Merry-Go-Round or Munds Wagon Trail Rock Cave

Planning a trip to Sedona but want to get off the beaten path?

One of our favorite things about Sedona is the endless caves, holes in the rock, ruins, and other hidden gems scattered around this jaw-dropping landscape. Some spots take a lot of exploring to track down while others are quietly sitting right under you without you even noticing - the rock cave at Merry-Go-Round is one of those!

In this post, we’ll share two different ways to get to Merry-Go-Round and exactly how to find the unnamed hole in the rock.

Let’s get started!

GETTING TO MERRY-GO-ROUND

There are two options:

With a 4x4 high clearance vehicle take Schnebly Hill Rd for 4.7 miles until you reach Merry-Go-Round. I’ll explain how to find the rock cave below. Don’t have a personal 4x4 vehicle? You can rent a Jeep in Sedona for a day or take a Pink Jeep Adventure Tour (these go to many different locations so be sure to plan ahead with your guide).
On foot or by bike you’ll want to start your journey at the Munds Wagon Trail Head. From here it’s a 6.5-mile hike (see all trails) or bike ride (see trail forks) out and back to Merry-Go-Round. You can also choose to take the jeep trail but be aware of traffic.

Evan and Penelope sitting on the rock stack. Photographed from inside the cave/rock opening.

GETTING TO THE ROCK CAVE ONCE YOU’VE REACHED MERRY-GO-ROUND

If you’ve arrived by 4x4 vehicle then you’re likely starting your rock exploration on the “upper level”. This is the high point of the rock stack aka Merry-Go-Round and totally worth stopping at for some photo ops. Below the rock stack, there is the “lower level”. This is also the same point where the Munds Wagon Trail pops out.

The easiest way to get to the lower level from the upper is to backtrack on the jeep road until you reach the bridge. There you’ll find an easy opening/access point to the lower level.

As soon as you reach the lower level, be alert for the rock cave. It’s easy to miss if you’re not actively looking. The best way to orient yourself is with the bridge from the jeep road. Keep the bridge in sight and you’ll find the rock cave. When hiking out from the road, the cave (and ledge for the lower level) will be on your left. The rock cave is below the ledge so you’ll need to downclimb some rocks to get in. It’s only a few steps off the well-worn Munds Wagon Trail so there is no highly involved route finding or bush-whacking.

Click here for the approximate location pin

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Scrambling is required - To get inside the cave you’ll have to climb down a set of rocks then shimmy over to the cave on an exposed ledge.

Best Time to Photograph - Sunset! Arrive at least an hour and a half before sunset to give you ample time.

Hiking Trail Parking - Munds Wagon Trail Head - Limited parking with overflow along the road. Parking fee required.

Jeep Trail Parking - There are two small pullouts at the base of Merry-Go-Round. No parking fee.

RECAP

Start at Munds Wagon Trailhead or Schnebly Hill Rd
Continue up the hiking trail or jeep road for approx 3.2 miles or 4.7 miles respectively until you reach Merry-Go-Round rock
Navigate to the lower level of Merry-Go-Round and locate the bridge off the jeep road.
Hug the left side of the trail (closest to the ledge) you’ll find the rock cave!
Remember to be safe and smart as you explore this area! It’s extremely exposed.

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR FOR ADVENTURES IN SEDONA

Backpack - The Inertia 18 H20 from Gregory is perfect for a day hike in Sedona. Plus, it comes with a hydration bladder!

Hydration Reservoir or Water Bottle - For hikes, I prefer a reservoir but when not carrying a pack, I love my Flux 1L from HydraPak.

Hiking Boots - You probably have boots already but if you’re in the market for new ones, I’ve had these On Running Cloudrock hiking boots for 2 years and they are so comfortable! Available in men’s and women’s styles.

Sunhat - Any hat will do but for more all-around sun protection, take a look at this sunhat.

Sunscreen - You can’t go wrong with Elta MD sunscreen here in Sedona.

Trail snacks - Besides water, trail snacks are probably the next most important thing you could have in your pack or pockets. My personal favorite snack right now is Honey Stinger Waffles.

WANT TO FIND MORE?

Try out the Keyhole Cave off the Sugarloaf trail in West Sedona or these other Sedona hikes.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW for more caves and arches hidden near the Munds Wagon Trail/Schnebly Hill Rd.

Let’s Keep Exploring Sedona!