Shamans Cave Trail
4-Hour Route
Shamans Cave Trail Overview
Shaman’s Cave Trail (FR-9530) gives you an opportunity to explore a true hidden gem within the outskirts of Sedona. Off the beaten path, the rugged terrain on FR-9530 is followed by a short hike to get into Shaman’s Cave. The cave is hidden but isn’t exactly a secret; it is just so far out of the traditional touristy area in Sedona that very few people make the journey out here.
Commonly known as a 4-hour rental, you can expect to off-road 3-3.5 hours on a variety of OHV terrain, and hike anywhere from 30-minutes to 1-hour exploring this cave.
Also known as Robbers Roost and Hide Out Cave, this hiking trail got its name because Shaman’s cave was once an outlaw hideout. The hike into Shaman’s Cave is very quick, but steep in various sections. Reaching the cave is just less than one mile round trip, but it’s unmarked so you may end up doing a bit more than that if you wander (ask our staff for recommendations and guidance to safely arrive inside the cave).
If you are not looking to off-road the longevity of the rental period, this is a perfect balance to explore a less congested area in the Verde Valley.
Difficulty Rating
Shaman’s Cave Trail can be driven by most levels of drivers capable of hiking over 1 mile of steep terrain, ranging from novice to experienced. Depending on the 4×4 trails you take to arrive at the cave, we would consider the majority to be mild to intermediate off-roading.
The overall terrain is smooth on FR-525, but the terrain gets rough through the mile section on FR-9530 (which leads to the hiking section). The hike to get inside the cave is unmarked and steep, but well worth the trek for an experience worth a lifetime.
Off-Road Vehicle Access
The best way to access Shaman’s Cave Trail is with a high clearance 4×4 vehicle, especially a side-by-side for extra clearance climbing on red rocks and maneuvering around tight corners. This is recommended due to some of the technical terrain and larger boulders found throughout the steep sections, and the washouts that have formed over extended time.
Though not recommended, low clearance cars can make it to the beginning of FR-9530 before having to hike the extra mile up the rough 4×4 trail.
Getting To Shamans Cave Trail
There’s one convenient way to access the trailhead of Shaman’s Cave Trail in West Sedona, with other ways from connecting OHV trails like Ranch OHV Loop, Outlaw OHV Trail, and Powerline OHV Trail. The main way to access the hiking trail is turn off 89A (Connection between Sedona and Cottonwood) onto FR-525. Turn left after onto FR-525C, and stay on this dirt road until you come across marker FR-9530 (Where Shaman’s Cave can be found).
Low clearance vehicles park here and begin your hike. High clearance vehicles drive up the extra mile on FR-9530 to which you can park the vehicle and begin the trek. Hike down and through a wash and up a steep mountainside to get inside the cave. It is not easy to get inside the cave with a lack of markers, so it is advisable to download a map before making the trek.
