock solitude, then the cave at Robber's Roost is for you!
When to Visit
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The best views are going to come around sunrise or sunset, and sunrise especially is the best if you're trying to avoid any others visiting the cave. While milder in the spring, fall, and winter, summers in Sedona can get very got, and if you're hiking the last part of the road (more on that below) as opposed to driving right to the trailhead, you've now got about three miles of walking in open desert--something to keep in mind!
The main view from Robber's Roost.
How to Get There
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The trail to Robber's Roost is found along a dirt service road through the Coconino National Forest, officially known as Forest 525 Road, located off of AZ89A heading south out of Sedona (Coordinates: 34.814239, -111.905142). Take this for about three miles, before following signs heading left for Forest 525C Road, which you'll stay on for another seven miles until you reach the Non-4WD parking area (Coordinates: 34.915750, -111.978222). If you're driving in a regular vehicle, you'll want to park here and hike the last mile of the road to the trailhead. If you have a high clearance vehicle though, you should be able to drive to trailhead itself (Coordinates: 34.931111, -111.972167). over an extremely rocky and bumpy road. Alternatively, punching in "Hide Out Cave Trail" on Google Maps might also do the trick!
Robber's Roost
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Time: 1-3 hours.
Distance: .5-3 miles (Depending on if you start from the Non-4WD parking area or not).
I myself was in a rental car, so driving the last, very rocky portion of the road was never an option. I turned onto Forest 525 Road, followed the signs for Forest 525C Road, and parked in the non-4WD lot. The main road should be easily passable in any car, though there's a couple rocky spots you might want to slow down for. I can't stress enough--do not try the last mile if you do not have a proper vehicle, it can be ROUGH in a lot of spots.
The turnoff for 525 from the highway (above) and sign pointing to 525C (below).
About Me
Hi there, I'm Dan: videographer, travel-addict, and beer-lover. I left corporate life behind to start my own video business and travel the world. Want to know more about me and Dan Treks?
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Once parked in the non-4WD lot, simply follow the road for about a mile--it's gradually uphill, but not too difficult. The only real caveat is that it's completely exposed here: good boots, a hat, sunscreen, and water are a must. It doesn't take long, and you'll soon find yourself in the main parking lot with the trail on your right. Not far in the distance, you'll see a red-rock butte: this is where the cave is located--on the opposite side, out of view.
4WD Parking/Trail Beginning (above) & on the trail heading towards the butte (below).
Robber's Roost Cave Guide
Sick of reading? Watch my complete video guide on how to reach the cave at Robber's Roost above!
Begin the trail, which quickly heads downwards before putting you at the base of the butte. From here, follow the trail upwards. It can get a little confusing, as the trail branches out in several directions, but the goal is to keep heading upwards and to the left, until you reach a ledge that wraps around the left-ward side of the butte.
The trail up the butte (above) and nearing the ledge (below).
This is where things can get a little tricky, especially if you're afraid of heights. You need to walk on this ledge to reach the cave on the other side, and a brief portion of it is very narrow--maybe only a couple of feet wide. Boots with good grip and careful footing should see you through!
The narrow ledge (above) & on the other side with the cave in view (below).
Once you've made it around the narrow ledge, it widens up a bit, and the cave will be in view. Make your way over and enter through the gap in the stone-wall, and you'll now find yourself within Robber's Roost!
Main cave view (above) & the circular lookout (below).
From here, all that's left to do is enjoy the cave! The cover provides a break from the sun, and the views are amazing--hopefully you'll have them to yourself, too. The story goes that this place was a hideout for bootleggers and bandits back in the day, hence the name Robber's Roost (or Hideout Cave). Once you're done, all that's left is to head out the way you came!
