Soldier Pass Trail
Hike through Sedona's red rocks to discover the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and the unique Soldier Pass Cave.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Soldier Pass Trail
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike through Sedona's red rocks to discover the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and the unique Soldier Pass Cave.
"This trail is absolutely breathtaking and you get to see two beautiful sights!"
🚗 Shuttle is Your Friend
Weekend parking is closed. Use the free shuttle from uptown Sedona starting early!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. AllTrails app is a lifesaver for navigation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Soldier Pass Cave
Off Soldier Pass Trail
A unique two-story sandstone cave requiring a scramble to enter. Truly surreal!
Seven Sacred Pools
Along Soldier Pass Trail
A series of stunning natural pools nestled in the red rocks. Best after rain!
Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole
Along Soldier Pass Trail
A massive, impressive sinkhole that's a dramatic geological feature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking is a Puzzle
+2Know Before You Climb
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Shuttle is Your Friend
Weekend parking is closed. Use the free shuttle from uptown Sedona starting early!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. AllTrails app is a lifesaver for navigation.
🧗 Cave Requires Scramble
The Soldier Pass Cave isn't just a walk-up; be prepared for some free climbing.
💧 Pools Need Rain
For the Seven Sacred Pools to be full, you need recent rainfall. Still beautiful otherwise!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Shuttle is Your Friend
Weekend parking is closed. Use the free shuttle from uptown Sedona starting early!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. AllTrails app is a lifesaver for navigation.
🧗 Cave Requires Scramble
The Soldier Pass Cave isn't just a walk-up; be prepared for some free climbing.
💧 Pools Need Rain
For the Seven Sacred Pools to be full, you need recent rainfall. Still beautiful otherwise!
⏰ Go Early or Midweek
To avoid crowds, aim for early mornings or visit during the week.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique geological formations like the Seven Sacred Pools and Soldier Pass Cave, calling the hike a must-do in Sedona. The main drawback is the extremely limited parking, often requiring early arrivals or reliance on the shuttle. Some find the scramble to the cave challenging.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main Soldier Pass Trailhead has very limited parking (around 15 cars). It's often closed on weekends. Your best bet is to use the free shuttle service from uptown Sedona, which starts early. Alternatively, you can park at the Jordan Trailhead and hike in via Cibola Pass Trail and Jordan Trail, adding about a mile each way.
Yes, but it's extremely limited, fitting only about 14-15 cars. It's highly recommended to arrive before 7 AM or utilize the shuttle service, especially on weekends.
The Soldier Pass Road is a designated 4x4 trail. While some visitors opt for jeep tours, it's not recommended for standard vehicles due to the rough terrain.
From uptown Sedona, head west on Forest Road 152 (Soldier Pass Road). The trailhead will be on your right. If parking is full, consider the shuttle or alternative trailheads.
Yes, a free shuttle service operates on weekends from uptown Sedona, typically starting around 7 AM. Check local schedules for exact times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, a permit is not required for hiking the Soldier Pass Trail itself. However, if you plan to park at trailheads managed by the Red Rock Ranger District, you may need a Red Rocks Pass. Check with the Forest Service for the most up-to-date information.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. The parking lot and shuttle service have specific operating times, so it's best to check those in advance.
Hiking the trail itself is free. Costs may be associated with parking if you use a paid lot (like at Brins Mesa Trailhead) or if you opt for a guided jeep tour.
There's no need to book the trail in advance. The main challenge is securing parking or utilizing the shuttle service.
As of now, no specific permit is needed for the hike. However, always verify with the Coconino National Forest for any changes.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Soldier Pass Trail is generally considered moderate. While the path to the Seven Sacred Pools is relatively easy, reaching Soldier Pass Cave involves some scrambling and climbing. The full loop can be around 4.5 miles with significant elevation gain.
The hike to Soldier Pass Cave and back is approximately 1.8 miles. If you include the Seven Sacred Pools and Devil's Kitchen, the round trip can be around 2.5 to 3 miles. A longer loop incorporating other trails can be up to 4.5 miles.
The trail features the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools, and the unique Soldier Pass Cave.
Yes, Soldier Pass Trail is very popular and can get crowded, especially on weekends and during peak hours. Going early or on weekdays is recommended.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, especially if you plan to climb into the cave. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat, as much of the trail is exposed.
📸 📸 Photography
The Seven Sacred Pools offer beautiful reflections, especially with the red rocks as a backdrop. Soldier Pass Cave provides dramatic, unique shots. The panoramic views along the trail are also excellent for photography.
Sunrise hikes are popular for photographers seeking golden light on the red rocks. Sunsets can also be beautiful, but be mindful of returning before dark.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and the cave's interior. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing the pools.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Forest areas to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check current regulations before flying a drone.
Absolutely! The pools, especially when full, create stunning photographic opportunities with the surrounding red rock formations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, reaching the Soldier Pass Cave involves a scramble that might be challenging for very young kids or those with mobility issues. Consider the age and abilities of your children when deciding how far to go. Parking is a major challenge, so utilizing the free weekend shuttle is highly recommended to avoid early morning waits with kids. +1 Pack plenty of snacks and water, as the trail can get warm and exposed.🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Adventurers
Going solo allows for flexibility in timing, making it easier to snag parking if you arrive very early or visit on a weekday. Downloading an offline map is crucial for navigation, ensuring you can confidently find your way to the cave and back. Be sure to let someone know your hiking plans and expected return time, as is standard practice for solo excursions.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for sunrise for that magical golden hour light on the rocks, as captured in many reels. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the scale of the cave and the expansive vistas. Remember that parking is extremely limited, so planning your visit around optimal light conditions might require an early start or a weekday trip.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Soldier Pass Trail: Parking & Access
+1 Many visitors find themselves turned away, leading to frustration. To combat this, Sedona offers a free shuttle service on weekends, typically starting around 7 AM. This shuttle is a game-changer for accessing the trail without the parking stress. Another strategy is to park at alternative trailheads like Jordan Trailhead or Brins Mesa Trailhead and hike in, though this adds mileage to your trek. +1 For those considering a jeep tour, it's a way to see the trail's highlights without the parking hassle, though it offers less flexibility. Understanding the Soldier Pass Road itself is also key. While parts are accessible for hiking, the full Soldier Pass 4x4 trail is rugged and best suited for off-road vehicles or guided tours.
Alternative Access Strategies
* Shuttle Service: The most recommended option for weekend visitors.
* Hike from Other Trailheads: Jordan Trailhead or Brins Mesa Trailhead offer parking and access to Soldier Pass Trail via connecting paths.
+1* Guided Jeep Tours: A convenient way to see the main sights without worrying about parking or driving.
The Soldier Pass Trail Experience: Highlights & Challenges
+1 Further along, you'll find the Seven Sacred Pools, a series of tranquil water features that are particularly beautiful after rainfall. The ultimate prize for many is the Soldier Pass Cave, a stunning natural archway carved into the cliffside. Reaching the cave requires a bit of a scramble, adding an element of adventure to the hike. +1While the trail offers incredible sights, it's important to be prepared. The hike is generally considered moderate in difficulty. The path to the Seven Sacred Pools is relatively easy, but the climb to the cave involves navigating rocky terrain and some free climbing.
+1 The full loop can extend to about 4.5 miles with around 800 feet of elevation gain, so bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear. Downloading an offline map, such as the AllTrails app, is highly recommended as cell service can be unreliable in the area, and finding the cave can be tricky without navigation. Key Trail Features:
* Devil's Kitchen: A large, impressive sinkhole.
* Seven Sacred Pools: Beautiful natural pools, best after rain.
* Soldier Pass Cave: A unique cave requiring a scramble to access.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit