While preparing for a two-week trip to Sedona, AZ, cave hiking was at the top of our list. But, Sedona has so many caves to explore, which ones should you visit? As we built out our list, Robber's Roost landed towards the top, behind Subway Cave and the cave just past Seven Sacred Pools.
Six days into our Sedona trip, the time had come to explore Robber's Roost. Known for its large, main cave facing east--perfect for watching the sunrise and enjoying the sunset glow--with a smaller opening, that you can sit in, facing southeast, this cave has been home to natives, outlaws, moonshiners, and vagabonds. Acting as a safe haven for many, this hike is rightfully way out of town.
The key to success, an off-road vehicle. Since Kristin and I live in a 2WD van, accessing this hike, unless we felt like hoofing it down a dirt road for four miles, was going to be a slog. The fun-filled solution, rent a Polaris RZR. To make a full day out of the hike and renting a RZR, we wanted to see as much of Sedona's inaccessible parts as possible.
Floating over rocks, shelfs, and attempting to jump the RZR, one could say we took our time getting to Robber's Roost. In reality, we attempted to drain the gas tank while exploring every side trail we could, as fast as we could. While we didn't manage to drain the gas tank or jump the RZR, we did cover miles of extra trail in some heart pumping riding.
Parking at the top of the hill, we began the incredibly short hike, a third of a mile, to Robber's Roost. Initially, I felt lazy for how we got here, but the smile on my face told another story. Hiking out to Robber's Roost without 4WD would not have been as much fun and I was zinging with excitement.
The cave is on the backside of the mound, so do not mistake the west facing opening as Robber's Roost, some do! From the parking area, typically filled with off-road vehicles, hike down the hill to a dry creek bed, then immediately up and around the north side of the mound. As you get closer to Robber's Roost, you might here some people, but maybe not. This area is thin, with a large drop to your left, so keep an eye on where you are walking and don't worry about the people who might be in the cave.
Kristin and I arrived at the cave through the main opening, it's massive! The "small" hole to the south is large enough for two people to stand in. That is totally okay and you should do it. On the flip-side, please do not stand on the wall that was built by the indigenous people, it would be sad to have it fall down.
When you are here, take you time looking around, there is a ton to see! Try to imagine living in this cave. How would you set up your house? Think of all the sunrises you could watch. Enjoy the sunset glow on the red cliffs in the distance. Do you think this would have been the ideal roost for outlaws? I think so!