Andante and Chimney Rock Pass Trail

On a beautiful Spring day in Sedona, there is no better place to be than on a hiking trail! And, yesterday was no exception. The sky was blue, the breeze was balmy and we headed to Adante Trail to begin our hike around Chimney Rock. 

Chimney Rock is one of the iconic red rock formations in Sedona and, thanks to all of the amateur and professional photographers who have passed through this scenic paradise, Chimney Rock is well known around the world. 

One of the most interesting things about this rock formation is how it changes, depending on your perspective. This changing perspective applies to many of the beautiful monuments here (Cathedral Rock is another example of this phenomenon), but you don't have to hike or drive far to see Chimney Rock from a different vantage point. 

A quick drive up Dry Creek Road, or a leisurely hike around the base of Chimney Rock will reveal its ever-changing face, and you will discover that the 'chimney' is actually comprised of several vertical slabs of red rock, rather than the single chimney you see from some angles. 

This hike begins at Adante Trailhead (near the large green water tank) and intersects along the way with Thunder Mountain Trail and Chimney Rock Pass Trail. We took the Chimney Rock Pass trail and wandered up and down the hills, following the path around the hill atop which the chimney sits. 

This is listed as a moderate hike in the hiking books and it is that. There isn't much of an uphill challenge during the first half of the hike, but the second half contains a good portion of uphill, without much of a respite. 

After that climb, the trail takes you around to the other side and back down toward the parking lot. 

Bi-Colored Lichen on the Red Rock

Very Large (Old) Juniper

Along the way, the junipers, manzanita and spring flowers graced the landscape giving us lots of photo opportunities. 

There are some wonderful views of the valley and of Ship Rock, the top of Cathedral Rock and several other monuments. The valley is bordered by beautiful sentinels of red rock that will take your breath away!

Chimney Rock from a Distance

Views of Coffee Pot Rock, Ship Rock and More!

You will meet other hikers and perhaps some bicyclists along the path, but this trail is well worth the hike. The views are spectacular and you get to see a host of red rock formations up close and from a distance.

The Adante and Chimney Rock Pass trails comprise a hike of about 1 to 2 hours depending on how often you stop to take pictures and chat with your fellow hikers along the way!

Chimney Rock Up Close and Personal

Robbers' Roost (Shaman's Cave)

View from the Cave at Robbers' Roost

This spot isn't far from our home in Sedona. It isn't a long or difficult hike and the view and cave are spectacular...so it is a favorite. 

The trail-head is at the end of a rather bumpy, long road so a high clearance vehicle is definitely required. 




The spot is popular with tourists and locals alike, so you will probably have to share the view with others. The trail-head takes you down into a small valley and then up a hill that winds around to the left side of the monument. 

View of the Valley Below the Cave at Robbers' Roost

When you get to the back side of the monument, you will have to cross the apron of the red rock. 

This crossing may be a bit daunting for those with poor balance or those who are afraid of heights. 



Stick with it and just take your time. When you get to the cave, you will be glad you were persistent!

Inside the Cave

The front and inner 'walls' of the cave have been re-built with red rock to recreate the 'rooms' and the protective ledge at the front of the cave. 

Natural Window

The most impressive feature of the cave is not man-made. There is a natural window on one side of the cave. This window looks out into the valley beyond and allows one to see anyone who might approach the cave through the valley (hence the name, 'Robbers' Roost').

Before it was used by settlers, thieves and others, the cave was used by tribal Shamans for ceremony and healing. 

View of the Red Rocks from Inside the Cave

You can easily climb out the 'window' and stand on the far apron of the red rock formation to view the valleys below and beyond. 

Take the time to drive out to this remote location and make the hike around the monument to visit this natural cave. 

View of the Valley from the Natural Window

It is worth the trip and it will definitely be one of your favorite Sedona locations.