Formerly known as Sand Cove Cavern
Hiking ~ Page Arizona ~ Rim Trail
Hike Overview
Biidi the Arch is a natural sandstone arch and alcove feature near Page, Arizona, formed by erosion in the region’s colorful desert sandstone. The formation is reached by a very short walk from the roadside, making it one of the most accessible geologic features near town while still feeling tucked away from heavily traveled areas. Over time the site has been informally referred to by several names, including Sand Cove Cavern and Shell Cavern, reflecting both its cavernous shape and nearby landmarks. More recently, the landowners renamed the feature Biidi the Arch, and that name has since been adopted by Google Maps and other mapping services
Type of Trail: Out and Back or Loop
Length: .5 to 1 Mile
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Soft Sand
Destination: A beautifully shaped cave
Elevation Gain: 40 feet
Dog Friendly: Yes – Leash
Directions to the Trailhead
You can park either in the Shell Gas Station Chicken Jerky Trading Post parking lot or on the crushed asphalt pullout just off Coppermine Road south of Roam America RV Park. From the pullout, a short road will lead you to the trailhead. !!CAUTION!! Be sure to stay on the crushed asphalt— the sand is very soft, and you risk getting stuck if you drive into it.
Sand Cove Cavern Hike Description
This short hike leads to a recently “discovered” cavern (popularized on Instagram) located at the junction of Coppermine Road and Highway 98, just behind the Shell Gas Station Chicken Jerky Trading Post. Although the cavern isn’t directly on the Rim Trail, it’s close enough to be added as an extension for those feeling adventurous or can be done as a short stand alone hike. The hike is relatively easy but requires walking uphill through very soft sand. The cave is about 0.25 miles from the parking area, but many visitors opt for a half-mile loop: walking along the edge of the mesa through a small wash to the “Stage of Broken Dreams” and then returning to their vehicle. The cave’s colors and the texture of its striated walls change dramatically throughout the day, offering a unique experience from morning to afternoon and making it worth visiting more than once.
This cavern is located near several more equally as impressive caverns and beautiful features that can be linked together for a longer outing.
Find out more about the The White Stripe here
Find Out more about the Wind Cavern Loop Hike here
