Devil's Kitchen Travel Guide

Devil's Kitchen, a prominent sinkhole in Sedona, Arizona, presents a compelling glimpse into the region's geological activity. The sinkhole's formation began long before Western settlement, with the earliest collapses occurring in the 1880s. A significant collapse in 1989 further expanded the opening, creating the impressive cavern visible today.The hike to Devil's Kitchen is relatively short and easy, making it accessible to visitors of all skill levels. The trail leads to the base of the sinkhole, where one can observe the contrasting rock formations. The southern wall displays rounded edges and manganese oxide, indicating centuries of exposure, while the northern side features sharp, angular rocks from more recent collapses.The sinkhole is composed of sandstone from the Schnebly Hill Formation in its upper reaches and shaly siltstone of the Hermit Formation in the lower sections. Over time, the continued erosion and collapse of the underground caverns have widened the sinkhole, a process that is expected to continue. Visiting Devil's Kitchen offers a unique opportunity to witness the dynamic forces shaping the Sedona landscape.