Hiking the Robber’s Roost Trail in Sedona, Arizona
Distance: 0.6 - 3.0 miles / 1.0 - 4.8 km
The Robber’s Roost Trail in Sedona, Arizona, is one of the best hidden gems in the red rock country of the Coconino National Forest, and I believe this for a number of reasons!
The first is that the Robber’s Roost Trail is located about 35 minutes outside of Sedona, making it one of the least-visited day hikes compared to other busy trails, like the Cathedral Rock Trail or the Devil’s Arch Trail.
The second is that the cave—or the roost itself—is truly the pinpoint definition of a hidden gem because it cannot be seen throughout the entire hike until the very end, giving it that authentic Old Western outlaw feel; hence, the reason it is often called Hideout Cave.
Finally, Robber’s Roost is a beautiful east-facing cave that can make for one of the best sunrise hikes in Sedona. However, that’s not to say that the effort to reach this location before sunrise would be easy, considering the long drive and the 1.5-mile (2.4 km) hike to get there.
All this to say, the Robber’s Roost Trail is one of my personal favorite day hikes in Sedona, but be sure to read until the end, as there is one narrow section just prior to the cave that often proves to be too much for some hikers.
Robber’s Roost Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Robber’s Roost Trailhead is located in one of two places, depending on the type of vehicle you arrive in.
By this, I mean that the true Robber’s Roost Trailhead can only be reached with a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle via U.S. Forest Service Road 9530. This is what’s referred to as the upper trailhead, and it’s why the Robber’s Roost Trail can be as short as a 0.3-mile (0.5 km) hike each way.
However, it is much more common to park at the lower trailhead because low-clearance vehicles can reach a small parking area that’s roughly 1.2 miles (1.9 km) down the road. This is what makes the Robber’s Roost Trail 1.5 miles (2.4 km) each way, or 3.0 miles (4.8 km) roundtrip.
Google Maps Directions: Lower Robber’s Roost Trailhead / Upper Robber’s Roost Trailhead
Southwest Hiking Checklist
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in the Southwest U.S.
Hiking the Robber’s Roost Trail
This is the Robber’s Roost Trail, beginning from the lower trailhead about 1.2 miles (1.9 km) below the upper trailhead off Forest Road 9530.
This is a great example of how much rougher the access road gets just after beginning the hike to Robber’s Roost.
Not long after beginning the hike, Robber’s Roost becomes visible for the first time in the distance, which is the red sandstone bluff that can be see off the right-hand side of the trail.
Overall, there isn’t much to note about hiking along Forest Road 9530 to the upper trailhead, except that it’s important to pay attention for the split to begin the true Robber’s Roost Trail, which branches off the road near the bluff.
As previously mentioned, the Robber’s Roost itself is not visible from any part of the hike.
Rather, it’s located on the opposite side of both the Forest Road and the bluff, which is why it’s truly such a hidden gem in a very unsuspecting location!
The Forest Road will split a handful of times throughout the hike to the true Robber’s Roost Trail, but at any one of these, it makes no difference which direction you choose to take, as they all merge shortly ahead.
This is where both sides of the previous split come back together.
Just like the previous split, it makes no difference which path you decide to take, as both routes meet up just before the Robber’s Roost Trail branches off the Forest Road.
Robber’s Roost Trail
After 1.2 miles (1.9 km), Forest Road 9530 reaches the start of the true Robber’s Roost Trail, which also coincides with the upper trailhead parking area.
That said, go right here to leave the Forest Road and begin hiking toward the hidden cave on the far side of the bluff.
Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness Boundary
Almost immediately after beginning the Robber’s Roost Trail, it enters the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness.
This is important to highlight because wilderness areas in the United States carry specific regulations, which most commonly applies to hikers when it comes to drones.
Yes, drones are banned here and in all wilderness areas across the country.
This first section of the hike off the Forest Road represents one of the few times the Robber’s Roost Trail loses elevation, which will inevitably have to be re-hiked on the way back out.
From the bottom of this small ravine, the Robber’s Roost Trail begins a short but steep climb up about 145 ft. (44 m) to a narrow passage that leads to the hidden cave on the far side of the bluff.
At this split, go left to stay on the most obvious trail to the Robber’s Roost.
These final sections represent some of the steepest areas on the entire Robber’s Roost Trail.
That said, such a 'long' and remote hike—like the Robber’s Roost Trail—should be avoided during the hottest times of the year (mid-May to mid-September).
However, I think it’s important to remind once again that a hooded sun shirt can be one of the most important things to wear while hiking in Sedona, regardless of the season.
Just like before, all routes lead to the same place.
This is the short but narrow ledge that must be traversed to reach the Robber’s Roost on the far side, and while many hikers will find no difficulty making their way across, I have also seen groups turn back here because they weren’t comfortable walking the narrow 50 ft. (15 m) or so to reach the cave.
It’s a steep drop to the left, but it’s certainly wide enough to make it across safely—granted that it’s snow- and ice-free. If not, micro-spikes would certainly be a necessity!
Robber’s Roost
Once on the far side of the ledge, Robber’s Roost—also known as the Hideout Cave—will be found almost immediately straight ahead.
Now, it is said that there is no definitive evidence that Robber’s Roost served as a hideout for outlaws, but local legends often suggest that it was used by bandits and bootleggers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
For those interested in catching the sunrise at this beautiful hidden overlook, be sure to pack a good headlamp for the hike up in the dark, and I can almost always guarantee that you’ll have the entire cave to yourself at this time of day!
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