Birthing Cave

The Birthing Cave is one of Sedona's most memorable free hikes — a 1.5-mile round-trip trail that leads families to a dramatic natural alcove carved deep into the red sandstone cliffs above Deadman's Pass. The cave is large enough for a group to stand inside comfortably, and the framed view of the Verde Valley and distant mountain ranges from within the alcove is genuinely spectacular.

The trail accesses the cave off Boynton Pass Road in the Dry Creek area of Sedona, on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. This is important because no Red Rock Pass is required, making it one of Sedona's rare free hiking destinations. The trail itself is moderate — relatively flat for the first half mile, then involves some rocky scrambling through loose sandstone terrain in the final approach to the cave.

Kids who are confident walkers and at least 8 years old typically handle it well.

The cave itself is the reward. It's a large south-facing alcove that would have provided shelter and a commanding view of the valley for the Indigenous peoples who considered this site spiritually significant. Modern visitors come for the sense of discovery, the dramatic architecture of the red rock, and the photo opportunities looking out from within the cave.

Kids who are old enough to appreciate the geology become fascinated by how the alcove was formed.

The Birthing Cave is best visited in the early morning (before 9am) during summer months, when the desert heat can be unforgiving. Spring and fall offer ideal temperatures for the hike. The trailhead is along Boynton Pass Road — use AllTrails or Google Maps for accurate driving directions, as the area has multiple trails and parking areas.

Bring at least one liter of water per person, sun protection, and sturdy footwear. There are no facilities anywhere on the trail.