In this video I'm going to show you exactly how to find the Birthing Cave, one of the most popular social hikes in Sedona.

The hike is rated as easy though there is just a little bit of route finding and a short but fairly steep climb at the end.

It's almost exactly 2 miles out and back from the nearest parking area, with an elevation gain of approximately 270 ft. Allow about 45 minutes of hike time. The best light for photography is usually in the afternoon, but you can capture a pretty good photo almost any time of day. Mountain bikes, drones and pets are allowed in this area, however, pets must be leashed at all times in the Coconino National Forest. Please pick up any pet waste and pack it out. Also, do not take your pet to archaeological sites.

The trailhead is located 3 miles from West Sedona near the Seven Canyons Resort. You can park either in the small dirt parking lot on the left side Long Canyon Road, which is still free of charge as in 2023, or back along the roadside.

From the parking area take the Long Canyon trail heading northwest. This trail starts out along an old jeep road, so it's wide and easy to follow. It skirts around the golf course at the Seven Canyons Resort before entering the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Area, but you'll be turning off onto a social trail before you reach the wilderness boundary.

Approximately 1/2 mile from the parking area look for a really old wooden fence that dates back to the days when the golf course was a ranch. It's located at the GPS coordinates 34.91257, -111.83076. When you find the fence, there's a social trail that breaks to the left, which we've shown in blue. From here it's approximately 1/2 mile farther to the Birthing Cave. Simply follow the social trail along the fence line, branching slightly right at the end to climb toward a large alcove. GPS coordinates for the birthing cave are 34.91364, -111.83564.

There are two photos most people come here seeking to get. The first is at the very back of the alcove, where there is a seasonal spring that drips intermittently. The second photo uses the exterior of the cave to frame the distant view of Thunder Mountain, and often includes a human subject on the left side of the frame. Be aware that footing inside the cave is really treacherous, so exercise extreme caution if you plan on attempting either of these photos.

At this point you might be wondering, "Could this hike possibly get any better?" and the answer is absolutely! That's because there are numerous cliff dwellings and photogenic viewpoints that you could add to extend this hike and make it a bit more challenging. Any of these would be a worthy destination on its own, but added to the Birthing Cave is sure to make for a day that you'll never forget. They include the Mescal Mesa Ruins, the Patio, Altar Cave, Kolopelli's Cave, the Ice Cream Ruins, and Ladder Village, just to name a few.

To get the GPS tracks for these locations and ALL THE OTHER HIDDEN SECRETS in Red Rock Country, be sure to download the Wanderer's Guide to Hiking Sedona. Written specifically with photographers in mind, this is the most comprehensive guidebook available to the scenic wonders of the Verde Valley. Enter promo code BIRTHINGCAVE at checkout to receive a 10% discount.

#birthingcave #sedonahikes #besthikes #hikeaz #sedonavacations #thingstodoinsedona

Moving to Sedona? Check out Kretzschmar Construction at www.sedonacustomhomes.com. Loren Kretzschmar is simply the best custom home builder and remodeler in town.

свернуть