Altar Cave

GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER'S GUIDE! 
 
One of the easiest and most interesting cliff dwellings to access in Sedona, Altar Cave is also one of the most overlooked. Hundreds of people pass by it everyday on the Mescal Mountain Trail, without ever knowing it is there.
 

 
Located in the cliffs on the southside of Mescal Mesa, approximately 200 ft above the system trail that runs around the base of the cliffs, Altar Cave gets its name from the large rock at the entrance.
 

Rather than being a religious altar, this rock was more likely used as a workbench for making stone tools, since the cave has a commanding view of the open valley below.  It would have been an ideal location for hunters to sit and watch for game animals. There's also quite of bit of "lithic scatter" at the bottom of the slope. The alcove faces south, providing great views and excellent winter light for photographers.
 

There are several places you could park, but the closest is the parking area for Boynton Canyon/Deadmans Pass. Start out on the Boynton Canyon Trail, then veer right after approximately 100 yards onto the Deadmans Pass Trail, and quickly to another right onto the Mescal Mountain Trail. The intersection of those last two trails is approximately .4 miles from the parking area.
 
GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER"S GUIDE! 

Once on the Mescal Mountain Trail the cave is another .4 miles. Look up to the left as you walk around the south side of the mesa, and you will be able to see the cave (but not the ruin) from the trail itself. The route up is steep but obvious. Simply follow the path of least resistance.

RATED: Easy