Bordering the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area, Robber’s Roost (aka Shamans Cave) has been a destination for numerous hikers and adventurers over the last century. In fact, its legendary name was used for a 1932 movie filmed in Sedona called Robber’s Roost. Ironically, no scenes for the movie were actually filmed there.

Sadly, this past September vandals brazenly defaced the walls of the Roost with words too objectionable to detail within the text of this report. However, a link to a news report with pixel redaction is provided as follows: Robbers Roost in Sedona defaced with graffiti.

During my five years in Sedona no act or event, elections included, sparked as much discussion and outrage on social media. Fortunately, like several Arizona communities, the Verde Valley/Sedona area has a dedicated group of well trained and equipped volunteers under the direct supervision of a Forest Service archeologist, who cleanse the graffiti and preserve any legacy drawings or petroglyphs affected. Those who were on this hike and future visitors can appreciate the effort by reviewing the “before” via the above link and recalling the “after”.

Two weeks before the hike I ventured out to scout but was discomforted by “Road Closed” sign a few miles before the trailhead. Although I assumed it was largely due to poor road conditions due to heavier than usual rain earlier in the month, including remnants of Hurricane Rosa, I was also left to speculate whether the aforementioned vandalism (which also occurred on the nearby Dogie Trail) had caused authorities to elect to limit access. However, later scouting treks indicated opening of the primary forest road, although one of the access point options for commencing the event was still shut down.

We’ll walk FR 9530. [photo by Carl]

After a secondary meeting at the 89A/FR 525 intersection for condensing participants into high clearance vehicles and final transportation instructions, we traversed the 9 miles of dirt roads to the origin of FR 9530. Here we unloaded and started the journey towards the Roost. But not directly. To extend the distance and provide a more varied experience, instead of a half mile hike directly to the Roost we bushwhacked around the hill, spending time at a rocky wash reminiscent of the more famous Seven Pools in Sedona. Coming around the other side, suddenly 100 feet above us was our destination.

Eventually, all of our group gathered there and enjoyed the expansive 360-degree sunset views of the edge of Sycamore Canyon, Mingus Mountain, and Sedona landmarks such as Capital Butte and Cathedral Rock. Small indentations hosted pools of water from recent rains, which provided additional fodder for the digital archives of our more dedicated shutterbugs.

As dusk approached, we returned to the Forest Road adjacent to the Roost and walked the last mile to our vehicles. Per usual for sunset hikes in Sedona, due to the later conclusion, a formal post-hike meal was not scheduled. Even though the total distance only tallied 5 miles, this event did offer some challenges and thrills for participants, albeit at a more relaxed pace. After all, occasionally the fatigue should result more with sorting through memories (mental and digital) rather than the legs and feet.