Hiking Guide to the Beautiful Birthing Cave in Sedona + Photos
Way back in 2018/2019, Sedona’s Birthing Cave became super popular for its unique photogenic quality. I remember getting out to it in June of 2019 before there was even an AllTrails route, and I had the entire place to myself as I shot the Milky Way from inside it and then sunrise.
It’s objectively beautiful, especially in the early morning light. And it’s also an easy to moderate hike, good for hikers of all levels.
Five years later, it’s an incredibly popular and trafficked place. From a photography standpoint, it’s super cool and a nice “check-off” on your Sedona photo list. But for those without a wide-angle lens, it’s honestly not as impressive. It’s hardly a cave, and most people will just stand in the sand at the bottom.
That said, if you still want to check it out, keep reading!
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Exploring Sedona’s Birthing Cave, Plus a Photo Guide
Quick Trail details for reaching the Birthing Cave
- Distance: 2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 250 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead: Long Canyon Trail
- Time on Trail: 2-3 hours
Trail Report for the Birthing Cave
Starting off
Hiking to the Birthing Cave in Sedona is quite easy and, for the most part, flat.
You’ll want to park at or near the Long Canyon Trailhead. There is a parking lot, but it’s not large by any means, and odds are it’ll be full once you arrive. If you happen to hit the Seven Canyons Golf Club, you’ve gone too far, and you’ll want to flip around.
As you hike on the Long Canyon Trail, you will be on it for just over half a mile. While no sign instructs you to make a left turn onto the Birthing Cave trail, you’ll notice a well-hiked trail at the 0.6-ish mile mark. If you pass the wooden fence, you’ve missed the branch-off.
Warm Weather Hiking Gear
- Wide Brimmed Hat
- Long Sleeved Sunshirt Or SunHoodies
- Sunglasses
- 1+ Liter of water
- Midsized hiking bag
- Comfy hiking shoes
Getting into the Birthing Cave
From here, your elevation change will slightly increase as you hike up to the cave. The trail is sandy to an extent, though it should be established now.
Before long, it will appear above you. Keep following the path, and it will lead you directly into it. The final bit is steeper than the rest of the trail, though it is nothing too challenging.
How to enjoy the inside of the Birthing Cave
When I first visited, you could climb up to the back of the cave to get a nice wide-angle photo of the entire cave. Now, I wouldn’t recommend it, as more and more people have climbed up, and the rock has been smoothed down, making it slippery.
The sides have fared slightly better, but it’s been years since I’ve visited, and I’m not sure how slippery the left side (looking out) is and how safe it is to venture out.
Expert Recommendations for Photographing the Birthing Cave
Get there for sunrise or sunset (Sunset Recommended)
The earlier, the better.
If you are there for sunrise, you’ll likely have the place to yourself, and you’ll be able to enjoy the nice light as it hits Sedona’s Red Rocks in the background. Watching the sky and rocks light up was a magical sight.
And even better was watching the light inside the Birthing Cave get redder as the sun rose higher.
Wide Angle Lens
Thanks to new phone technology, we almost all have a wide-angle lens in our pockets. This wasn’t the case years ago when I went, so I brought my big-boy camera. I still recommend bringing a camera with a wide-angle lens of 16mm or greater. (A 16-35mm lens would be fantastic. So would a 14mm or 16mm prime.)
Tripod
If you’re looking to get some night shots or low-light photos from the back of the cave, make sure to bring your tripod. I set it up at the very back of the cave, allowing me the widest shot possible.
Or if you’re trying to do some solo portraits of yourself in the Birthing Cave, you’ll want the extra assistance.
More photos from the Birthing Cave
Tips for the Hiking to the Birthing Cave
What is the best time of the year to visit?
Thanks to its short distance, you can hike here year-round. But it’s also warm during the summer months, and some people may not want to be in the sun when it’s 95 degrees out. So, if we’re being sticklers, October through May is the best time to visit Sedona and the Birthing Cave.
I personally enjoy sunset hikes as the crowds thin considerably.
More Sedona articles to help plan your trip
My 9 Favorite Hikes in Sedona
Quick Guide to the Sedona Caves
16 Top Things to do in Sedona
Hiking Guide to Wilson Mountain
Top Sunset Hikes in Sedona
Epic Photos of Sedona
Winter in Sedona
Why is it called the Birthing Cave in Sedona?
Ha. Well, the birthing cave is called that primarily because of what it looks like. It looks like a birthing canal or something in that vicinity of the female body, and, well, the name apparently stuck.
Can I bring my dog to hike to the Birthing Cave?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Birthing Cave trail, but please keep them on a leash and make sure they will behave in close quarters to others once you arrive at the cave’s entrance.
Do not touch native artifacts and Leave No Trace
Wherever you go in Sedona, do not touch, damage, or move native tribal artifacts. They are sacred and protected and a living reminder of this region’s history.
Drink plenty of water
Even though you’re not in Phoenix, you’re still in the desert. Please drink water throughout the day and bring at least a liter of water to sip on for this hike. Additionally, make sure to have something salty each day you hike to help your body absorb the water you’re drinking.
Not a lot of shade
This trail has no shade, and the Birthing Cave could offer little to no sun protection either depending on the time of year and time of day. Wear plenty of sunblock, a hat, and sun protection to prevent skin cancer and other skin issues.
Final thoughts on hiking out to the Birthing Cave
I know it sounded like I don’t exactly recommend this hike… which might be true. (But only because it’s way better for a photographer vs a person just using their eyeballs.) But it is a gorgeous place to spend an afternoon, and there’s truly no better place to be in the shoulder seasons than Sedona, Arizona.
Whether you choose to do this hike or not, I hope you enjoyed the photos and that you have an amazing time in Red Rock Country!
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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